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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well), ideally near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun. As a forest understory plant, it evolved under filtered canopy light and will scorch in harsh direct afternoon sun. Leggy, sparse growth is a sign it needs more light.Light
Prefers consistently moist (not wet) soil; do not let it dry between waterings (stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it is dry, water it. If it is still damp, check again in a day or two). water thoroughly (water until it drains out the bottom. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water) and reduce frequency in cool weather. Good drainage is essential - root rot from soggy soil is a common cause of decline.Water
Prefers 50% relative humidity or higher. Low humidity causes brown leaf tips. A cool-mist humidifier is the most effective solution; misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) the leaves provides only brief relief.Humidity
60-80°F (15-27°C) is ideal; tolerates nighttime lows to around 46°F (8°C). Not frost-hardy - a single frost will kill it. Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.Temperature
moderateDifficulty

Coffee

Coffea arabica

Moderate

Coffea arabica is the species responsible for roughly 60-80% of the world's coffee supply, and yes, you absolutely can grow it in your living room. It makes a handsome, glossy-leaved houseplant that produces fragrant white jasmine-scented flowers after 3-4 years, followed by bright red berries that each contain two coffee beans. Growing it to actual harvest quantity is a long game, but even as a purely ornamental plant it earns its pot space.

Care Guide

How to grow Coffee

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Prefers consistently moist (not wet)

Humidity

50%

Temperature

60-80°F

Soil

Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Propagation

Stem cuttings in spring, or

Common Problems

Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Coffea arabica is not just a regular diploid species — it is an allotetraploid, meaning it arose from a natural hybridization between two other coffee species (C. canephora and C. eugenioides) somewhere between 500,000 and 1 million years ago. Your houseplant has a genuinely weird genetic history.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Mildly toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans according to the ASPCA. Contains caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, and nervous system effects in pets. The risk increases with quantity ingested.

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