Coffea arabica aka Coffee
Taxonomy
Coffea arabica, also known as Arabic coffee, is a species of flowering plant in the coffee and madder family Rubiaceae. Native to the forests of South Ethiopia, it is believed to be the first species of coffee to have been cultivated and is currently the dominant cultivar, representing about 60% of global production. In Arabic, it is known as بُنّ (būnn). While there are species and varieties of coffee plants, three of the best to grow at home are Coffea arabica, Coffea liberica, and Coffea robusta. Standing at around 6.5 feet (2 meters) when matured, they bloom fragrant, white flowers before producing fruits they are known for. Coffee is produced after the fruits are fermented and then roasted before they are ground. Did you know that the darker the roast, the less caffeine your cup of coffee has? It's no wonder why Coffea arabica is one of the world's favorite plants.
Common names
Coffee, Arabian Coffee, Coffeetree, Arabica CoffeeHow to care for Coffee
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Coffee, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Coffee should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Coffee loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Coffee prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Coffee plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Coffee is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Coffee. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Coffee should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Coffee’s native range is Tropical and Southern Africa and Asia.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Coffee with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
