Arabian Coffee Plant Plant Care

Arabian Coffee Plant (Xerotia arabica) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Xerotia genus. Arabian Coffee Plant is native to Yemen and Oman in the southern Arabian Peninsula.

Arabian Coffee Plant displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Arabian Coffee Plant produces small, star-shaped flowers in white or pink clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arabian Coffee Plant every 7–10 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.

Arabian Coffee Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Xerotia arabica tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Arabian Coffee Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Arabian Coffee Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Arabian 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arabian Coffee Plant is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Arabian 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 Arabian 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.

Arabian Coffee Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Arabian Coffee Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

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Arabian Coffee Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, root knot nematodes. 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.

Arabian Coffee Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Arabian Coffee Plant is native to Yemen and Oman in the southern Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Arabian Coffee Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.