Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, elliptical glossy dark green leaves with entire margins, 5–10 cm long
- Flower: Clusters of small, fragrant white tubular flowers
- Fruit: Small red drupes containing small wild coffee beans
Care Guide
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; reduce feeding in autumn and winter
Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per pot monthly to boost soil calcium and improve drainage- Prune overgrown branches in early spring to maintain a compact, rounded shape
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration to inner branches
- Trim spent flower clusters to encourage new growth and maintain plant appearance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Contains caffeine, which is toxic; may cause restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, vomiting
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of leaves or beans may cause caffeine-related effects like jitteriness or insomnia
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental landscape shrub; source of small, low-caffeine wild coffee beans
PlantFun







