Arabica Coffee Plant

Light Requirements

Place your Arabica Coffee Plant by a window that looks east. It likes soft sun in the morning, without too much direct light. If you can’t do that, make sure it gets plenty of light - but not right on it.

Watering

For water, keep the soil damp but not too wet. Water it when the top bit of dirt feels dry. In hot times, you may need to water it more.

Humidity

Maintain the surrounding air at a warm temperature, ideally between 64 to 75 degrees F. Avoid positioning it in areas with high airflow or where temperatures dramatically fluctuate between hot and cold.

Fertilizing

Give your plant light fertilization every two weeks when it’s growing in spring and summer. In colder times - do this once a month.

Pruning:

Cut it back in spring to keep it looking full and not too big. Use clean, sharp tools to trim the top and any long bits.

Repotting

When it’s too big for its pot, usually every 2-3 years - put it in a bigger pot with holes at the bottom.

Pest Management

Watch out for bugs like aphids, white bugs, and tiny spider-like pests. If you see them, use soap made to kill insects or oil from the neem tree as the bottle says.

When It Arrives

When it arrives, give your plant a lot of water to help it settle and get over the trip. Make sure water flows out the bottom of the pot to stop too much water from staying.

During the First Year

Coffee plants like their soil to keep moist. Every few days, feel the top half-inch of soil; if it’s dry, water it. Water until it leaks out the holes at the bottom. This makes sure all the roots get water. Water less in winter when the plant doesn’t grow much. The dirt should be a bit moist - but let the surface dry before watering again.

After the First Year

Repeat what you did in the first year, but change things if needed based on how the plant does and changes around it. As your plant gets bigger, it might need more water. Watch the leaves; if they hang, it might need more water. Water more in the grow season of spring and summer. Water less often but not less water in winter - making sure the dirt doesn’t completely dry.

Extra Tips

Cold water can shock the roots, more so in the cold months. Make sure your pot lets water out well to stop root rot. Arabica Coffee Plants like moist air, so think about misting its leaves or using a tray with water - more so in dry places or in winter when heating can make the air dry.

When It Arrives

Don’t feed your plant right when it comes home. Wait a few weeks so it can get used to its new spot without the extra push from food.

During the First Year

After waiting, start with a light liquid food. Pick a balanced one (something like 10-10-10 for NPK). Put this on every few weeks when it’s warm out (spring and summer). Make sure to follow what the instructions say about mixing it light. Always wet the soil a bit before you add this mixed food to stop root burn. Watch how your plant acts to this food plan. Change how often or how strong your mix is if you see signs of too much food - like tips of leaves getting burnt or the plant growing too fast.

After the First Year

Keep going with the same plan, tweaking as needed based on how your plant is doing. If it looks happy and big, stay the course. Cut back on food to once a month or less when it gets cold - as plants don’t grow much then. Each year, see how your plant looks overall and adjust your food plan as needed. Think about switching the food type if your plant has new needs or has grown a lot.

Extra Tips

Giving too much food can hurt your plant. If you’re not sure, go for less or weaker mixes. Every so often, rinse the soil well with just water to get rid of leftover food salts. To do this, water the plant a lot and let it drain a few times. Liquid foods are usually best for inside plants as you can mix them easily and spread the food well.

General Pruning Guidelines

Cut your coffee plant in spring, right before it starts to grow more. Use sharp and clean tools. Clean them with alcohol to stop disease. For young plants, nip the tops with your fingers to make the plant spread out. For older plants, use shears. Cut near a leaf node to make it grow from there.

Steps to Prune Your Plant

Check your plant’s shape and health. Look for dead or bad branches, or ones that cross each other or grow inside. Take out dead or bad branches first by cutting them at the base. Open up the plant’s middle by taking out crossing branches. This helps air and light get through. Cut back long branches to keep the shape you want. Cut above a leaf node. If your plant is too tall or thick at the top, thin out some top branches. This lets light get to the lower parts and makes growth even. To keep the plant short, trim the top. This makes the plant spread out and look fuller.

Aftercare

Water your plant well to help it get over the stress. Clear away all the cut parts and leaves to keep pests and diseases away.

What kind of sunlight does an Arabica Coffee Plant need?

They prefer soft, bright light but not direct sun. A window facing east works well for gentle morning light. Direct sun can burn its leaves.

How often should I water my coffee plant?

Water the plant when the top bit of soil is dry. Keep it moist but not too wet - especially when it’s growing.

Does this plant require a specific temperature range?

It prefers a cozy spot with daytime temps from 64°F to 75°F, and slightly cooler by night. Sharp temp changes are bad.

How do I fertilize the coffee plant?

Feed it a light liquid feed every two weeks in spring and summer. In winter, cut back to once a month.

When and how should I prune the plant?

Trim in spring to kick off growth. Cut just above where leaves grow out to make it bushy and keep size in check.

What should I do if I spot pests on my plant?

If pests such as mealybugs or mites appear, tackle them with insect soap or neem oil - opt for the softest method first.

How do I repot an Arabica Coffee Plant?

Pot it again every 2-3 years in spring. Go for a slightly bigger pot with good drain holes and new soil.

Is the Arabica Coffee Plant easy to care for?

Yes, it’s pretty straightforward to take care of with steady water, enough light, and regular feed. It can do well inside and be quite satisfying.