Can I grow coffee at home?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To start growing coffee at home, begin by choosing dwarf Arabica varieties - these small coffee plants fit well indoors. Compactly growing Arabica shrubs perform best in the temperature range of 60-75°F and in bright indirect light, which makes them perfect for a sunny windowsill. Most importantly, patience is a virtue: your first possible harvest can be expected within three to five years.
Arabica vs. Robusta
- Arabica: Delicate, floral notes; requires stable 60-75°F temperatures.
- Robusta: Hardy, bold flavor; tolerates heat up to 86°F but struggles indoors.
- Dwarf hybrids like *Coffea arabica ‘Nana'* maximize space efficiency.
Soil & Light Needs
- Acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) with perlite for drainage.
- 6-8 hours of indirect light daily; east-facing windows preferred.
- Rotate pots weekly for even growth.
Consistency is one of the key differentiators between healthy and unhealthy plants. Water the plants weekly in the summer, tapering to every two weeks in the winter. A moisture meter can help with this process, and overwatering is a common rookie mistake that usually leads to root rot. Fertilize your plants with a diluted 10-10-10 fertilizer every two weeks while they are actively growing.
Pest Control
- Apply neem oil spray weekly (2 tsp/qt water).
- Isolate new plants for 2 weeks to prevent infestations.
- Wipe leaves with diluted soap to deter spider mites.
Leaf Problems
- Brown edges signal low humidity, use pebble trays.
- Yellow leaves indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
- Curling leaves often mean insufficient light or heat stress.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
