Coffea arabica

The Coffee plant is a small, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the Rubiaceae family with an upright habit and typically grown in tropical climates of its native Africa. Three to four years after initial planting, small white fragrant blooms will appear from late spring to early summer. Fissured bark appears on older branches. The berries that result from the blossoms are edible with a pulpy grape-like texture, but are more likely to be harvested and processed into coffee beans.  The genus name comes from the Arabic word kahwah meaning beverage. The species name means of Arabia.

It can be grown as a houseplant in temperate climates in well-draining potting soil with bright light and high humidity. Indoor plants are usually kept at a height of 4 to 6 feet. If taken outdoors, the plant prefers some partial shade.  Plant in organically rich-well drained soil, kept consistently moist but not soggy. Plants prefer daytime temperatures of 70 to 80°F and nighttime temperatures of 60 to 65°F. and leaf drop can occur at temperatures below 55°F. Indoors or outdoors, you should fertilize during the growing season.

The Coffee plant is economically important to many tropical and subtropical counties where it is commercially grown for its seeds (coffee beans). Most coffee plantations trim the plants to 6 feet for ease of harvest. The berries are picked by hand when ripe and de-pulped, with the extracted beans then dried in the sun before roasting and grinding to produce the popular beverage. As an ornamental plant in the landscape, the berries and foliage provide winter interest.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Coffee plants are susceptible to scale, mealybug, thrips, caterpillars and mites.