Coffee plant

(Coffea arabica)

The coffee plant is an ornamental evergreen shrub or small tree that produces its characteristic glossy dark green leaves and the striking red (or unripe green) coffee berries. In the home, it creates a tropical atmosphere and a vibrant green look.

Size & growth

Indoors, the coffee plant can grow to about 60 - 120 cm tall (depending on pot size and light).
Width often around 40 - 80 cm.
Maturation to fruiting state takes quite some time: first firm leaf development, then berry formation in good conditions.

Care

Light: The coffee plant prefers a bright spot without direct, stifling midday sun. Indirect sunlight is good, and sufficient light helps with more compact growth and better leaf colour.
Water: Keep the soil slightly moist not soggy, but don't let it get completely dry either. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Being tropical in origin, the coffee plant appreciates higher humidity (>50 %) if possible.

Temperature: Preferably between approximately 18 - 24 °C. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold draughts.

Potting soil

For this, use Cellmax Terra Soil Mix a professional substrate composed of peat, perlite and fertiliser. This potting soil guarantees rapid growth and strong development due to a stable pH value and good water buffer. Note: the soil already contains nutrition for the first few weeks, but after that, additional plant nutrition is important.

Terra Universal Mix

Terra is a universal potting soil made from the best types of peat, perlite and fertilisers. It guarantees rapid growth and strong development of your plants.

Fertilizers

During the plant's growth phase (leaf formation, development), use Cellmax Terra Grow a liquid fertiliser with lots of directly absorbable mineral substances. As soon as the coffee plant starts fruiting or developing berries, switch to Cellmax Terra Bloom, the ideal nutrient in the flowering/fruiting phase, with extra phosphorus and potassium for optimum fruit.

Terra Grow Mix

Use Cellmax Terra Grow Mix for growing plants. This will give you a sturdy plant that can bear many flowers or fruits.

Cuttings & propagation

The coffee plant can be propagated by cutting young shoots or offshoots in slightly moist potting soil. Provide the new plant with rest, indirect light and stable conditions give only water in the first weeks, later switch to Terra Grow.

Interesting fact

Although the coffee plant is best known as a source for coffee beans, it is also excellent to keep as a houseplant with leaves that bring Scandinavian greenery into the space and add an exotic touch.
With proper care, the small flowers (white, jasmine-like flowers) may appear, after which berries may form.
With the right potting soil and nutrition from Cellmax, conditions are created for healthy leaf growth as well as fruit development.