If you’ve ever wondered what do coffee plants look like, you’re not alone. These are beautiful, glossy-leaved shrubs that produce the fragrant beans we love, and they have a very distinct appearance. Knowing how to identify one can deepen your appreciation for your morning cup and might even inspire you to grow your own.
From their dark green leaves to their sweet-smelling flowers, coffee plants are surprisingly ornamental. They can be grown indoors in many climates, offering a year-round reminder of the journey from farm to mug. Let’s look at the key features that make them so special.
What Do Coffee Plants Look Like
Coffee plants, belonging primarily to the Coffea genus, are evergreen shrubs or small trees. In commercial farms, they are usually pruned to a manageable height, but in the wild, they can reach over 30 feet tall. For home growers, they typically stay between 4 and 6 feet.
Their overall shape is bushy and somewhat rounded. The plant has a central stem with multiple branches that create a full, dense canopy. This lush growth is one of the reasons they make such attractive houseplants.
The Leaves: Glossy, Wavy, and Dark Green
The leaves are the most prominent feature. They are:
- Oval-shaped with a pointed tip.
- Glossy and waxy on the surface, with a deep, rich green color.
- Prominent veins that are lighter in color, running in parallel lines from the central midrib to the edge.
- Slightly wavy along the edges, giving them a textured look.
Leaves grow in pairs opposite each other on the branches. They can be up to 6 inches long, and their shininess helps the plant in its native tropical understory habitat by shedding water and maximizing light capture.
The Flowers: Sweet-Smelling and Delicate
Before there are beans, there are flowers. Coffee blossoms are small, white, and star-shaped. They grow in clusters along the stems where the leaves join the branch, a spot called the “axil.”
Their scent is often compared to jasmine or orange blossom—a strong, sweet, and beautiful fragrance that can fill a room. The blooming period is brief, usually just a few days, after which the petals fall and the fruit begins to develop. It’s a magical phase of the plants life cycle.
The Fruit: From “Cherry” to Bean
The fruit, often called a “coffee cherry,” is perhaps the most surprising part to see. It starts as a tiny green bud after flowering.
- Over several months, it grows into a small, green berry.
- The berry then changes color, ripening to a bright, glossy red (sometimes yellow or orange, depending on the variety).
- Each cherry typically contains two seeds—these are the coffee beans, nestled face-to-face inside.
The skin of the cherry is thin but firm, and the inner pulp is sweet and slightly sticky. Seeing the red cherries against the dark green leaves is a stunning visual contrast.
The Beans: The Hidden Treasure
Inside the cherry, each bean is covered in a parchment-like husk and a silvery skin called the silverskin. When freshly extracted, the raw green coffee bean is hard and dense. It’s not untill they are roasted that they turn into the fragrant brown beans we recognize.
For a home grower, processing a handful of these cherries by hand—removing the pulp, drying the beans, and roasting them—is a rewarding experience that connects you directly to the origin of coffee.
Key Varieties and Their Visual Differences
The two main species, Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora), have subtle visual differences.
- Arabica: Leaves are generally more elongated and have a smoother, darker green appearance. The plant is more delicate and prefers cooler growing conditions. The beans are oval with a sinuous center crease.
- Robusta: Leaves are broader and rounder, with a more pronounced waviness and a lighter, sometimes bronze-tinged green hue. The plant is hardier and grows faster. The beans are smaller and more circular, with a straighter center crease.
Growing Your Own Coffee Plant
Want to see this for yourself? Growing a coffee plant as a houseplant is entirely possible. Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
1. Sourcing and Planting
You can start from a green bean (unroasted) or, much easier, buy a young plant from a nursery. Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix—one formulated for azaleas or citrus works well.
Choose a pot with good drainage holes. The plant dislikes “wet feet,” meaning its roots should not sit in soggy soil.
2. Light and Temperature
Coffee plants love bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight of a forest floor. A north or east-facing window is ideal, or a few feet back from a south or west window.
- Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- They thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F and are very sensitive to frost.
3. Watering and Humidity
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants come from tropical regions, so they appreciate high humidity.
You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water, or using a small humidifier nearby. Brown leaf tips are often a sign of low humidity.
4. Feeding and Care
Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the spring and summer (the growing season). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Prune the tips of the branches to encourage a bushier, fuller shape. Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs, especially if the air is dry.
The Aromatic Experience: More Than Just Looks
The visual beauty is matched by a multi-layered aromatic profile. At different stages, the plant engages your sense of smell in unique ways.
- The Flowers: The intense, sweet floral scent is the first aromatic surprise.
- The Leaves: When brushed or crushed, the leaves release a faint, fresh, green aroma.
- The Cherries: The ripe fruit has a mild, sweet smell.
- The Roasting Beans: This is, of course, the classic coffee aroma we all know—nutty, rich, and deeply comforting.
Having a coffee plant in your home means you get to experience this whole sensory journey, from delicate flowers to the promise of a future brew.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s what to look for.
Yellowing Leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a need for fertilizer. Check your watering schedule and ensure the pot drains properly.
Brown Leaf Edges: Usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase misting and check soil moisture more frequently.
No Flowers or Fruit: The plant needs to be mature (3-5 years old) and have ideal conditions to bloom indoors. Ensure it gets enough indirect light and consider using a blossom-boosting fertilizer in spring.
Remember, patience is key. It’s a slow-growing plant that rewards consistent, attentive care over many years.
FAQ
Can I really get coffee beans from a houseplant?
Yes, a mature, healthy plant grown indoors can produce a small crop of cherries. It might only be enough for a single cup, but the process is incredibly satisfying.
How big do indoor coffee plants get?
With pruning, you can easily maintain them at 4 to 6 feet tall. They can be kept smaller in a modest-sized pot.
Are coffee plants toxic to pets?
The beans/leaves contain caffeine, which is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities. It’s best to keep the plant out of reach of curious pets.
What does a coffee plant seed look like?
Before roasting, the seed is a hard, pale green or grayish oval. It’s often reffered to as a “green coffee bean.”
How long until a coffee plant produces fruit?
From a seedling, it typically takes 3 to 5 years for the plant to mature enough to flower and produce cherries.
Understanding what a coffee plant looks like—from its glossy leaves to its fragrant flowers and bright red cherries—adds a rich layer to your coffee enjoyment. Whether you admire them on a farm, in a botanical garden, or on your own windowsill, these plants are a beautiful testament to the complex journey behind every sip.