Abyssinian coffee plant Plant Care

Abyssinian coffee plant (Hypagophytum abyssinicum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Hypagophytum genus. Abyssinian coffee plant is native to Eritrea and Ethiopia. Abyssinian coffee plant is also known as Ethiopian coffee.

Abyssinian coffee plant displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Abyssinian coffee plant produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Abyssinian coffee plant every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Abyssinian coffee plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Abyssinian coffee plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hypagophytum abyssinicum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Abyssinian coffee plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Sandy, well-draining succulent mix with pumice and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Abyssinian coffee plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Abyssinian coffee plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and sandy, well-draining succulent mix with pumice and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Abyssinian coffee plant is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Abyssinian coffee plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Abyssinian coffee plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Abyssinian coffee plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Abyssinian coffee plant can be propagated through leaf cuttings, offsets, division.

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Abyssinian coffee plant is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, root mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Abyssinian coffee plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Abyssinian coffee plant is native to Eritrea and Ethiopia. In cooler regions, grow Abyssinian coffee plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.