4 Coffee Plant Care Tips From a Gardening Expert

The coffee plant is a fun way to pay tribute to your favorite morning brew—it really is the same plant from which coffee beans are harvested! Plus, its super-shiny leaves and dense, bushy, upright form make the coffee plant a handsome addition to any room of the house. Native to Ethiopia, this plant is one of the major agricultural crops grown throughout the world and actually makes an easy-care houseplant, too. But, there are still some coffee plant care rules of (green) thumb you should keep in mind to see the best results for your new plant baby.

Keep reading to learn how to care for your coffee plant, with tips from Erin Marino, noted plant expert at The Sill.

What kind of light does my coffee plant need?

Like most tropical houseplants, your coffee plant needs bright, indirect light. They’ll take a little direct sun, but too much will quickly burn their leaves. Move your coffee plant a few feet away from any window with intense sun, or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light during the hottest parts of the day, says Marino. If you like, you can trim it as it grows to maintain its bushy form.

How often should I water my coffee plant?

Coffee plants don’t like to stay wet, so water every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the potting mix to dry out halfway between waterings. You’ll need to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light, says Marino. But always poke your finger into the soil to check the moisture level before giving it a drink. Also, make sure your plant’s pot has drainage holes, then dump out any excess water in the saucer. If you spot yellowing leaves with a mushy base, you’re probably overdoing the water. If leaves wilt and curl, you may not be watering often enough.

The Sill

Can you put your coffee plant outdoors in summer?

It’s totally fine if you want to give your coffee plant a summer vacation outdoors, but wait until the temperature is consistently higher than 65 degrees F. Then place it in full shade at first to get it acclimated to the sun. After about two weeks in the shade, you can gradually move it into the sun. But don’t let the pot dry out too much, especially in the heat of summer, and make sure it’s sitting somewhere where the wind won’t blow the pot over. Bring it back indoors before temperatures dip again in the fall.

Will I get berries or coffee beans off of my coffee plant?

Sadly, probably not! It’s unlikely that your coffee plant will produce berries when grown as a houseplant, says Marino. But it may produce a few fragrant white flowers in spring to early summer when it’s a more mature plant.

Coffee plants are toxic to pets.

Unfortunately, coffee plants contain caffeine and other substances which are toxic to pets. If you have a nibbler (or you’re not sure if your pet likes to munch on houseplants!), place your coffee plant somewhere out of your pet’s reach. And if you suspect your pet has noshed on it, call your vet immediately.