An “espresso plant” is commonly known as a coffee plant, primarily Coffea arabica. These plants, with their glossy green leaves, are popular as houseplants due to their attractive appearance and the possibility of producing coffee cherries. While they may not yield enough beans for daily brewing, they offer a unique and rewarding horticultural experience.
Understanding the Espresso Plant
The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree. It features vibrant, glossy green leaves, making it an appealing ornamental plant. In its natural habitat, it can grow 6 to 15 feet tall, but indoors, it typically remains 1 to 4 feet. Coffee plants originate from Africa, specifically Ethiopia, and have spread to tropical regions worldwide, including Central and South America and parts of Asia.
Cultivating Your Espresso Plant
Light
Coffee plants thrive in bright, indirect light, similar to their natural understory habitat. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, can scorch their leaves. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window is ideal, providing morning sun or diffused afternoon light. If natural light is insufficient, a grow light can supplement illumination for 8 to 12 hours daily.
Soil and Potting
Coffee plants prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Incorporating organic matter like compost or peat-based soil enriches the medium and supports healthy root development. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. When repotting, select a container only one size larger than the current pot, ensuring it has ample drainage holes.
Watering and Humidity
Coffee plants require consistent moisture, preferring their soil to be evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. These plants thrive in high humidity, ideally 50% or greater; dry air can cause leaf edges to brown. To increase humidity, regularly mist the leaves, group plants, or use a humidifier.
Temperature
Maintain optimal temperatures for coffee plants. During the day, temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21-27°C) are suitable, with nighttime temperatures around 65°F to 70°F (18-21°C). Protect coffee plants from sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, as they are sensitive to cold.
Fertilizing
During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, fertilize regularly. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are suitable, with nitrogen being particularly important for leaf development.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning helps indoor coffee plants maintain shape, manage size, and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is typically in the spring. Use sterilized, sharp pruning shears to remove any old, dead, or bare branches. To promote a denser appearance, cut stems at a 45-degree angle about a quarter-inch above a leaf joint. Regular pruning can also involve pinching back new growth to control height.
From Bloom to Bean: The Coffee Harvest
Coffee plants typically begin to flower and produce fruit after three to five years. They produce small, fragrant white flowers that last only a few days. Once pollinated, these blossoms develop into half-inch, green coffee cherries, each typically containing two coffee beans.
The cherries mature over several months, generally around eight months, transforming from green to yellow, then to a deep red or orange. Harvest when cherries reach peak ripeness, as this is when the beans inside have fully developed their flavor potential. While indoor plants can produce cherries, they usually do not yield enough for significant coffee production.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering or nutrient issues. If entire leaves turn yellow before browning, it may signal overwatering and potential root rot. Yellowing leaves with green veins can point to a nutrient deficiency, such as iron, which may be corrected with a complete fertilizer or lime-free water.
Brown leaf tips or edges are a common sign of insufficient humidity, especially during dry indoor conditions. This can also result from too much direct sunlight scorching the leaves. Adjusting humidity levels through misting or humidifiers, and ensuring the plant receives bright, indirect light, can help.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids, can affect coffee plants. Look for webbing, powdery residue, or visible insects. Address these issues promptly with appropriate organic pesticides like insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leggy growth, where the plant appears stretched with sparse foliage, suggests insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location or supplement with a grow light to promote more compact growth.