How to Grow Coffee Plants in Pots

Growing your own coffee plants in pots is an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only does it give you the opportunity to enjoy freshly brewed coffee from your own home-grown beans, but it also makes for a great indoor or outdoor decoration. Here are some tips on how to successfully grow coffee plants in pots:

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in growing coffee plants in pots is choosing the right pot. Coffee plants prefer well-draining soil and a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. You can use terra cotta pots or plastic pots, but make sure they have drainage holes at the bottom.

Soil and Fertilizer

As mentioned, coffee plants prefer well-draining soil. You can use a commercial potting soil or create your own mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Coffee plants also require regular fertilization, especially during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer every four weeks or so.

Light and Temperature

Coffee plants thrive in bright, indirect light. An eastern-facing window is ideal. If you are growing your coffee plant outdoors, make sure it is not in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. The ideal temperature range for coffee plants is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering

Coffee plants need to be watered regularly but not overwatered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your coffee plant.

Pruning and Harvesting

Prune your coffee plant regularly to promote new growth and to control its size. You can also train it to grow in a certain direction if desired. Coffee plants typically take three to five years to bear fruit. When the berries have turned bright red, they are ready for harvesting. Remove the berries from the tree and remove the pulpy outer layer to reveal the coffee beans inside.

Growing coffee plants in pots is a fun and engaging hobby. With the right pot, soil, light, temperature, watering, pruning, and harvesting techniques, you can successfully grow your own coffee plants and enjoy fresh coffee right from home.