The exotic coffee plant is also a very popular houseplant in this country. However, the plant is a little sensitive when it comes to its location. Things can quickly go wrong here. Here are some tips.
In a nutshell
- Location bright without direct sun
- does not tolerate drafts
- high humidity required
- possible to move outside in summer
- not hardy, frostbite below 10 °C
Table of contents
- child of the tropics
- moisture for leaves
- All-year room culture
- outdoor location
- quarters in winter
- frequently asked Questions
child of the tropics
The madder plant (Rubiaceae), which originates from the Ethiopian mountain forests, enchants with its large, shiny, dark green leaves. She can easily coffee plant (Coffea arabica) can reach a height of one to two meters in local latitudes. With a little patience, it is even possible to harvest the coveted coffee fruits yourself and make beans from them. However, this requires the ideal location. As a child of the tropics, the coffee plant is somewhat spoiled when it comes to climate. There she will like under shade trees
bananas and mango planted. When growing in buckets in this country, the location must be right for the coffee plant to thrive.The ideal location for the coffee plant should look like this:
- lots of light, but no blazing sun
- constant temperatures
- optimally 20 to 25 °C
- no draft
- humidity at least 50 to 60 percent
A place in the blazing sun can quickly lead to sunburn on the leaves. Young plants are particularly at risk, while older specimens tolerate the sun a little better. Constant temperatures are also important. The coffee plant is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. They should never fall below 15°C. The plant can even suffer frostbite at temperatures below 10 °C. Drafts must also be avoided, especially in winter. Here the ambient temperature can cool down quickly and the Coffea arabica reacts by dropping leaves.
A notice: Roasted coffee beans from the coffee plant are contained in most types of coffee offered worldwide.
moisture for leaves
Proper temperature and humidity is essential for the beautiful green and shiny leaves of the coffee bush. Like all tropical plants, Coffea arabica absorbs moisture not only through the roots but also through the leaves. The plant reacts very sensitively to room air that is too dry, especially during the winter months. Get them quickly Leaves brown spots. Humidity below 30 percent can be a problem. The coffee bush then literally dries up.
This can help:
- Spray the plant twice a day
- Using soft water such as rainwater or distilled water
- Installation of a humidifier
- alternatively place the plant in a shallow bowl with water and expanded clay
Tip: Shower your plant regularly to rid it of dust. This allows the plant to photosynthesize better.
All-year room culture
The coffee bush is well suited for year-round culture in the room. However, you can't just put it in a dark corner here. He needs a place near the window. If the plant does not get enough light, the leaves will turn brown. A location directly on the window sill is ideal in the room. However, the plant should not be directly behind the pane, but at a distance. There is protection from drafts here, but direct contact with the window pane can easily cause burns. Also to be noted:
- optimal place on an east or west window
- da sunrise in the east and sunset in the west
- are the best conditions for good growth
- South windows should be avoided
- Lots of sun and very high temperatures here during the day
- Plant gets sunburn and yellow leaves
If only one location on the south window is available for the coffee plant, sun protection, such as pleated blinds, can be installed as an alternative.
A notice: White, star-shaped flowers with a jasmine-like scent do not appear in the leaf axils until the third year from April to May. From this initially white-beige, cherry-sized and later bright red berries develop.
outdoor location
In warm summers you can also put the coffee plant outdoors. However, the following points must be observed:
- Temperatures above 20 °C during the day
- not below 15 °C at night
- partially shaded and wind-protected place
- no draft
When the temperatures fall below 15 °C at night again in autumn, you have to move the coffee bush to its winter quarters.
Tip: The plant has to be rotated a few degrees every week. Otherwise it only grows in one direction. The rotations prevent vergeiling and the growth habit is even.
quarters in winter
From November to March, the coffee bush has a natural rest. During this time the plant needs to be cooler but still needs plenty of light. The temperature must not fall below 15 °C. A place in the conservatory is ideal for overwintering. Of course, a location for the coffee plant in the room is also possible. However, the coffee bush should not stand directly above the heater, as dry and warm air puts unnecessary strain on the plant. With a seat on the windowsill, there must always be some distance to the window pane. Otherwise, frost could easily lead to frostbite on the shoots. When airing, there must be no drafts. It is best to ventilate briefly. Meanwhile, the coffee bush is taken to another room or placed far away from the window.
Tip: In winter, water and fertilizer are reduced, but the coffee plant needs to be sprayed regularly to prevent pest infestation.
frequently asked Questions
The plants love a permeable, nutrient- and humus-rich, loose and moist soil. It must be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mixture of medium-heavy potting soil consisting of deciduous soil and compost mixed with a little peat, clay and sand is ideal. To keep the soil moisture constant, applying a layer of pine bark mulch is advisable.
On the one hand, propagation can take place via seeds. You should sow this as soon as possible, as the ability to germinate decreases quickly. It is first soaked in warm water for a day and then sown one centimeter deep in seed soil in a greenhouse and set up at 23 °C. The substrate must be kept moist. On the other hand, it can be propagated by 20 centimeter long head cuttings.
That takes some patience. Flowering takes place after three years and the ripening of the red coffee cherries can take up to a year. Fully ripe cherries then fall off. The red pulp must be removed and the coffee beans dried. Roasting takes place in the pan for 10 to 20 minutes. The beans reach their full aroma after two to three days of storage. Then they can be ground.
