Do coffee plants attract pests indoors?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Coffee plants kept indoors are susceptible to: spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats. These pests are attracted to warm and dry growing conditions. The first time I had a case of pests in my coffee plants was when I brought in a new plant. It was the tiny webs that I found on the leaves that revealed to me that I had spider mites. Keep an eye on your pests, and once you notice an infestation is starting, deal with it before it grows into a larger problem.
Spider Mites
- Signs: Webbing under leaves, yellow speckling
- Solution: Spray leaves top/bottom with neem oil weekly
- Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity with pebble trays
Aphids
- Signs: Clusters of green insects on new growth
- Solution: Blast with water, apply insecticidal soap
- Prevention: Check new plants for 14 days before grouping
In the course of a serious outbreak of whiteflies, I learned that yellow sticky traps capture adult whiteflies while neem oil controls the larvae. To avoid resistance, I rotated treatments, and applied neem oil for three weeks followed by rosemary oil sprays. Additionally, companion planting with basil naturally repelled further infestations.
Neem Oil Use
- Mix: 2 tsp neem + 1 tsp dish soap per quart water
- Apply: At dusk to avoid leaf burn
- Storage: Refrigerate unused solution for 14 days max
Quarantine Process
- Isolate: New plants 10 feet from others
- Inspect: Use magnifying glass weekly
- Treat: Preemptive neem spray before integration
Taking action before infestation to avoid pest problems is far superior to ‘pest' control after the fact. I also group plants that have similar humidity requirements. I put my coffee next to my ferns and orchids, for example. To provide the necessary air movement without drafts, I use a small oscillating fan. Since I began combining these tactics with my plant collection about three years ago, pest problems have decreased by over 80% overall.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
