Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Coffea arabica or Arabian coffee

The genus Coffea, family Rubiaceae, includes 100 species of shrubs and trees native to subtropical Africa and Asia. Some species are: Coffea arabica, Coffea robusta, Coffea liberica, Coffea resinosa, Coffea grevei.

Common names: Arabian coffee, Mountain coffee, Coffee shrub of Arabia. This species is native to the Arabian peninsula.

They are tropical evergreen shrubs that reach 1.20 meters (3.93 feet) in height (grown in pots) and about 3 meters (9.84 feet) in the garden. They have lustrous and elegant dark green leaves up to 30 cm (11.8") in length, with wavy edges and very marked veins. They produce star-shaped scented white flowers. They bloom from late spring to early fall. They produce red fruits (first green) that contain coffee beans; they do not usually bloom indoors.

They are used as an indoor or greenhouse plant; there is the "Nana" variety which is a more suitable size for homes.

Coffea arabica needs a very bright exposure but avoiding direct sunlight. Avoid drafts, sudden changes in temperature and temperatures below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF); a winter rest period at 15-16 ºC (59-61 ºF) is advisable.

The soil can be a mixture of garden soil, leaf mulch, and siliceous sand. Transplant in early spring every 2 years.

Water with lime-free water every 3 days in spring and summer (do not let the soil dry out completely) and once a week in winter. It is important that the ambient humidity exceeds 50%; spray the leaves every 2-3 days or place a plate with wet stones under the pot.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer.

They do not need pruning.

If the humidity is low, they are attacked by mites and mealybugs and the tips of the leaves turn brown.

The propagation of these plants is difficult for amateurs; it's best to renew plants every 5 years by purchasing them from garden centers, nurseries or plant stores.

Images of the shrub Coffea arabica or Arabian coffee