Arabica coffee plants, scientifically known as Coffea arabica, are an excellent addition to any indoor plant collection. Known for their glossy green leaves and elegant structure, these tropical plants are both beautiful and functional, with the potential to produce coffee beans under the right conditions. While they may not yield enough for your morning cup, their vibrant foliage and unique background as the source of your favorite brew make them a fascinating and rewarding houseplant to grow. Perfect for plant lovers of all experience levels, Arabica coffee plants bring a touch of the exotic into your home while being relatively easy to care for. Take one of these trending houseplants home with you today, along with all the knowledge needed to care for these beautiful tropical houseplants properly.
What is a Coffee Plant?
The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree that produces coffee beans, the seeds found inside its bright red or purple fruits known as cherries. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, the coffee plant has become popular as both a commercial crop in select environments and a houseplant. With glossy, deep green leaves and fragrant white blossoms, coffee plants are beautiful and functional, making them an excellent addition to your home.
Coffee Plant Care: Tips and Tricks
Coffee plants are relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring not to overwater, as they are prone to root rot. They prefer high humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F, mimicking their tropical origins. Regular misting or using a pebble tray can help maintain humidity. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Prune occasionally to maintain its size and encourage bushier growth.
Light Requirements of Coffee Plants
Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Coffee plants can tolerate lower light but may grow more slowly.
How to Water Coffee Plants
Water your coffee plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure the pot has proper drainage, as coffee plants don’t like to sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Soil Requirements
Use well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic soil. A peat-based potting mix is an excellent option.
Humidity Needs of Coffee Plants
Coffee plants love humidity, as they are native to tropical climates. Increase humidity with regular misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.
Ideal Temperature for Coffee Plants
Maintain temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Avoid exposing the plant to drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Coffee Plant Fertilizer
Feed the plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months.
How to Prune Coffee Plants
Prune occasionally to maintain its size, encourage bushy growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Repotting a Coffee Plant
Repot every 2–3 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot, to refresh the soil and give the roots room to grow.
Coffee Plant Benefits
Coffee plants offer a variety of benefits that make them a fantastic addition to your indoor garden. Beyond their aesthetic appeal with lush, glossy green leaves that enhance any space, coffee plants act as natural air purifiers, helping to improve indoor air quality. As tropical plants, they also contribute to a calming, natural atmosphere in your home. While their primary function indoors is decorative, under the right conditions, they can produce small coffee cherries, adding a unique and personal connection to your favorite morning beverage. Plus, caring for a coffee plant is a rewarding experience, making it an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts looking for a meaningful, low-maintenance houseplant.
Find Coffee Plants at Bath Garden Center
Looking to add a coffee plant to your collection? Bath Garden Center offers healthy and beautiful coffee plants to brighten your space and bring a touch of the tropics to your home. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just getting started, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through selecting the perfect coffee plant and provide tips for keeping it thriving. Explore articles on plant care, download and print our plant care guides for specific houseplant varieties, fill out a form to get personalized houseplant advice, and so much more. With a wealth of resources available on our website, we make your plant journey enjoyable and stress-free. Plus, you can always visit us in-store for help and advice from any of our plant professionals. Visit us today to shop our selection of plants, accessories, home decor, and more, and find everything you need to create your perfect indoor oasis!