How to Grow Coffee Plant

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many people enjoy the taste and the benefits it offers. While most of us buy our coffee from our local coffee shop, it is possible to grow your own coffee plant at home. In this article, we will explain how to grow coffee plant in easy-to-follow steps.

Choosing the Right Spot for Your Coffee Plant

The first step in growing a coffee plant is choosing the right spot. Coffee plants love warm and moist climates, so you should keep them in a warm and humid location in your home. The ideal spot for a coffee plant is close to a window, where it can receive sunlight for at least 4-6 hours per day. You should also make sure that the temperature in the room is not lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the Right Soil for Your Coffee Plant

Coffee plants thrive in acidic soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. You can buy potting soil that is specifically designed for acid-loving plants, or you can create your own mixture by mixing peat moss, coarse sand, and perlite. It's essential to use a pot with drainage holes since coffee plants need good drainage to prevent root rot.

Planting and Watering Your Coffee Plant

When planting your coffee plant, make sure that the top of the soil is level with the top of the pot. Water it lightly and continually moisten the soil, being careful not to overwater it. Coffee plants need a consistent amount of moisture, so ensure you never let the soil dry out, but avoid having the soil waterlogged. It's essential to use filtered or distilled water since tap water contains too much chlorine and fluoride, which can harm the plant.

Fertilizing and Pruning Your Coffee Plant

Coffee plants need to be fertilized every four to six weeks with a high-quality general-purpose fertilizer. You should only fertilize your plant during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer. Regular pruning is also essential to help your coffee plant stay healthy and produce more beans.

Harvesting Your Coffee Plant

Growing coffee plants requires patience, as it can take up to three years before the plant bears fruit. Once the plant produces berries, wait for them to turn red before picking them. Inside each berry are two coffee beans that need to be roasted before you can use them to make coffee. Roasted coffee beans can be ground up and used in your coffee maker, or coffee grinder.

Conclusion

Growing your coffee plant can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee made from homegrown beans. By following the tips above, you can successfully grow and harvest your coffee plant at home. Remember that coffee plants require consistency in temperature, watering, and light, so make sure to take care of your plant routinely.