Are coffee plants difficult to maintain?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Coffee plants are the right combination of rewarding and manageable for the home grower. They require consistency, as opposed to complexity. Weekly filtered watering, humidity checks, and seasonal pruning have helped me keep my coffee plant thriving. My first coffee plant survived a move across the country by sticking to these basics, and it proved to be resilient.
Water & Humidity
- Weekly watering with chlorine-free water prevents leaf burn
- Maintain 50-60% humidity using pebble trays or room humidifiers
- Mist leaves morning-only to avoid overnight moisture buildup
Nutrition & Pruning
- Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 14 days March-September
- Prune annually in early spring using sterilized shears
- Remove lower leaves to focus energy on fruit production
Troubleshooting distinguishes the novice from the expert. At one point in my gardening timeline, spider mites destroyed my plants during a particularly dry winter, while applying neem oil sprays weekly decimated them. Later in my timeline, I learned a plant succumbed to rot from overwatering, a rookie mistake that prompted me to test the soil moisture before using the watering can.
Pest Control
- Neem oil solution: 2 tsp/qt water applied weekly
- Isolate infected plants immediately
- Wipe leaves with diluted soap for immediate relief
Nutrient Deficiencies
- Yellow leaves signal nitrogen lack, increase fertilizer strength
- Purple stems indicate phosphorus deficiency
- Test soil pH quarterly; adjust with coffee grounds or lime
The key to success is consistency. I now have a journal with care routines and record watering days and leaf changes religiously. Celebrate the little victories. My first cluster of cherries emerged during Year 3 and the floral scent made it every time I pruned a branch and each time I adjusted the grow light.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
