Question
Hi, Melissa: first excuse my English, it's not my language!
I've had a coffee plant at home for the last 10 years (I live in Italy, therefore we have seasons).
A couple of weeks ago I changed the pot and I put fresh soil, and the plant became to decay: it's drying off beginning from the leaves (they become brown and dry), then the branches and this morning I also notices the sprouts are becoming dark. It's not too much water, I've been treating the plant just as I did for the past 10 years. Do you have an idea of what could it be?
I'd really appreciate any help, I love my plant!
Thanks a lot, and have a Happy New Year!
Patricia

Answer
Dear Patricia,  When you changed the pot, did you put the coffee plant in a much bigger pot, or did you put it in a pot close to the same size?  Your coffee plant has become used to the way you used to treat it, and it is probably going through some shock because it is in a different place.  Many times the plant will adjust and get used to the new pot and soil, but your plant is unhappy so we will try to find out why.  If the pot you put it in is much bigger than the old pot, the plant may not like it because its roots don't fit like they used to.  The new pot should be close to the same size as the old pot.  Make sure that there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot.  The symptoms you describe suggest that the plant is not getting enough water.  When you water the plant, make sure that you give it enough water that the water runs out of the bottom, but don't let the pot stand in water.  If the soil in the pot is very different that the old soil, the plant may have trouble adjusting.  Most plants are not so picky, but when you have one that you treasure, it is worth the effort to try to make it happy.  I also just had a brainstorm!  Why not try some root stimulator?  You can get it at most nurseries and garden shops.  You mix it with water according to the directions, and pour it on the plant's soil.  It will often give that added boost to help the plant start growing again.  I hope that I have given you some help that you can use Patricia.  Please let me know how the coffee plant is doing and if it isn't better soon, then I will see what else I can come up with.  By the way, your English is excellent, I only wish my Italian were as good.  I had a coffee plant years ago when I was a young girl, and it didn't survive.  I always wanted to try again, so I look forward to hearing that your coffee plant is better.  Best wishes and Happy New Year to you as well. Melissa