Coffee Plants: Understanding the Science, Culture, and Feng Shui of this beloved plant

Arabica is the most widely grown and consumed variety of coffee due to its delicate flavor and high quality. Robusta and Liberica are less common, but they are still grown and consumed in some regions.

Coffee Plants: Understanding the Science, Culture, and Feng Shui of this beloved plant
Coffee Plant

Coffee is a beloved drink around the world, enjoyed for its rich flavor and energizing properties. But did you know that the coffee tree, which produces the beans for our beloved brew, has its own unique meanings and uses?

The coffee plant is often associated with energy, focus, and determination.  The lush, green leaves of the coffee tree are said to symbolize the energy and vitality that comes with a fresh cup of coffee, while the delicate white flowers represent the focus and determination needed to achieve one's goals.

In the practice of feng shui, the coffee tree is believed to bring positive energy and good luck to the home or office. It is said that placing a coffee tree in the east sector of a room will bring in the energy of the wood element, promoting growth, health, and wealth.

History and Origin of Coffee

The scientific name for the coffee plant is Coffea, and it belongs to the Rubiaceae family and the Coffea genus. The coffee plant is believed to have originated in the highlands of Ethiopia in Africa, and it is now cultivated in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam.

The spread of coffee throughout the Islamic world began in the 13th century, and it was used as a beverage some 200 years later. Some historians say that the Arabian physician Rhaeses discovered the medicinal properties of coffee in the 9th century and it was named "Bankam" at this time. It was then recognized by Muslim Sheikh Omar as a drink, and it was highly regarded by the Islamic world.

In the 16th century, coffee was introduced to India, and it was first cultivated on the island of Java by the Dutch East India Company in 1700. This marked the beginning of large-scale agricultural production of coffee, and it was soon consumed with sugar by Western powers.  

This led to the widespread consumption of coffee outside of Arabia and the Middle East, and it has since become a popular drink around the world.

Types of Coffee Plants

There are many different types of coffee plants, each with their own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.

The most common types of coffee include:

  • Arabica: This is the most popular type of coffee, known for its delicate flavor and low acidity. Arabica coffee beans are grown at high elevations (between 600 to 2000 meters above sea level) and are considered to be of higher quality than robusta beans.
  • Robusta (Coffea canephora): This type of coffee is known for its strong, bitter flavor and high caffeine content. Robusta coffee is typically grown at lower elevations and is considered to be of lower quality than Arabica beans.
  • Liberica: This is a rare type of coffee that is known for its unique, fruity flavor and high caffeine content. Liberica coffee is typically grown in Southeast Asia and is not as widely available as Arabica or Robusta beans.

Regarding the production volume of coffee beans, it is said that 60-70% are Arabica, 2-3% are Robusta, and only 0.10% are Liberica. Arabica is the most widely grown and consumed variety of coffee due to its delicate flavor and high quality. Robusta and Liberica are less common, but they are still grown and consumed in some regions.

So the next time you savor your cup of coffee, remember the rich history and symbolism of the coffee tree that brought you that delicious brew.

Coffee Plant

Growth and Flowering schedule of the Coffee plant (Coffea)

Coffea is a tropical evergreen shrub, and it can grow up to 30 feet tall in the wild, but it is typically pruned to around 8-10 feet tall for easier harvesting.

The plant produces small white flowers with a jasmine-like scent within 3 to 5 years after germination, and then it produces fruit called coffee cherries that contain the coffee beans.  The flowering period is very short, typically lasting only 2 days and occurs between May and June.

After the flowers have bloomed, small green fruit will begin to appear on the tree. These fruit, known as coffee cherries, will take about 9 to 10 months to mature and will turn red or reddish-purple when they are ripe.

Some varieties of coffee tree may produce fruit that turns yellow when it is ripe. The flesh of the ripe fruit is sweet and edible. The coffee beans are the seeds inside the fruit called coffee cherries, which are picked when they are mature and red or reddish-purple color. The beans are then processed and roasted to bring out the flavors and aromas that we associate with coffee.

Using Coffee Plants in Feng Shui

In feng shui, the coffee tree is believed to bring positive energy and good luck to the home or office.  Some of the main effects include:

  • Enhancing relaxation: The glossy green leaves of the coffee tree are said to emit a yin energy, which is associated with calmness and relaxation. The downward-facing leaves of the coffee tree are said to have a calming effect, helping to heal daily fatigue and create a space where you can relax.
  • Blessing with children: According to feng shui, plants with red fruits are said to be blessed with children. The coffee tree also bears red berries, so it is said to be good for promoting fertility and increasing the chances of having children.
  • Luck in love: The round leaves of the coffee tree are said to have the power to attract good relationships. In addition, the downward-facing leaves of the coffee tree are said to have the meaning of a harmonious family. By decorating the coffee tree, you can create a wonderful home and romance in a relaxing space.

Best places to keep Coffee plant (Feng Shui)

  1. Living room Entrance

The glossy green leaves of the coffee tree are said to emit a yin energy, which is associated with calmness and relaxation. For this reason, it is recommended to place a coffee tree in the living room as it can help create a peaceful and soothing environment for anyone that enters your house.

The entrance is considered to be the entrance of energy, and it is said that both good and bad luck enter from here. Placing a coffee tree in the entrance of the living room will help to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, which is believed to attract wealth and financial prosperity.

  1. Bedroom and Workspace

Decorating your bedroom with a coffee plant can improve your health. The bedroom is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate, while the living room is where you spend the most time in your home. Having a coffee tree in these areas is said to have a calming effect, which can help to improve overall health and well-being.

For remote workers, placing a coffee plant in your workspace can also help to create a calm and relaxing environment, which is believed to promote career success and opportunities for advancement.

Whatever you do, do not place this plant in the toilet!

In feng shui, it is not recommended to place a coffee tree in the toilet. The toilet is a place where negative energy is believed to accumulate, and placing a coffee tree in this area is said to make the atmosphere darker and darker. It is not appropriate to place the coffee tree in a place where it may not thrive and where it may not bring positive energy.

Common Coffee Plant Problems

Droopy Leaves on Coffee Plants

Coffee Plant Droopy Leaves

So you've noticed that your coffee plant's leaves are drooping down and you're quite concerened. Well the truth is, there could be a few reasons why it's happening.

First of all, it could be that your plant is simply thirsty. Make sure to check the soil moisture and give it a drink of water if it's dry. Overwatering can also cause droopy leaves, so be sure to not give it too much water.

Another reason could be that your plant is not getting enough sunlight. Coffee plants need a decent amount of sunlight to thrive, so make sure to place it in a location where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light. I suppose that's why Feng Shui says you shouldn't keep this plant in the toilet ha!

Lastly, it could be a sign of transplant shock. If you've recently moved your plant to a new location or pot, it may take a bit of time for it to adjust and for the leaves to perk up again. Just be patient and give it some time to recover.

Final thoughts

It's important to keep in mind that the feng shui effects of the coffee tree are part of traditional beliefs and not scientifically proven. Ultimately, the most important thing is to take care of the plant and place it in a location where it can thrive and bring joy to the household.

It's a good idea to place the coffee tree in a location where it can receive direct sunlight, where it will be easy to take care of it, and where it will look good. (Just avoid the toilet)