The coffee plant thrives under artificial plant lighting indoors. The outside temperature in countries outside the Tropic belt is too volatile and too cold to allow the tree to develop. Water the tree twice per week in what is called a full watering and a half watering. In a half watering, simply add some water to the soil and allow it to drain. In a full watering, add water, allow it to drain, and then add water with fertilizer and allow it to drain. The key is to keep the soil most, but well drained.

After two or three years flowering and possibly cherries can be expected, but do not expect high-quality coffee unless you are at a high altitude and are monitoring the conditions of the artificial microclimate carefully.

To spur flowering, wait until the beginning of winter and significantly reduce watering for 2-3 months. When Spring begins water the plant well, which should shock it into producing flowers. From this point forward, water well and regularly. Arabica coffee is self-fertilizing so you will not need to worry about pollinating. Once the cherries mature you can harvest, pulp, ferment, dry, roast, and drink the coffee.

Image Source: Andy Barson

Growing Coffee at Home
Preparing the Seeds | Germination

The Plant
The Plant Overview | Plant Growth | Arabica vs. Robusta | Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee | Arabica Varietals