Indoor trees are very popular in modern decorative floristry. Compared to regular flowers, they require significantly less care. At the same time, a small tree looks impressive in almost any room.
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In today's article we will talk about one of the most popular indoor woody plants, the coffee tree.
Botanical description and homeland of the plant
The plant is part of the Rubiaceae family. The tree's homeland is ancient Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia). Now the coffee tree can be found even in the wild in South America, Asia, and other areas of Africa.
Indoor varieties are widespread everywhere.
At home, coffee is a low bushy tree that grows mainly in several thin trunks. The plant does not branch much. The process of formation of additional shoots usually begins only in the 2nd year. Coffee has large oval leaves with a pointed tip. The surface of the leaf blade is slightly convex with clearly visible veins. The color is green.
Coffee blossoms and bears fruit. The inflorescence is umbellate and consists of small white flowers. After flowering, a fruit is formed, which turns red when ripe. The berry is covered with a small crust, inside there is sweet and sour pulp and a couple of seeds-grains, from which the famous drink is prepared.
Flowering period and obtaining coffee beans
In a favorable environment, it will take 3-4 years before the coffee begins to bloom and bear fruit. The fruits ripen for about six months , almost all this time the berries will be green, and only 2 weeks before ripening they will begin to turn red. Uniformly red color is a signal of grain maturity.
To get the actual coffee beans, you need to collect the fruits and remove the pulp (it is inedible and unpleasant to the taste) . The beans are then dried in the open air for several days, and they can be roasted and ground.
Caring for your coffee tree after purchase
Before you go to the store and buy yourself a new green pet, you should think about where to put it. Remember that coffee is a tree, and although it will not grow to several meters at home, it still needs space.
So, you bought yourself a coffee seedling. First of all, he must be quarantined. This is necessary so that the plant gets used to the new conditions. Also during this time you can find out whether the plant is sick and whether pests live on it.
In addition to quarantine, the coffee tree can be replanted. A transplant is required in the following cases:
- Several coffee cuttings sit in one container;
- The pot is too low quality;
- The soil mixture is a nutrient substrate, not ordinary soil.
ON A NOTE. Don't worry if all the leaves have fallen off the tree after replanting. This is due to the fact that all the plants in stores are “overfed”. Very soon the coffee will return to normal.
How to germinate coffee seeds?
How does a coffee bean germinate? Initially, the grain produces a root, then it rises above the ground. You can notice that the root of a young plant from healthy seed is strong. Coffee tree seedlings cannot get rid of the bean shell for a long time. It covers the cotyledons or the so-called first pair of pseudoleaflets.
In some cases, coffee seeds produce two roots, therefore, two full-fledged plants will develop from such grain. Caring for such “twins” is no different from caring for ordinary seedlings. The only difference is the early picking of the “twins”. Otherwise, they will interfere with each other's development. Such seedlings must be planted carefully, since their root system will be intertwined with each other.
Should you remove the cotyledons from a coffee tree sprout or wait until they open on their own? It is not recommended to remove cotyledons from a coffee sprout yourself, as you can damage the leaves themselves. The latter are responsible for the successful development of the young plant. As practice shows, those seedlings from which flower growers removed the cotyledons and damaged all the leaves developed more slowly than those whose cotyledons opened on their own.
How to remove cotyledons from a coffee sprout? This cannot be done mechanically. Experts recommend increasing the humidity level in the greenhouse where the coffee tree seeds sprouted. In a humid environment, the dense shell will become soft and the coffee leaves will easily be able to free themselves from it. How to increase humidity in a greenhouse. In addition to the usual watering of the soil, it is necessary to carry out regular spraying, up to wetting the dense shell of the cotyledons of the seedlings.
Coffee tree seedlings are kept in a greenhouse until the second pair of true leaves forms. Then the young plant is gradually accustomed to normal air humidity. To do this, open the greenhouse slightly and increase the ventilation time every day. You can completely remove the greenhouse when the leaves of the plant stop withering due to normal air humidity.
Coffee tree seedlings need sunlight, and therefore they are placed on windows on the east or west side of the house, but not in direct sunlight. The length of light for a plant should be 12-14 hours. If there is a lack of natural light, artificial lighting is provided.
The comfortable temperature for coffee from seeds at home is +23…+25 degrees. A temperature of about +30 degrees is needed only during seed germination. The soil in the pot where the tree grows must be constantly moist. Picking is carried out at the stage of two pairs of true leaves.
Growing conditions
In general, the coffee tree does not pose impossible tasks for the grower. The plant needs quite ordinary care and growing conditions, but with its own characteristics.
Temperature
Coffee loves warmth, but does not handle heat very well. The ideal temperature is 23 – 25 degrees. In winter, you can slightly reduce the temperature, but only to 15 degrees. If the temperature drops further, the coffee may shed its leaves.
IMPORTANT! Protect the tree from sudden changes in ambient temperature and drafts. Both have a negative effect on flowering and fruiting.
Air humidity
Coffee prefers high air humidity. In a dry climate, the tree does not feel well, often gets sick, and blooms poorly.
Additionally, it is recommended to spray the plant with a spray bottle. In the summer, you can periodically “bathe” the coffee tree.
IMPORTANT! In winter, the tree tub should be placed away from radiators, as the tips of the leaves will begin to wither due to dry air.
Coffee also loves fresh air, so we recommend periodic ventilation in winter. The main thing is to make sure that there is no draft, as this can make the plant sick.
Coffee tree after spraying
Lighting
The coffee tree comes from Africa, which means it loves light. But it is still undesirable to expose it to direct sunlight. It would be ideal to shade the plant a little. To do this, you can cover the windows with paper, use tulle or Roman blinds.
ON A NOTE. If your apartment does not have the right place with sufficient lighting, then the coffee tree can be placed under fluorescent lamps.
The soil
For a coffee tree, it is better to choose acidic soil (with a pH level less than 7). If you prepare the soil yourself, then follow these proportions: 2 parts acidic peat, 1 part distilled, 1 part sand, 1 part each leaf and greenhouse soil.
Pot
It is equally important to choose the right pot. In a container that is too small, the plant will be cramped. The roots will quickly fill the entire volume, and the coffee will begin to hurt. If it is too large, on the contrary, the tree will not be able to receive all the nutrients when watering and feeding.
It follows from this that you need to choose a medium-sized pot for the plant, so that it is not cramped, but there is space to grow.
In what cases is support needed?
Sometimes your green pet may need support. These are mainly cases when the plant has too thin shoots, as well as after transplanting into a new pot, when the tree has not yet taken root.
Choosing a place to put it
Indoors, the coffee tree is best placed near a south window. If this is not possible, then place the tree on the east or west window.
It is not recommended to place the pot in dark corners or in the back of the room. Lack of lighting negatively affects the decorative qualities of the plant.
In late spring and summer, the coffee tub can be moved to the loggia or taken out to the terrace. The tree will really like this, as it will be provided with a sufficient amount of light and fresh air.
What does it look like in the interior?
The coffee tree is not just another flower in a pot. This is part of the interior decor of any room. The plant looks beautiful in a modern studio apartment, office, and bedroom. The coffee tree is also great for decorating public spaces: cafes, reception areas, corridors, conservatories, etc.
How to start a coffee tree at home
The best option for your home is an Arabica coffee tree. Robusta, although less fastidious, requires cross-pollination, so it is more difficult to get it to bear fruit. If you don’t have enough space in your house, you can buy dwarf Arabica beans or sprouts, one of the most popular varieties is Albert.
There are 3 ways to get a coffee tree:
- sprout from a grain;
- grow a cutting;
- buy in the store.
Growing coffee trees from beans
Ordinary green coffee beans intended for making a drink are unsuitable for germination: they have been collected too long ago and, in addition, they are subjected to special processing.
Coffee beans harvested no more than 1–1.5 months ago have the best germination. Such seeds can be purchased in online stores.
But it is best to ask the owner of the coffee tree for a ripe berry. Nature itself has covered the coffee beans with juicy pulp, so there is no need to soak them.
The optimal temperature for seed germination is from +19 to +24 °C.
Soil composition for sowing:
- 1 part peat;
- 1 part sand;
- 2 parts of turf land.
- The soil mixture must be prepared 2 weeks before sowing.
- Sowing berries:
- the soil in the pot should be moist;
- The berry is placed on its side (flat side down) in a hole approximately 1 cm deep, sprinkled with earth, which is lightly pressed;
- The pot is covered with a jar and placed in a warm, bright place (but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight).
It will take a long time for the berries to germinate, about 3–6 months. But 2 sprouts can appear from the grains at once. They are kept under glass until the cotyledon leaves shed their hard shell. Periodically, condensation is wiped off the walls of the jar. When the cotyledon leaves expand, the plant gradually begins to adapt to the drier climate of the room.
Grains freed from pulp germinate somewhat faster (after 1–3 months).
Sowing the grain:
- The seeds are soaked for 30 minutes in a very weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then for another 30 minutes in aloe juice.
- The grains are planted in the same way as berries: in a hole 1 cm deep, flat side down.
- After planting, the soil is moistened abundantly and the pot is covered with a jar.
Coffee trees grown from beans bloom in the 3rd or 4th year.
Propagation of coffee trees by cuttings
To plant cuttings, prepare a substrate in advance from peat and sand, taken in a 1:1 ratio.
Planting a cutting:
- A branch with 2 pairs of leaves is cut 2.5–3 cm below the bud. The cut should be oblique, it is treated with “Kornevin” or another rooting stimulator.
- The cuttings are vertically stuck into well-moistened soil so that the lower buds are covered with substrate.
- The cutting is covered with a plastic bag in which a small hole is cut. Periodically through this hole the cuttings are sprayed with warm water.
A rooted cutting can be replanted only after a new pair of leaves appears. Coffee trees grown from cuttings bloom in the 2nd or 3rd year.
Buying a coffee tree in a store
Coffee trees sold in stores usually look healthy in appearance: they have dark, shiny leaves and often already have flowers or berries. But it should be remembered that purchased plants are often overfed with fertilizers.
Therefore, you should not be surprised if the tree at home begins to turn yellow and shed its leaves. With normal care it will recover. The main thing is that there are no spider mites. Having brought the tree home, you need to “quarantine” it, separating it from other indoor plants. If spider mites are detected, the coffee tree must be treated with an insecticide. If the plant is healthy, it is replanted.
Flowering conditions
The coffee tree blooms in spring. It forms umbrella-shaped inflorescences consisting of small white flowers. At the same time, the tree emits a pleasant aroma.
REFERENCE. The coffee tree fades very quickly. Don't miss this amazing moment!
Flowering
You can also help the plant bloom. To do this, gently shake the branches on which the inflorescences appeared. Another way is to take a cotton swab or soft brush and touch the flowers. This will cause artificial pollination.
After flowering, fruits begin to set. They ripen almost throughout the spring-summer period, and in some cases the process can even take 1.5 – 2 years.
IMPORTANT! In order for coffee to bloom bright and memorable, it needs to be allowed to rest in winter. During the dormant period, you will have to reduce watering and eliminate the application of fertilizers. You also need to slightly reduce the temperature.
How coffee blooms
In the first 2 years, the home coffee plant does not bloom; the first fruits can be obtained only at 3-5 years of age. A short dry period can promote good flowering.
According to experienced gardeners, when creating ideal conditions for a coffee tree in an apartment, one plant can produce 500 g of beans annually. However, in practice, many people talk about collecting 40-60 grains per year.
During periods of crown formation and increasing bushiness of the tree, it is necessary to regularly pinch out the side shoots. This will help increase the number of shoots and yield in the future.
Under favorable conditions, the coffee tree begins to bloom in late summer. Coffee flowers are white, consist of 4 petals, have a jasmine-like scent, and appear directly in the axils of the leaves. Occasionally, buds may appear directly on the trunk from previously dormant buds. After flowering, large (cherry-sized) oval red fruits are formed in their place, consisting of 2 coffee beans pressed flat against each other. Fruit ripening time is 3-4 months.
Transfer
While the coffee tree is young, it is replanted every year. Upon reaching the age of three, the growth of the tree slows down. Accordingly, the frequency of transfers is reduced. It will need to be carried out approximately once every four years.
Replanting a plant is no different from a similar process carried out with other indoor flowers. On the contrary, replanting a coffee tree is even easier, since it has stronger roots.
Saplings
ON A NOTE! But this does not mean that you need to work sloppy. Still, try not to damage the root system.
- First of all, prepare a pot of suitable size, proper soil and drainage.
- First, place the drainage in a new container.
- Then remove the plant from the old pot. This must be done using the transshipment method.
- If old drainage is stuck to the bottom, carefully shake it off.
- Carefully remove the old soil.
- If you want to plant the cuttings in different pots, then place the entire plant in a bowl of warm water and carefully wash off the remaining soil. Next, carefully separate the tangled roots of each stem.
- Sprinkle the drainage in the new pot with soil and place the seedling there.
- Carefully add soil to the desired level and water the transplanted plant.
IMPORTANT! If you are not replanting, then change the top layer of soil. This is necessary so that the earth does not become depleted.
DIY coffee tree from cuttings
For cuttings, you need to cut off a healthy branch with bright leaves. Cut off (pinch off) the top, leaving 4 leaves on the cutting. The best option is if the branch is no more than a year old.
To better form the root system under the lower leaves, scratch longitudinal strips with a needle and lower the cutting into the root-forming mixture. The mixture consists of a tablespoon of honey dissolved in a glass of water.
Next, the cutting is planted about 3 cm deep into the soil. It is covered with a perforated film on top. Some growers prefer plastic bottles with holes.
The main condition is compliance with the temperature regime - about 27-30 degrees with high humidity. The plant must be watered moderately and ventilated periodically.
At the same time, protect from direct sunlight.
A sign that roots have formed on the cutting and it has taken root is the appearance of new leaves. Next, the plant can be transplanted into a more convenient pot. In a year, with proper and responsible care, the first flowers and even fruits will appear on the tree.
Reproduction
Coffee is propagated by seeds or vegetatively. Below we will talk about each method in a little more detail.
Propagating a coffee tree from seeds
If you are an experienced gardener, you can try to grow a coffee tree from an ordinary coffee bean.
Fruit
REFERENCE. Roasted grains will not work.
First of all, it is necessary to destroy the “shell” on the grain. To do this, you can carefully file it or soak it in a solution of hydrochloric acid. We recommend making careful cuts, as the use of chemicals can damage the seed itself.
Next, the seeds are washed with potassium permanganate and placed in a solution of a growth stimulator. Any will do.
You need loose soil, consisting of turf soil, sand, ash and peat. The seeds are placed in the soil and pressed down slightly. Then the plantings are watered and covered with film, a transparent plastic lid or a plastic bag. This is how we create a greenhouse effect inside.
There is no need to place the pot directly in the sun, but it should not be placed in the shade either. A warm place near the windowsill is best.
The seeds will germinate in about a month.
The first transplant is carried out when foliage appears.
How to propagate vegetatively
The vegetative method is the most effective and requires much less labor.
- First of all, prepare the cuttings. They should be about 8 – 10 cm long and have at least 2 buds.
- Then place the cuttings in containers and keep them warm.
- To make rooting go better, put a plastic bag on top or cover it with a jar. This will create a greenhouse effect.
- Periodically water the soil and ventilate the seedlings.
- Once the plants have taken root, they should be transplanted into permanent pots.
Propagation by cuttings
Soil, watering and fertilizing for the coffee tree
The most favorable soil for coffee is loose, breathable. When watering this soil, water well moisturizes the roots of the plant, does not stagnate, and its excess flows into the pan thanks to drainage.
Substrates used:
- Combining leaf turf, worn peat and coarse river sand in proportions 1:2:2;
- Chernozem, sand, leaf turf and humus are mixed in equal proportions. Two parts of sour peat are mixed with them.
It is also advisable to finely chop and add sphagnum moss. It will ensure moisture retention in the soil and maintain its normal looseness and acidity. Don’t forget about good drainage at the bottom of the pot, otherwise stagnation of moisture can lead to the death of the roots.
A coffee tree needs to be replanted every spring up to three years old, and once every 2-3 years after it reaches four years old and beyond.
A coffee tree grown at home should be regularly watered abundantly in the summer, and in winter the water supply should be slightly reduced. It is best to “water” your coffee with soft rainwater.
To obtain additional moisture, the tree needs to be sprayed or wiped with a damp sponge. You can also sometimes give your “green friend” a warm shower or place the pot in a pan of water.
The following are used as fertilizers for feeding:
- Potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen mineral mixtures;
- Horn shavings;
- Mullein.
How to form a crown
The coffee tree itself is highly decorative. Its shoots are weakly branched, and large beautiful leaves form a beautiful crown. In general, coffee does not require decorative pruning.
However, it all depends on the specific instance. It is necessary to regularly trim dried shoots, and it is also a good idea to remove too long branches. The fact is that they will take away the energy that the plant needs to bloom. It is better to carry out the operation in late winter - early spring.
If you doubt whether your green pet needs pruning, then it is better not to do it.
Temperature
In order to grow a coffee tree, in the room where the pot with the plant is located, the air temperature should be between twenty and twenty-five degrees. In winter, the room temperature can be reduced by no more than five degrees.
The room where the tea tree is located must also maintain the required air humidity. Only in this case will the plant delight its owner with beautiful green leaves. It is also necessary to constantly moisten the soil. The leaves themselves need to be sprayed.
Rejuvenation
Unfortunately, about 10 years after planting, coffee begins to age. The decorative value of the plant decreases. The leaves become yellowish and limp. So, it's time to rejuvenate.
To do this, cut the stems. The procedure must be carried out with a sharp instrument so that the cuts are neat and even. Do not break the shoots under any circumstances! Even if the tree survives, it will finally lose its decorative effect and become ugly.
Don't forget to treat the cut areas with crushed activated carbon.
ON A NOTE. By the way, cuttings are taken from the cut branches for propagation.
The history of the appearance of coffee in Russia
Most likely, it will not surprise anyone that the history of the spread of coffee in Russia began with the trips of Peter the Great to Europe. He was keenly interested in all the new trends in European fashion and immediately brought them to his homeland. At first, coffee was considered a drink exclusively for the upper class. Moreover, the common people of that century largely condemned Peter’s reforms, which undermined customary foundations and trampled church traditions. Therefore, the ruler himself was compared to the devil, and his beloved coffee was called the devil’s drink.
On a note! During the times of Tsarist Russia, the word “coffee” entered the Russian language as “coffee”. It was and remains a masculine word, but a later change in pronunciation to the softer “coffee” causes frequent mistakes: now many classify it as neuter.
Coffee is brought to Russia from everywhere, but the leaders in the import of beans into our country for 2020 are:
- Vietnam (29%);
- Brazil (19%);
- Indonesia (11%)
Watering
Coffee is a water-drinker. In the spring-summer period, you need to water abundantly and often (every 2 - 3 days). But do not allow the soil in the pot to become waterlogged. Loosen the soil regularly to prevent it from clogging.
During the dormant period, watering should be reduced to once a week. In winter, simply do not allow the soil to dry out and maintain the general level of humidity.
For irrigation you need to use soft, settled water. If you have such an opportunity, water with rain or snow water. But do not forget that the liquid should be at least room temperature, and preferably a couple of degrees warmer. Cold water can cause shock to the roots, which can lead to all sorts of troubles.
Home care
Arabica does not require specific conditions for maintaining a home, but there are still a number of features that need to be taken into account.
We bought a coffee tree seedling: what to do?
In order for the coffee to start growing, you need to transplant the seedling from the shipping container . Many times, flower growers have spoken negatively about the quality of the substrate that is used to fill pots for transporting plants.
Often the soil is oversaturated with microelements so that the bushes have a “marketable” appearance. This is not bad for sale, but such soil is not suitable for further cultivation.
Temperature
Provide the plant with proper temperature conditions without drafts or sudden changes. It is optimal to maintain air temperatures from 22 to 30 °C in summer , and from 12 to 16 °C in winter .
Spraying
In summer, when the air temperature is high, Arabica may lack moisture, so the plant needs to be sprayed regularly . It is better to take settled water at room temperature.
Once a month, it is recommended to add wood ash to prevent disease . In winter, if the coffee is not standing close to the radiator, it is better to stop spraying.
Lighting
The plant is photophilous, but at home does not require direct sunlight . A bright diffused light flux is quite suitable.
The length of daylight is more important: it should be at least 10 hours. If there is not enough natural light, the bush will need to be illuminated using phytolamps.
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