Coffee Plant
Coffea arabica
The Coffee Plant is an eye-catching evergreen shrub featuring lustrous, deep green leaves with an elegant wavy margin. Native to the highlands of Ethiopia, this tropical beauty brings a lush, jungle-like feel to interior spaces. Give it bright, indirect light, higher humidity, and a planter that lets excess water drain freely.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Contains caffeine, which is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if leaves or berries are ingested.
Care Notes
Light
Place your coffee plant in a spot with plenty of bright, filtered light. Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
Water
Keep consistently moist soil but avoid waterlogging. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If the plant ‘droops,’ it likely needs immediate hydration.
Humidity and Temperature
& Temperature
Coffee plants thrive in high humidity (50% or higher). Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain moisture levels. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, and protect from cold drafts.
Seasonal Care
In winter, growth slows down, so reduce watering and stop fertilizing. In spring, prune to maintain size and encourage bushier growth.
Common Issues
- Brown leaf tips:
Usually caused by dry air or underwatering.
- Yellowing leaves:
Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.
Soil and Planter
Use Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). Choose a planter with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer or acid-loving plant food
Soil
Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5).
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 6 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Fresh seeds (most reliable) or stem cuttings.
Common Varieties
Coffea arabica 'Nana' (dwarf variety)
This compact dwarf variety has dense, lustrous, dark green foliage featuring deeply veined, elliptical leaves with distinctively wavy margins.