Coffee plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called coffea, coffee tree · Coffea arabica · Rubiaceae family
9 d in winter
How often to water the coffee plant?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 9 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Keep the soil moist and the air humid. It droops when thirsty and quickly perks up after watering.
Misting every 4 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The coffee plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m).
Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown edges
Cause: Dry air or hard water. What to do: Mist it and water with soft water.
Drooping leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water without delay.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the coffee plant?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 9 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the coffee plant?
The coffee plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the coffee plant?
Yes, misting every 4 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the coffee plant?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the coffee plant safe?
The coffee plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant out of their reach and, if they eat some, call a vet.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the coffee plant needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.