Caring for Arabica coffee. How does a coffee tree propagate at home? Why do coffee tree leaves dry out?

Many people may think that Arabica coffee is a houseplant that only specialists can care for. However, this is exotic southern plant increasingly found on home windowsills. Growing a coffee tree has its own characteristics, one of which is that the first harvest can only be harvested several years after planting. However, this flower can become beautiful on its own. decorative decoration apartment or office.

What does coffee look like?

Arabica coffee (coffea arabica) - perennial shrub or a compact tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Its homeland is Africa and Asia, but it is grown under cultural and domestic conditions in many countries. The tree can reach a height of 1.5 m. Coffee has a thick, lush crown, rich green leaves, oblong-pointed, up to 15 cm long. They are located oppositely on flexible, slightly branching shoots. The surface of the leaves is glossy, with well-defined veins. Root system Arabica coffee plants are branched, with a long central root.

Flowers and fruits are especially decorative. Flowers coffee tree star-shaped, reminiscent of jasmine, white petals, with a strong pleasant aroma, collected in inflorescences of 3-6 pieces. The buds begin to bloom in the spring. The plant fades quickly, after 1-2 days. After six months, fruits are formed in their place, shaped like oblong cherries. They are usually red or black. Each cherry contains 2 coffee beans.

Growing coffee will require the organization of certain conditions. However, the effort expended will be more than repaid due to the decorativeness of the bush. First of all, coffee is a solitary tree; it does not tolerate other plants around it. Therefore, you need to either allocate a separate window sill for it, or place a single cabinet for the plant not far from the window. At the same time, the flower does not like frequent movements, so the place should be permanent. And it’s better if there is a lot of free space around. In addition, the plant should not be rotated, especially during flowering, as the buds may fall off.

Arabica coffee at home, as well as in natural conditions, is very demanding of light. It is best if it is bright, but diffused lighting without direct sun rays. South and east windows - perfect option.

In the warm season, coffee trees do well and outdoors- on the balcony, on summer cottage. However, you need to provide them with light shelter from the sun to ultra-violet rays did not burn the crown.

IN winter time the plant needs additional lighting with halogen or fluorescent lamps.

If the lighting in the apartment is weak, then the coffee tree may not bloom or bear fruit.

Temperature is also very important. Since coffee comes from the tropics, it does not tolerate cold weather. Minimum temperature the room should not be below 20°C, especially in winter. Optimal temperature— +22…+24ºC. In winter, it is better to keep the plant away from heating sources to avoid drying out and falling leaves.

The coffee tree loves Fresh air, so it is advisable to ventilate the room more often.

To successfully care for coffee, it is important to water the tree properly. It is very demanding of moisture, especially during the period of growth, flowering and fruit formation:

• You can’t water a flower with tap water; it needs to sit for at least 1-2 days;
• the plant does not like lime, this also needs to be taken into account when watering;
• moisten the soil in the pot only with water room temperature or 2-3ºC higher - both in winter and summer;
• If there is liquid left in the pan after watering, it must be removed.

The earth ball in the pot should always remain moist. The amount of water is increased in proportion to the increase in temperature in the room. Water regularly, but make sure that the water does not stagnate. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.

In winter, watering is reduced, but care is taken to ensure that the tree does not lack water.

Room coffee loves spraying very much warm water. Moreover, this can be done daily, especially in the warm season. It is better to spray in the morning or evening. In winter, the plant does not need this procedure, but if the foliage is dusty, you can wipe the leaves with a damp sponge.

Have a beneficial effect mineral supplements. They usually begin at the beginning of the growing season - in the spring - and are carried out until the flower bears fruit. It is recommended to fertilize 2 times a month with complex mineral fertilizer. You can feed with nitrogen and potassium salts at the rate of 3 g of potassium salt and 5 g of ammonium nitrate per 1 liter of water. The optimal rate for an adult plant is 1 liter per feeding time. You can combine mineral salts with organic matter (slurry), but the result must be observed. With the onset of autumn, feeding is stopped.

Reproduction and transplantation

At home, Arabica coffee is propagated by seeds and cuttings. It is believed that the first method is more productive, since shoots taken from an adult plant are prone to poor root formation. Experts say that reproduction can be done at any time of the year.

The main feature of propagation by seeds is that they must be of exceptional freshness. It is believed that seeds that have just been picked from the tree have the greatest germination rate. They are immediately planted in the ground. Deadline for storage seed material- 1 year. Every year the germination rate gets worse.

Coffee seeds are green beans. They can be purchased at the store or picked from a fruit-bearing tree. Each seed has a very dense skin, which makes germination difficult. To speed up the emergence of seedlings, grains can be:

• soak in a very weak solution of acetic acid for 24 hours;
• lightly cut the peel sharp knife along the perimeter;
• Lightly tap the seed with a hammer so that the skin bursts a little.

After these procedures, it is imperative to soak the seeds in a stimulating solution, for example Heteroauxin.

Sowing is done in small containers filled with a nutrient mixture. Prefers coffee acidic soils, rich in humus. The soil for sowing consists of light turf soil - 1 part, leaf soil - 0.5 parts and coarse river sand- 1 part. Each seed is immersed in the substrate to a depth of no more than 2 cm. The soil is moistened and covered with glass or film. The soil temperature for germination must be at least 20ºC. It is better to keep such greenhouses on sunny side windows, and additional lighting in winter. Crops are periodically moistened and ventilated. At proper care Within a month, young coffee sprouts should emerge.

As soon as the plants get stronger, they are planted in pots with a diameter of 5-7 cm with the same soil composition. This usually happens 10-12 months after seedlings appear. As soon as the roots of young trees are well entwined with an earthen ball, they need to be transferred to permanent pots with the composition earth mixture: turf, sheet, sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. It is allowed to use a mixture for azaleas.

Propagation by cuttings has its own characteristics. Cuttings 10-15 cm long are cut from an adult plant obliquely. In this case, each one must have at least 2 internodes. The distance to the lower bud is 2 cm. Leaves on cuttings are shortened by half to avoid moisture loss.

The cuttings are placed in a nutrient substrate consisting of peat and coarse river sand. It is better to bake it for 1 hour in the oven to destroy bacteria and pests. Each shoot is buried 1-1.5 cm into the soil, the soil is lightly compacted, watered and covered. glass jar or film to create greenhouse conditions. The temperature in such a container should not be lower than +25…+27ºC.

Greenhouses should be periodically ventilated and moistened. Root formation usually occurs within 4-5 weeks. As soon as new shoots appear on the plants, we can assume that the tree has taken root. After the development of 3-4 young leaves, the plants are transplanted into permanent pots with standard soil and placed on permanent place.

Interestingly, after propagation by cuttings, coffee can bloom in the first year. However, these buds should be removed, as they weaken the bush and will interfere proper development crowns

Transfer

Young plants are replanted every year, 3-4 year old plants - once every 2 years, and tubs - as needed. Pots need to be tall because coffee has a deep central root. Be sure to take care of good drainage - pour a layer of expanded clay or broken brick on the bottom of the container. Add 1 part of humus to the standard composition of the substrate.

When replanting, it is better not to disturb the root structure, but to transfer the lump completely, adding soil to the sides and top, lightly compacting it.

If it is not possible to replant the plant completely, you need to remove a few centimeters of the top layer of soil and add soil.

Experts advise replanting before the start of the growing season - in early spring.

Specifics of growing a coffee tree

The coffee tree grows very quickly and, with proper care, can reach a height of 1.2-1.5 m in 2-3 years. This is the barrier for the plant when it begins to bloom and bear fruit. It is important to wait patiently for this particular period, carefully caring for the tree. To form a crown, young shoots can be pinched and dry shoots can be removed immediately. At proper cultivation a few years after planting, it will be possible not only to admire the lush crown and flowers, but also to collect up to 0.5 kg of aromatic grains per year.

I wish I could have a coffee tree on the windowsill so I could brew myself an invigorating drink from the beans collected from it. But how to do that? That is the question.

Among its brothers, Arabica coffee is the most unpretentious appearance, it is quite suitable for home gardening. Arabica does not tend to rise, reaching a maximum of 1-1.5 meters in height. But it has lush crown dark green color. At home, white flowers may bloom on the tree twice a year. And if you artificially pollinate them, you will get an ovary of fragrant berries. Ripe fruits acquire a red or burgundy hue and consist of a hard seed, pulp and outer shell.

COFFEE TREE CARE

• The plant is kept at a temperature of +23-25o C, the thermometer should not fall below +16o C.
• Spray your coffee regularly. Water deeply, but do not allow water to stagnate. It is better to irrigate the next day after the top layer of soil has dried. The water should be soft and settled.
• In spring and summer, you can feed Arabica with organic ( ammonium nitrate, blood solution) and mineral fertilizers(nitrogen and potassium salts, superphosphates, etc.) It is also recommended to water it once a month with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
• A young tree (up to 4 years old) is replanted annually, and an adult tree less often - once every two years. The plant prefers acidic soil. The composition works well: leaf soil, humus and coarse sand in equal proportions. You can also use peat and turf soil.

REPRODUCTION

The seeds have good germination immediately after ripening. If you store the seedlings for a long time, you may not be able to wait. The seeds are peeled and pulped, stratified and scarified. Then they are sown into the soil. The substrate must be loose and allow air to pass through. For example, a mixture of peat, sand and turf soil is suitable.

Plant the seeds shallowly at a distance of 3 cm from each other. Be sure to cover it with glass or cellophane to create Greenhouse effect. The air must be moist and the container must be constantly ventilated. Seedlings germinate in a month and a half.

Propagation by cuttings is best done in the spring. New branches are cut so that the cut is oblique. Take cuttings 10-15 cm long from shoots of previous growth. For more rapid growth the cuttings are soaked in a heteroauxin solution. Planted in the ground under a cap (jar, glass tumbler etc.). New leaves indicate the rooting of the plant. After which the coffee can be transplanted into the main pot.

This is what coffee beans look like after stratification and scarification

Before planting, grains can be soaked in epine

Errors in care:
- Leaves lose color and become discolored - insufficient soil acidity;
- Brown spots on leaves - exposure to direct sunlight;
- Leaves dry and fall - insufficient watering and humidity.

The genus Coffee or Coffee trees includes about 40 species of plants of the Rubiaceae family. This evergreen shrubs and trees with shiny leathery leaves up to 5 m high. They bloom white fragrant flowers, collected in brushes, their aroma is reminiscent of jasmine. After flowering, bright red berries are formed, which rarely ripen at home.

Most popular in indoor floriculture species - Arabica Coffee or Arabian Coffee flower. This plant produces ¾ of the world's coffee products. Other types of coffee trees differ in the shape and size of the foliage, as well as the color of the fruit. Among them, the most common are: Congolese, Liberian, narrow-leaf, brush and tall coffee. But they are practically never found as indoor plants.

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How to care for a houseplant Coffee at home

The Arabica coffee tree adapts well to apartment conditions. It feels best on windows facing south, southwest or southeast. The air temperature should be from +15 to +20 °C. Until the age of two years, diffused light is needed, since direct sunlight retards the development of coffee. Even on plantations, this plant is planted in the shade of other trees.

The coffee tree grows very slowly and only in spring and summer. Blooms at the age of 3-4 years. To speed up the fruiting period, you can graft a branch from a flowering specimen onto a young seedling, as is done with citrus fruits. They do this during the warm season.

During the period of bud formation, the coffee is placed in the most illuminated area in the room, and after the fruit is set, it is removed to its original place. The flower lasts for one day, but then the next one opens next to it, resulting in flowering that can last from spring to autumn. Flowering coffee tree at home In rare cases, coffee blooms in winter. Turn home plant Arabica coffee is not recommended for uniform foliage growth at this time. The berries ripen within a year; during this period you can harvest about 1 kg of harvest.

Watering and fertilizers. Warm, settled water is used for irrigation. Some gardeners recommend acidifying it a little by adding a few drops lemon juice. Watering for coffee requires moderate watering. The plant tolerates overdrying calmly earthen coma, but in summer it is advisable to water it as the top layer of soil is added, and in winter - about once a week. The lack of moisture is immediately noticeable by the loss of turgor in the leaves. In summer, the soil can be mulched to help it retain water better.

Indoor plant The coffee tree loves spraying, preferably in the evening. It would be useful to periodically add leaf fertilizers and growth stimulants to the water: Zircon.

Coffee has virtually no dormant period, so it can be fertilized all year round, approximately once every 10 days in summer and every 20 days in winter. What this plant needs most is nitrogen. best source which is manure. It can be applied immediately when the coffee tree needs replanting.

Replanting a coffee tree

Young plants need to be replanted every year in the spring. From the age of 3 years: once every 2-3 years. It is best to use the transshipment method to avoid damaging the roots. The new coffee container should be no more than 5 cm wider than the previous one. Too large a volume will cause increased growth of the seedling and slow down flowering. In addition, the risk of flooding the plant will increase.

The soil is selected with a slightly acidic reaction (pH about 5). Fits purchased soil for azaleas, saintpaulias, hydrangeas. You can also prepare the substrate yourself by mixing one part of sand and turf soil with two parts of leaf soil. For plants older than 4 years, one part of peat and humus is added to the composition.
Transplanting a coffee tree at home You need to put a thick layer of drainage on the bottom of the pot, and a layer on top. Then it is poured new soil so as not to cause burns to the root system, and a seedling is placed on it. Before transplanting, the roots need to be inspected and rotten and dry ones removed. After this, the soil is poured on the sides and on top, it needs to be pressed a little and spilled with settled warm water.

Attention: root collar can't be buried! It is better to raise it a few centimeters. With subsequent waterings, the coffee will deepen on its own. If after transplantation the roots are top layer the soils will be exposed, they can be mulched or a fresh layer of substrate can be added. After waiting a few days, the surface needs to be carefully loosened.

Possible diseases of indoor coffee

Houseplant The coffee tree rarely gets sick or is damaged by pests, however, there are several common problems when growing it. They are mainly associated with a lack of microelements in the soil:

• At nitrogen deficiency the plant develops slowly, new leaves are small, and the lower ones acquire a yellowish tint. In case of a similar problem, it is recommended to feed the coffee with a solution of rotted slurry, which is diluted in a ratio of 1 to 15. It is also useful to spray the leaves with a solution of urea (1 g per liter of water).
• Phosphorus deficiency is reflected in the fruits. They become deformed and fall off. Leaves may also curl. This is treated by adding superphosphate, which dissolves in hot water.
• When there is little potassium in the soil, new leaves grow deformed and may become covered with brown spots. You can try adding an ash solution to the soil (1 tablespoon per liter of water).

Why can Arabica coffee leaves dry out?

Another problem is the so-called leaf necrosis, which begins with browning of the edge of the leaf blade. The spots then spread throughout the leaf and it falls off.

Possible causes of necrosis:

• Incorrect watering. Necrosis may be associated with excess humidity or prolonged drying of the earthen coma.
• Sudden changes in temperature and drafts: hypothermia, overheating in the sun or use cold water for watering.
• Nutritional deficiencies, including potassium.

Coffee tree propagation

Cuttings

For cuttings, cut off a stem with two pairs of leaves and plant it in a loose substrate, for example, a mixture of perlite and peat. It is necessary to disinfect the soil in advance with a pink solution of potassium permanganate. The cuttings are treated with stimulants and planted to a depth of 2 cm so that the leaf petioles below are under the ground. Cover the top of the container with a bag, making small holes in it, and place it in a place inaccessible to direct sunlight. The temperature for rooting is needed at least +25 °C, but not higher than +30 °C. Remove the bag when the cuttings begin to grow.

Propagation by seeds

The coffee tree can be grown from seeds. The soil for this is the same as for transplanting an adult plant. It is spilled with a pink solution of potassium permanganate. The seeds are treated with the same solution for several hours. Then you need to stratify the seeds in a hot way, that is, put them in water with a temperature of up to 60 ° C, and wait until the water cools down to room temperature. After which you can start sowing. The seeds are laid flat down, watered and covered with film. The temperature for germination is the same as for rooting cuttings - you can use bottom heating.

Where to buy a houseplant Arabica coffee

Small coffee seedlings are often sold in large construction stores in the department with indoor plants or order on flower websites. Large sizes can be purchased at centers that specialize in gardening and landscape design.

Watch a video about growing a coffee tree at home:

Nowadays it is quite popular to grow various exotic plants in an apartment.

Classic flowerpots with bright flowering- this, of course, is great, but you want something to grow at home, at the sight of which your guests will gasp and ask how you did it.

Why not get some fragrant evergreen? No, we are not talking about a homemade Christmas tree at all, but about a coffee tree.

Yes, maybe at home this plant won't bring too much bountiful harvests, but it’s worth growing it if only because of the unusualness, beauty and incomparable smell of the flowers.

Let's start growing

First of all, it’s worth saying that it’s impossible to grow a coffee tree from store-bought seeds, since Arabica seeds grow very quickly. lose the ability to germinate.

It is best to take ripe fruits with two seeds for cultivation. If they are sown immediately after ripening, the appearance of an evergreen plant in the future will appear with a 99% probability.

The landing process is as follows:
• Ripe coffee seeds are completely freed from pulp and washed with potassium permanganate for complete cleaning. Make a weak solution of potassium permanganate and put the seeds there. Those that have surfaced are unsuitable for landing;
• 12-14 days before planting you need to start preparing the soil. Should steam the turf soil, add sand and peat there, the proportion should be 1:2:2;
• Arabica beans should be planted in a pot completely filled with soil. Let's do small holes in the substrate and place the seeds with the flat side down. The pot required is quite large; do not forget that Arabica is like a tree. We place the seeds at a distance of about 3 cm from each other, to a depth of no more than 1 cm;
• After planting, lightly water the soil slightly pink potassium permanganate solution and cover with cling film/glass;
• Now you need to place the pot in a warm place and wait for the sprouts to appear. They will sprout in about a month, or even more;
• From time to time the soil must be ventilated by removing the film for 15-20 minutes. When sprouts begin to appear, the ventilation time should be increased, and then the film or glass should be removed altogether;
• if two or three leaves have already formed on the seedlings, then it’s time to transplant them into small individual pots. The pots should be small, about 6-7 cm in diameter. Until the plant takes root, it must be kept in a shaded but warm place. And when it gets stronger, expose it to the sun, while ensuring good ventilation;

The process of lignification of Arabica coffee occurs in a very unusual way. First, brownish spots form on the trunk, which gradually increase in size. These spots begin to merge with each other. When the entire stem of the plant is covered brown, the color will begin to become lighter.

This is how the crown formation begins. Tree does not require special pruning, but you can at will slightly trim the crown so that it is completely round, this will make the tree look much more beautiful.

Fruiting of a coffee tree grown at home begins around the 4th year of cultivation. Every year the harvest will become a little more abundant.

One of the most important rules Arabica care - the absence of any neighbors in the form of other plants.

Lighting. The coffee tree loves light, but the rays must be diffused, as direct sun can cause leaf burns. Try not to turn the plant different sides, since this, of course, will help make the crown more symmetrical, but with a probability of 99% will deprive you of coffee fruits.

Watering. The coffee tree has rather wide leaves through which moisture quickly evaporates. For this reason, the plant must be watered quite often and abundantly. The water should be settled, its temperature slightly above room temperature.

Dry air is not fatal for an Arabica tree, but spraying the leaves will only benefit it. This is not necessary to do only when Arabica is in bloom.

Feeding. This the plant loves feeding, especially needs additional nutrients in spring and summer. It will be enough to feed Arabica once a week with mullein infusion or mineral fertilizers, which can be purchased at flower shop. It is best to alternate such feedings.

At the beginning of spring, the soil needs an additional portion of nitrogen; if during this period you notice the formation of fruits, then it is worth fertilizing it with phosphorus, a lot of which is contained in bone chips.

Transfer. Arabica is replanted in the spring, once every two years; if the tree develops more slowly, once every three years. Each next pot should be 3-4 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.

It should be quite deep, since the Arabica root grows longer. When replanting, the soil must be fertilized with humus, peat, and nitrogen.

Why do coffee tree leaves dry out?

Coffee is prone to various diseases. Susceptible to attacks by scale insects, sooty fungus, spider mite. If you notice that the leaves of the plant dry out I, this may indicate too high temperature indoor air.

Sometimes so-called coffee rust forms on the tree, the leaves become yellowish. Regular treatment with fungicides and insecticides will help protect the plant from pests.

Everyone should try growing coffee! At a minimum, to try at least a cup of aromatic drink made from our own grown Arabica beans.

Caring for a coffee tree and the process of growing it in a residential area is quite simple. During cultivation, it can be formed into a lush bush or small tree, and it will only need to be promptly pruned from growing branches.

Growing a coffee tree at home

There are about fifty varieties of the crop, which can be found in Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands, as well as in the tropics of Africa. Also, cultivated forms of coffee today are grown in tropical regions of Africa, America and Asia. Figure 1 shows how this crop grows in nature.

Most lovers of indoor decorative gardening grow Arabian coffee, and you can rarely find Brazilian or Libyan coffee.

Very often people ask the question - is it possible to grow coffee at home from beans sold in the supermarket? Of course it is impossible, since they do not have the ability to germinate. The seeds of this crop lose their viability very quickly. In fact, growing coffee at home is very similar to cultivating citrus fruits.

Arabica coffee - indoor plant

Arabica coffee, when grown at home, can reach a height of up to three meters. It has oblong leathery leaves dark green With wavy edges. This type bears fruit only once a year (in April-May) and bears bright red berries (Figure 2).

Also common among lovers of ornamental plant growing dwarf species, which is a variety of Arabian and can reach a height of no more than one meter. It can be grown indoors without much difficulty in caring for it, as it has high resistance to disease and dry air.

Caring for a coffee tree at home

Although the coffee tree is exotic plant, there are practically no difficulties in caring for it. The culture tolerates changes in temperature and humidity well. In winter, it feels great even at a temperature of 14-15 degrees, but if the indicator drops below, it will stop developing and bearing fruit.

Choosing a landing site

Growing coffee at home always begins with planting or transplanting. The soil should be acidic, but since it is quite difficult to check this indicator, it is recommended to use a mixture of acidic peat, humus, sand, leaf and greenhouse soil for cultivation (Figure 3).

Note: To maintain optimal levels of humidity and acidity, it is recommended to add sphagnum moss to the soil mixture.

Lighting is essential. It is advisable to place the plant on windows facing south. There is an opinion that the location on the north window can ruin it, but this is not entirely true. Placing it on a north window can only slow down growth and further development.

However, do not forget that too much sunlight can also be harmful, especially for plants under two years old. In an adult plant, if there is a lack of sun, full-fledged inflorescences will not form.

Note: Experienced plant growers recommend shading the crop only after fruit set.

This technique is used in the homeland of coffee, where other crops are planted around it to provide the necessary shade.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out annually until the plant reaches three years of age. After this, it is recommended to transplant once every 2-3 years. However, do not forget that in the intervals between transplants the top layer of soil must be replaced annually (Figure 4).

IN natural conditions the crop grows in a fairly humid climate, so the indoor air should not be allowed to be too dry. Provide required level Regular spraying will help maintain humidity, but this method is not always effective. It is better to use a deep tray with pebbles. The stones are filled with water, and a pot with a plant is placed on top. But the soil must drain well.

Temperature and humidity

An important factor for normal growth is the temperature in the room. In spring and summer, normal room temperature is sufficient, and during winter cold coffee needs a cool temperature (14-15 degrees), but it should not fall below +12 degrees. Figure 5 shows optimal placement crops on the windowsill and one of the watering methods.

In summer, watering must be done more often and more abundantly than in winter. Establishing the required dose for irrigation depends on temperature regime in room. But the soil and air should not be too dry or wet, as this will negatively affect the development of the plant. For irrigation it is better to use melt or rain water.

Feeding and fertilizer

Special ones are considered the best for the coffee tree. liquid fertilizers. They are applied to the soil once every two weeks from April to September, since it is at this time that the plants bear fruit and actively develop.

The author of the video will tell you in more detail about how to properly care for the plant.

Coffee harvest

Today there are several ways to harvest grains. manual method(Figure 6).

The first method is called the stripping method. It's very simple. When most of the berries are ripe, hold the branch with your left hand and grab the fruit with your right, moving from top to bottom. But in this case, not only ripe fruits are picked, but also green, rotten berries, leaves and flowers.

The second method is based on collecting fruits using a special comb, which has sparse and flexible teeth. With its help, only ripe fruits are picked from the branches of the coffee tree, while green berries and leaves will remain on the branches. After harvesting, the fruits are cleared of pulp, the grains are sorted and fried for further storage.