Growing Coffee as a Houseplant
Growing coffee as a houseplant has piqued the interest of many indoor gardeners looking for a touch of the exotic – and maybe even a few homegrown beans!
Coffee plants, which are part of the genus Coffea, make great houseplants. They need a good balance of light and warmth, along with thoughtful watering and some humidity.
Light Requirements
As with all plants, in order to find their perfect growing conditions, you must first look at where they grow naturally. Coffee is a tropical plant; this knowledge alone gives you many clues about their preferred growing conditions.
Coffee plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so I make sure to place mine near an east-facing window rather than a direct south one. East or west-facing windows are typically ideal for providing the right amount of light without the harshness of direct sun.
Watering Your Coffee Plant
Proper hydration is crucial. I water my coffee plant when the top couple of inches of soil has dried out, avoiding the risk of overwatering.
It’s best to water thoroughly until it begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring I remove any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Infrequently but heavily is the best method for watering coffee. You don’t want to be watering often, as this will increase the chances of root rot.
Best Soil Composition
The ideal soil for a coffee plant is humus-rich and acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. I use a potting mix designed for acid-loving plants, but this is not essential; they will grow just fine in a regular potting mix.
Ensuring the soil is well-draining is also key to preventing waterlogging, which can harm the plant.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Coffee plants enjoy a warm and humid atmosphere similar to their natural tropical habitat. I keep the temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C) and maintain high humidity, often using a humidifier or misting the leaves regularly to mimic the plant’s preferred conditions.
Choosing the Right Pot
When selecting a pot for my coffee plant, I ensure it has excellent drainage, as standing water can be harmful.
Terracotta pots are ideal because they allow the soil to dry out more evenly between waterings. I make sure the pot is only one size larger than the plant’s root ball to prevent overwatering issues.
When to Repot
I check my coffee plant’s roots annually. When the roots start to circle the inside of the pot, it’s time to repot.
Typically, this occurs every 2-3 years. I prefer repotting in spring or early summer when my plant is most vigorously growing.
Repotting Steps
Repotting a coffee plant isn’t tricky, but it requires careful attention. Here’s the process I follow:
- Prepare the new pot: I fill it with a slightly acidic potting mix as coffee plants love acidic soil conditions.
- Remove the plant: I gently take the plant out, loosening the roots if they are compacted.
- Reposition in the new pot: I place the plant in the center and fill around it with more potting mix.
- Water thoroughly: I give it a good watering to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Remember, don’t increase the pot size by more than 1-2 inches at a time!
Fertilizing
I fertilize my coffee plant regularly, following the growing season from spring through summer. Here’s a simple schedule I adhere to:
- Spring to Summer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
- Fall to Winter: Reduce feeding, I often don’t feed them at all in winter.
Consistency is key—I make sure the soil is moist before fertilizing to avoid root burn.
Pest and Disease Management
To manage pests like spider mites and diseases like fungal infections, I inspect the leaves regularly for the first signs of trouble, such as small webs or discolored spots. At the first sign of pests, I’ll wash the plant with a mild soap solution.
or diseases, pruning away and disposing of affected areas helps prevent spread. I also ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry, which deters the onset of fungal diseases.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In caring for a coffee plant at home, I’ve encountered a few common issues that can affect the health and growth of the plant. Understanding these can help ensure a thriving coffee plant.
Browning Leaves
If I notice the leaves on my coffee plant turning brown, it’s often a sign of water issues or overexposure to sunlight. Here’s what I do:
- Check the soil moisture to ensure it’s consistently damp, not soaked.
- Relocate the plant to an area with diffuse light if it’s currently in direct sunlight.
- Swap to distilled or boiled tap water rather than regular tap water. The chemicals in tap water can affect coffee plants. Boiling the water then allowing it too cool will help remove some chemicals found in tap water.
Drooping and Wilting
Drooping or wilting leaves usually indicate a watering or environmental issue. My go-to checks are:
- Watering frequency: Adjust the watering schedule to when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Environmental stress: Make sure the plant isn’t in a drafty area or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Slow Growth
Slow growth can be a result of inadequate light or nutrients. Here are my remedies:
- Light: Move the plant closer to a light source but away from direct sunlight.
- Nutrition: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during its growing season.
