Coffee Plant

The coffee plant is a small evergreen shrub or tree with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. It is native to Ethiopia and is grown in tropical climates as a crop for its seeds, the coffee beans. Because it is tropical, in cooler places it is grown as a houseplant or conservatory plant.

Start plants from fresh seed. Germination may be erratic, so timing can be uneven. Indoors, grow it in well-draining potting soil with bright light and high humidity. If you take it outdoors, give it some partial shade.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water freely during the growing season and feed with a balanced liquid every two weeks; water less in winter. Fertilize during the growing season. Daytime temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) and nighttime temperatures of 60 to 65 °F (16 to 18 °C) suit it best, and leaves may drop below 55 °F (13 °C). Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring. Indoor plants are usually kept at 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) tall.

Coffee plants are susceptible to scale, mealybug, thrips, caterpillars and mites. The profile also mentions glasshouse red spider mite and lists the plant as a high risk host for Xylella fastidiosa. Under glass, it may need restrictive pruning.

Flowers usually appear about three to four years after planting. Green fruits ripen over several months to red berries, each holding two seeds. Ripe berries are picked by hand. Another profile gives 5 to 10 years to maturity.

The fruits are edible, but the seeds are the part usually dried, roasted and ground into coffee. The coffee contains caffeine.