Coffea arabica

Coffea arabica, Coffee is one of 104 currently accepted species of the genus Coffea and the principal species used in the manufacture of commercial coffee beans. The heartland of Coffea arabica is the ancient Kingdom of Kafa in southwestern Ethiopia where it grows in the shaded understory of montane rainforest at altitudes between 1000m - 2000m above sea level. It grows best in a deep fertile slightly acidic substrate that is moist but well-drained. It requires shade and indirect light and should not be grown in full sun. The highlands of Ethiopia are cool by African standards but warm by UK standards. Coffee grows best between temperatures of 18C and 24C. It will not tolerate frost and does not appreciate either low temperatures or excessive heat. Growing it successfully as a houseplant needs to take note of these needs for moist warm air and indirect light as it will not succeed in a dry atmosphere and its foliage will scorch in full sun. Grow it in a humid room like a bathroom or on a kitchen window-sill or create a humid environment for it by placing its pot in a large saucer filled with hydroleca (clayballs) and keeping them moist. Small islands of similarly cutivated plants will create a small interior microclimate that will ameliorate some of the dry conditions generated by central heating. From June until September, Coffea arabica can be placed outdoors in a shaded moist aspect and will benefit from regular watering and liquid feeding. Bring indoors again at the beginning of October.