Coffea arabica aka Coffee

Taxonomy ID: 938

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 Coffee

More information about Coffee

How difficult is it to take care of Coffee

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Coffee, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

What is the region of origin of Coffee

Coffee’s native range is Tropical and Southern Africa and Asia.

What are the water needs for Coffee

Coffee should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Coffee

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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Coffee

Coffee requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Arabica Coffee is always in the right place to thrive.

What's the right humidity for Coffee

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.

How to fertilize Coffee

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.

Is Coffee toxic to humans/pets?

Coffee is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

What seasonal care does Coffee need?

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.

Is Coffee flowering?

Yes, if you provide your Coffee with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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About Ploi

Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that includes a photo journal feature for documenting plant growth over time. Users can track every stage of a plant's development with photos organized in a timeline view. The app also provides adaptive watering reminders, species-specific care guides, activity tracking for all care types, and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.