4" Pot Coffee Plant

*Plant pictured is a representation of what you will receive.

Common Name: Coffee plant

Scientific name: Coffea arabica

This small tree/large shrub is responsible for most of the world's coffee production.  Although its small, fragrant white flowers are self-fertilizing (does not require a pollinator, such as bees, to produce the berries), they are also wind-pollinated, so the chances of it producing actual berries after flowering in an enclosure are dubious.  Regardless, it will take several years to bloom and produce berries and it is highly unlikely that it will produce enough to create a home-grown brew.

Coffee trees also cannot survive long-term in most of North America's climate zones, so it works best as a terrarium or house plant.

-Care Recommendations By The Dude-

Best for These Animals: Small to medium reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climates.  Young coffee plants can break easily if larger animals try to climb them.  Unlike monsteras or some scheffleras, their leaves cannot support much weight. However, they are excellent for creating miniature tree canopies in your enclosure.

Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, TerraFirma

Soil Depth: All soil depths okay.

Lighting: Bright indirect light.  Placement directly under a basking or heat lamp may cause leaves to burn.  In their native environment, they are considered understory plants (growing under the shade and dappled light of larger trees).

Humidity & Misting: They are native to tropical climates and prefer high humidity.

Mature Plant Size & Root System:  Coffee plants usually take at least 3-5 years to reach maturity after planting.  Mature coffee plants can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, but are often pruned to maintain a manageable size.

Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: Too high temperatures/low humidity may cause leaves to brown.  Does best in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but can take between temperature spikes between 60 and 80 degrees.   Best used as a back/wall planting, or as a corner placement.

Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: The coffee plant is not inherently toxic to reptiles, but the caffeine and other compounds in the plant, especially the berries and leaves, can be harmful.  It is recommended to remove the berries once they start producing.   

Pot Size & Packaging: A single 4" potted coffee plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.