Home › Plants that start with C › Coffee Plant

Indoor plant care

Coffee Plant

Coffea arabica

• LightCoffee Plant needs bright indirect light of 150 to 250…
• WaterKeep Coffee Plant soil consistently moist but not soggy…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeIt can grow 3 to 6 ft / 1 to 2 m tall…

Coffee Plant is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and a neat, upright form. Mature specimens may produce fragrant white flowers followed by red fruits called coffee cherries. It brings rich foliage and an unusual crop plant story indoors. Care is moderately demanding because the roots need steady moisture, while the leaves prefer bright filtered light and higher humidity.

Shop this plant

Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Coffee Plant needs bright indirect light of 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Give it strong illumination without exposing the leaves to harsh sun.

• Place it about 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west, or east-facing window.
• It should not have a direct view of the sky. Use a sheer curtain when sunlight cannot otherwise be avoided.
• Too much light: leaves may bleach, curl, or scorch.
• Too little light: growth becomes thin and flowering is less likely. A PAR meter or PAR meter app can measure PPFD in μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

Watering

Keep Coffee Plant soil consistently moist but not soggy. Use a knitting needle or chopstick to test several depths before watering. The center should not stay saturated, and the root ball should not dry out completely.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
• Water until liquid runs through the drainage holes. Let it drain fully before returning the container to a saucer or decorative planter.
• Drainage holes are essential. Waterlogged soil encourages root rot, yellow leaves, and stem decline.
• Water considerably less during winter when growth slows, while preserving light moisture. Extended dryness can cause drooping and crisp brown edges.

Soil

Coffee Plant needs a loose, organic mix that retains moisture but drains freely. Combine 3 parts organic all-purpose potting mix with 1 part bark for added air around the roots.

• DIY recipe: mix 2 parts coir, 1 part pumice, and 1 part bark.
• Use a pot with drainage holes.

Feeding

Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Use the recommended strength on already moist soil. Do not fertilize a dry, stressed, or waterlogged Coffee Plant, and reduce feeding when winter growth becomes slow.

Temperature & humidity

Coffee Plant prefers 65 to 80 °F / 18 to 27 °C. Avoid cold drafts and rapid temperature changes. Maintain humidity between 50 and 70%, which is higher than many average rooms. Dry air can contribute to curling or browned leaf edges.

What to expect

Coffee Plant generally takes 3 to 5 years to mature indoors. It can grow 3 to 6 ft / 1 to 2 m tall and spread 2 to 4 ft / 0.6 to 1.2 m. Growth is moderate when warmth, light, and moisture remain steady.

Varieties & cultivars

• Coffea arabica ‘Nana’: This dwarf reaches only 12 in / 30 cm tall. It has glossy green leaves, white flowers, and may form small fruits.
• Coffea arabica ‘Burgundy’: Glossy foliage develops a deep burgundy color.
• Coffea arabica ‘Variegata’: White or cream edges add clear variegation to the leaves.
• Coffea arabica ‘Robusta’: This larger plant has higher caffeine content but less desirable flavor. It can be harder to maintain indoors than C. arabica.