Troubleshooting
Coffee Plant problems — and how to fix them
Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown, scorched leaf edges
Caused by direct hot sun, low humidity or letting the rootball dry out completely. Move to bright indirect light, raise humidity and keep the compost evenly moist.
Leaf drop
Triggered by cold (below about 13°C), draughts or sudden temperature swings. Keep the plant warm and away from cold windows and doorways, especially in winter.
Yellowing leaves
Usually overwatering and soggy roots, or sometimes nutrient deficiency in tired compost. Check drainage, let the top of the mix dry slightly between waterings, and feed in the growing season.
Sap-sucking pests
Watch for scale, mealybug, spider mites and thrips, especially in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves, raise humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil at the first sign.
Prevent coffee plant problems before they start
Most coffee plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Coffee Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my coffee plant brown, scorched leaf edges?
Caused by direct hot sun, low humidity or letting the rootball dry out completely. Move to bright indirect light, raise humidity and keep the compost evenly moist.
Why is my coffee plant leaf drop?
Triggered by cold (below about 13°C), draughts or sudden temperature swings. Keep the plant warm and away from cold windows and doorways, especially in winter.
Why is my coffee plant yellowing leaves?
Usually overwatering and soggy roots, or sometimes nutrient deficiency in tired compost. Check drainage, let the top of the mix dry slightly between waterings, and feed in the growing season.
Why is my coffee plant sap-sucking pests?
Watch for scale, mealybug, spider mites and thrips, especially in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves, raise humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil at the first sign.