Arabica Coffee Plant

Arabica coffee is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. It is grown as a houseplant in cooler climates and as a crop in frost-free regions, where its berries contain the seeds used to make coffee. ## Light, soil, and water The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/coffea-arabica/common-name/coffee-plant/) recommends bright light and high humidity indoors, a rich, well-drained potting mix, and consistently moist soil that is not soggy. Indoor plants are usually kept about 4–6 feet tall; outdoors, partial shade is suitable. Protect the plant from cold, since leaf drop can begin below about 55°F. It may be moved outdoors for summer and returned inside before cool weather. ## Flowers and fruit Mature plants can produce small, fragrant white flowers from late spring into early summer, followed by berries that ripen from green through yellow and red. Flowering may take several years from planting, and indoor fruit production depends on light, warmth, and plant maturity. The species is cultivated for its seeds, but a houseplant should be treated primarily as an ornamental unless fruit develops and is correctly identified. ## Maintenance Feed during the growing season and keep the plant in a stable position with good humidity. Check periodically for scale, mealybugs, thrips, caterpillars, and mites. Prune selectively to manage height or maintain a compact shape.