Coffee Tree
The coffee tree is an evergreen plant of the Rubiaceae family. There are about 80 species of coffee trees, but only two of them are cultivated by humans for harvesting and consumption. Of course, these are Arabica and Robusta, and they are used unevenly by people. Arabica makes up about 70% of global cultivation, while Robusta accounts for approximately 30%. Occasionally, Liberica and Excelsa are used, which are very rare varieties with extremely low caffeine content.
Cultivating Coffee Trees on a Farm
Growing a coffee tree on a farm is not an easy task. Specific climate conditions, soil chemistry, and temperature regimes are required. The tree thrives in high altitude areas, tolerates temperature fluctuations well, and favors humidity and acidic soil. Plantations are fertilized and treated with insecticides and fungicides before planting. Shade trees, such as bananas or eucalyptus, are also planted alongside the seedlings. Growing coffee from seeds is not a popular method; farmers usually purchase seedlings up to 2 years old. The coffee tree begins to bear fruit in the 5th to 6th year.
The typical height of a tree is about 8 meters, but on farms, the plants are regularly pruned to make harvesting easier.
Growing Coffee at Home
Growing coffee at home can be purely for aesthetic purposes. You won't harvest from such a tree, but as a home decoration, a potted coffee tree is an excellent option.
Caring for an Indoor Coffee Tree
To grow such a plant at home, you'll need a seedling, a pot for the plant, special soil for the coffee tree, and a significant amount of water. An indoor coffee tree needs to be protected from sudden temperature changes and drafts. The soil should be loose and acidic. The best soil mix is equal parts sand, charcoal, peat, and humus. The tree requires a large amount of bright natural light. In spring and summer, the pot should be placed on the balcony. During the warm season, water the plant as often as possible; in winter, about once a week. The tree loves humid air and a warm environment. You can grow a coffee tree at home to impressive sizes, and with proper care, you may even collect a harvest in a couple of years. However, it's unlikely to resemble the coffee beans we are used to consuming. After all, one of the key aspects of coffee production is cultivation at high altitudes, which contributes to the unique natural potential of sweetness and acidity in the beans.
An indoor coffee tree is an excellent air purifier and a long-lived, low-maintenance plant that will delight your eyes day after day.
Buying Coffee
You can also subscribe to coffee with us, which will give you various interesting bonuses.
And while you're contemplating whether to get a coffee tree, feel free to visit our store at buno.com.ua. There, you'll find coffee varieties from over 20 different countries. Arabica and Robusta, or custom blends, decaf coffee, and ground coffee to your taste. You can order online in bulk and retail at Buno.