How to Grow a Coffee Plant Indoors
Coffee plants are not only beautiful houseplants, but they can also produce coffee beans! Growing coffee plants indoors is a fun and rewarding experience, and it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Coffee Plant
Not all coffee plants are created equal. Some varieties are better suited for indoor growing than others. When choosing a coffee plant, look for a variety that is known for being easy to grow and hardy. Some good options include:
- Arabica
- Robusta
- Liberica
Providing the Right Environment
Coffee plants need bright, indirect light. This means that they should be placed near a window but not directly in the window itself. They also cannot take temperatures below freezing and will not do well in temperatures that stay consistently below 65 degrees F. (18 C.). Keep them away from drafts in the winter.
The soil for your coffee plant should be well-draining and slightly acidic. You can purchase a potting mix specifically designed for coffee plants, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Watering and Fertilizing
Coffee plants need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in soggy soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilize your coffee plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Coffee plants can grow to be quite large, so it’s important to prune them regularly to keep them under control. The best time to prune is in early spring. When pruning, remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Harvesting Coffee Beans
If you provide your coffee plant with the right care, it will eventually flower and produce coffee beans. However, it can take three to five years for a coffee plant to mature and produce beans.
Once your coffee plant has flowered, you will need to hand pollinate the flowers in order to produce berries. To do this, use a small brush to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.
The berries will ripen in about six to eight weeks. When they are ripe, they will be dark red or purple in color. You can then harvest the berries and remove the coffee beans from inside.
Troubleshooting
If you are having problems with your coffee plant, here are a few things to check:
- Leaves are turning yellow: This could be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
- Leaves are dropping: This could be a sign of too much or too little light. Move your plant to a brighter or shadier location.
- Plant is not flowering: This could be a sign that your plant is not getting enough nutrients. Fertilize your plant more regularly.
With a little care and attention, your coffee plant will thrive and produce delicious coffee beans for years to come.
