Arabian coffee (Coffea arabica)

Also known as: Coffee Plant , Coffee, Coffee shrub of arabia

Coffea arabica, commonly known as Arabian coffee, is a broadleaf evergreen species originating from Ethiopia. It has been cultivated on the Arabian Peninsula for more than a millennium and is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. The plant emits a jasmine-like fragrance.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Arabian coffee

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 8 m

Spread

2.5 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

9 mm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Arabian coffee

Quickly Identify Arabian coffee

Fragrant star-shaped white flowers with 5-lobed tubular shape.

Glossy dark green elliptic leaves with wavy margins, prominent veins.

Clusters of green berries ripen to deep red, containing fleshy exterior and two seeds.

Upright trunk reaching 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter, with fissured grayish-brown bark.

Distinctive fragrance resembling jasmine, making it easily identifiable.

Scientific Classification of Arabian coffee

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Madder

Genus

Coffee

Species

Arabian coffee

Planting and Growing of Arabian coffee

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

64-72℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Arabian coffee?

When watering Coffea arabica, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly until you see a slight trickle from the drainage holes, which indicates the water has reached the roots without pooling.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Arabian coffee? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Arabian coffee? ›

How to save an overwatered Arabian coffee? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Arabian coffee?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Coffea arabica does best in partial sun conditions, where it receives dappled light. Ideal lighting promotes healthy growth, vibrant leaves, and a robust harvest of coffee beans.

What type of light is best for Coffea arabica? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting for Coffea arabica? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Arabian coffee?

Ideal Temperature: 64 ~ 72℉

Coffea arabica thrives best in temperatures ranging from 64°F to 72°F. This range supports optimal metabolic activities and contributes to healthy growth. In this environment, the plant can maintain efficient photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, essential for its development.

What Soil is Best for Arabian coffee?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Peat soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Coffea arabica thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging that could lead to root rot. Well-drained soil ensures that water is retained just enough for the plant's needs, while excess moisture quickly exits, promoting healthy root development and preventing fungal diseases. Soil rich in organic matter provides Coffea arabica with the nutrients it requires for growth. Organic matter enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content, supporting the vigorous development of the plant's foliage and flowers, ultimately improving coffee bean production. A slightly acidic soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal for Coffea arabica. This pH range allows for effective nutrient uptake, particularly of iron and magnesium, essential for healthy leaf coloration and overall plant vitality. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Arabian coffee?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Coffee arabica typically requires a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For liquid feed, use a fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength, about 150-200 ml per plant, ensuring not to overwhelm the plant with nutrients. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Arabian coffee?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the Coffea arabica plant thoroughly. Identify dead, diseased, or weak branches that need to be removed. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent damage and disease. Aim to open up the center of the plant for better air circulation. To maintain a compact shape, regularly trim back any overly long branches. Ensure you prune just above a leaf node to encourage new, healthy growth. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also promotes bushier growth crucial for Coffee plants' overall aesthetics and productivity. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Arabian coffee plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell. This will help speed up germination and improve the likelihood of successful propagation.

Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings approximately 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting.

Plant seeds or cuttings in a well-draining mix, keeping the soil consistently moist. Place them in a warm location with indirect sunlight to encourage growth.

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How to Repot Arabian coffee plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The best time to repot Coffea arabica is when you notice that its roots are peeking out through the drainage holes or when the plant appears too big for its current pot. Typically, this means every two to three years, ideally during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. These times ensure that the coffee plant can recover easily from the stress of repotting.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ideally with drainage holes. A slightly larger pot will give the roots room to grow without retaining too much excess water. Terra cotta pots are an excellent choice as they allow air and moisture exchange, helping to prevent root rot by promoting healthy root aeration.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix. An ideal blend could include sandy soil with organic components like peat moss or perlite. This composition helps maintain the right balance of moisture, being loose enough to allow roots to breathe and drain excess water, thereby preventing potential rot and encouraging vigorous growth.

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Toxicity of Arabian coffee

Is Arabian coffee toxic to cat?

Arabian coffee is a harmful plant for cats, presenting significant health dangers if ingested. Cats may unintentionally eat the seeds of the arabian coffee, which are the toxic elements of the plant. Following the ingestion of these seeds, a cat may show symptoms of physical distress or sickness, indicating the effects of poisoning. It is essential for cat owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to arabian coffee. If there is any suspicion of poisoning, it is vital to promptly seek veterinary assistance at a clinic to ensure the cat's health.

Is Arabian coffee toxic to dog?

Arabian coffee is recognized as toxic to dogs. If consumed inadvertently, particularly the seeds, which are the most harmful components, dogs can suffer from poisoning caused by this plant. Following ingestion of arabian coffee, dogs may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, restlessness, rapid heart rate, or even seizures in severe situations. It is essential for dog owners to remain alert and prevent their pets from accessing any part of the arabian coffee plant, especially the seeds. Should a dog consume arabian coffee, it is critical to seek prompt veterinary care to address the poisoning and reduce the risk of serious health issues.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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