Can My Coffee Plant Be Saved?

Question

I have a coffee plant I bought about 9 months ago. It was growing under a full spectrum light and getting new leaves but it had outgrown the pot and was rootbound so I ran it outside and repotted it. As soon as I got it back indoors the beautiful waxy leaves shriveled and curled. I don’t know if it is transplant shock or if the cold did it although I was only outside long enough to switch pots. It put off an awful odor from the leaves for about an hour. Any chance it will recover?

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Answer 1

Yes, but get it out from under that LED. This tree will not survive well without full spectrum, and it wouldn't be feasible to purchase such an LED panel to light this tree.

There are a few things to know about this particular tree:

They don't really like to be in bright, direct light. They are burned very easily. They don't like it when temps fall below 50 degrees, either. They will start to show immediate signs of cold damage. They appreciate feedings, very often.

Now, from here, you will want to give it bright, but indirect light. White, household LED's will, actually, suffice for this purpose. Otherwise, placing in a brightly lit Eastern or Western facing window is best.

Feed with half strength, all-purpose fertilizer until it shows signs of flowering. Switch to a high Phosphorus and Potassium blend during this time. I prefer half strength feedings twice per month if liquid. Feed full strength once every 2 or 3 months if this is granular.

Soil moisture is important. Wet soils will cause rot, very, very fast. Dry soils will cause leaf scorch. It is necessary to keep it slightly moist, but let it dry down to 3 or 4 inches into the container on occasion.

Growing Coffee requires patience, but it will let you know that something is wrong, fairly, quickly.

Here is an article that will offer more information on growing Coffee:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/coffee/growing-coffee-plants-indoors.htm