How To Grow a Coffee Plant at Home

What the fucculent? Well, it may not be a succulent, but coffee plants are still great houseplants. Whether you're a beginner or blessed with a green thumb, coffee plants are the perfect addition to your home. With just a little maintenance and patience, you could have your own damn coffee plant! Now, who doesn't want a plant with benefits?

If you’re anything like us, you might be concerned about the time and money you’re going to have to put into this plant, but don’t worry—coffee plants are widely considered to be one of the most resilient plants. As an added perk, the coffee plant is an evergreen and doesn't shed its leaves. That means it will look awesome and leave a minimal mess in your home. 

Coffee plants do require some TLC to get them to their desired height and health. You can find seedlings in stores like Safeway or Whole Foods or even online. Once you purchase the coffee plant seedlings, they usually come in a group of 4 to 6 plants and about 4 inches tall. 

[Photo Credit: Thomas Fields via Unsplash]

Here's How to Grow a Coffee Plant at Home 

1. Separate the coffee plant seedlings.

• Leave the coffee seedlings in a bowl of warm water overnight.
• The next day, separate them each into their own 4-inch pot. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

2. Begin the coffee plant growing process.

• Keep them in indirect sunlight so they can be placed in your home near a window.
• Water the plant and keep the soil moist but not drowning.

3. Repot the coffee plant once it's big enough.

• When your plant reaches 8 inches, repot it into a larger pot.
• Repot again once it reaches 24 inches, which should take place about a year after you start growing your coffee plant.   

DIY Coffee Plant Tips and Tricks

Coffee plant tips from the founder of Death Wish Coffee:

The plant itself is a pretty sight in any home and is a joy to take care of and maintain. Mike Brown, founder of Death Wish Coffee, has had a coffee plant in his home for a few years now and enjoys it every day.

"You have to make sure to keep it watered regularly and be careful it doesn't get too much sun—just enough," says Mike Brown.

What kind of soil should I use for my coffee plant?

Organic soil is best for growing a coffee plant. You can also sprinkle some coffee grounds into the soil for an added benefit. Coffee is a great fertilizer for plants since the grounds are rich in nutrients and act as a natural barrier from pests.

How long will it take for my coffee plant to flower?

With enough care, watering, repotting and the right indoor conditions, your plant could reach a height of six feet! This will take anywhere between 3 to 5 years. At that time, it could start to flower, and those flowers will eventually pollinate and become a fruit—the coffee cherry that yields the bean inside. 

How many coffee plants do I need to grow my own coffee?

A single indoor coffee plant probably won't yield enough for you to brew a whole pot of coffee, but who knows—maybe you are a master gardener and homegrown coffee will be yours! This could be the best fruits of your labor...pun intended.

[Featured Image Credit: Christian Joudrey via Unsplash]

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