Question
I've got an indoor coffee plant i grew from seed now in a 5-inch plastic pots, w/drainage opening at the bottom and sitting in a platter. I water it about once a week to keep it moist but try not to drown it. It grows very slowly indeed: a total of maybe 8 sets of two leaves these last 3-4 years. The first 4-5 sets of leaves were dark green, now these last sets have been a much lighter green.

Over the last year the leaves have progressively darkened and I've reluctantly removed the ones that are dead. Now i'm worried: no new leaves have come on over the last approx 6months, older/darker leaves have all died, more dying (slowly) all the time.

I am NOT a green-thumb and am totally ignorant about plants. Help me stop killing my precious coffee plant?

Answer
Hi Jill,

I know that a 5-inch pot seems quite small, but for a seedling that is not very large, the pot is too big. Plants grow faster and stronger when they are kept moderately potbound.

When a pot is too big, the excess soil retains moisture for too long, so I am guessing that your coffee plant is also suffering from root rot. If you take it out of its pot, I suspect you will find very few healthy roots. If so, then remove the excess soil and put it into a pot just barely big enough to accommodate the roots and enough soil to cover them.

The leaves may be discoloring because coffee plants require acidic soil. If your local tap water is on the hard or alkaline side, then you should use filtered or distilled water instead.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC