Origin
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora, commonly known as dwarf Congo coffee or Kivu coffee, is a small coffee shrub that is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. It grows at elevations between 1,000-1,600 meters above sea level in the Kivu region.
Common Names
Aside from dwarf Congo coffee or Kivu coffee, the Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora is also known as the Congo dwarf coffee or Kivu dwarf coffee.
Uses
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora is harvested for its coffee beans, which are processed into coffee. The coffee has a great taste and aroma, with floral notes and hints of berries. It is known for its sweetness and low acidity. It is also used as an ornamental plant for landscaping.
General Appearance
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora is a small, evergreen coffee shrub that reaches a height of 1-2 meters. It has long, thin branches that are covered with glossy, dark green leaves. The plant bears small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit is a small, reddish-purple coffee cherry that contains two seeds or beans. The plant is popular for its compact size and is suitable for small gardens and container planting.
Light Requirements
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora typically flourishes in partial shade conditions. It requires a filtered light environment, making it a perfect indoor option if the light is not too intense. This plant can thrive well in indirect sunlight, so it is best to keep it near windows.
Temperature Requirements
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora can grow comfortably in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can withstand slightly low temperatures but is sensitive to frost. Therefore, it is essential to keep it away from any drafts, windows, or vents that could cause sudden temperature changes or expose it to cold weather.
Soil Requirements
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora prefers acidic soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It has shallow roots and requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A mix of peat and perlite or vermiculite suits the plant's growth requirements. Additionally, care should be taken not to over-fertilize the soil, as it can result in burning the plant's roots.
Cultivation Methods
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora plants prefer a humid and warm climate with well-drained soil. They grow best in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. It is recommended to grow them in large pots or containers because they can grow up to 3 meters in height.Watering Needs
These plants require consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The ideal way to water Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora plants is to water deeply and allow excess water to drain out of the pot.Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth and development, fertilize your Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora plants regularly. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, and reduce the amount during the winter months. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can burn the roots of the plant.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of your Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora plant. It is recommended to prune in spring or early summer before the flowering season. Prune the branches that are weak, damaged, or overcrowded to promote healthy growth and development. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant at a time.Propagation of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds must be collected from ripe fruit as soon as possible. Remove the pulp by washing the seeds in clean water. Dry the seeds in a cool and dry place. Sow the seeds in a sterilized, well-drained growth medium. Keep the medium moist but not wet. Seeds will germinate in 2-3 months. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they have developed their second pair of leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Take cuttings from healthy, mature plants in the early morning. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained growth medium and keep the medium moist. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area. Roots will develop in 3-4 months. Transplant the cutting into individual pots when they have developed their second pair of leaves.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is commonly used for Coffea species. The most common rootstock used for Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora is Coffea arabica. Take a cutting from the desired variety and another from the rootstock. The cutting from the desired variety is called the scion, and the cutting from the rootstock is called the stock. Make a slanting cut on both the scion and the stock. Join the cut surfaces of the scion and stock and bind them together firmly with grafting tape. Keep the graft union in a humid environment until the scion and stock have healed. Transplant the grafted plant into a larger pot when it has developed roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora is generally a hardy plant, but like any other plant species, it is not immune to diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management are necessary to ensure the health and vitality of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Coffea sessiliflora and how to manage them.
Diseases
Coffee Leaf Rust - Coffee Leaf Rust is a fungal disease that affects Coffea species, including Coffea sessiliflora. It appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into large rust-colored patches. The best management practice is to remove and destroy any diseased leaves and spray a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
Brown Eye Spot - Brown Eye Spot is caused by a fungus and appears as small brown spots with yellow haloes on the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying any infected leaves, pruning to encourage air circulation and applying a copper-based fungicide.
Anthracnose - Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and twigs of the plant. The best management strategy is to remove and destroy infected leaves and twigs, improve drainage to prevent waterlogging, and spray a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer - Coffee Berry Borer is an insect pest that bores into the coffee berries, causing them to rot. The best management practice is to remove any infected berries and dispose of them properly. Place pheromone traps around the plantation to attract and kill the adult borers.
Coffee White Stem Borer - Coffee White Stem Borer is another insect pest that bores into the stem of the coffee plant. It weakens the plant and reduces yields. Infected branches should be pruned and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a systemic insecticide to manage the pest.
Coffee Mealybug - Coffee Mealybug is a pest that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. It weakens the plant and reduces yields. The best management practice is to remove and destroy affected leaves and spray the plant with a neem-based pesticide.
Regular monitoring of the Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora plantation and timely application of the appropriate management strategies can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Always follow the instructions on the pesticide label and wear protective gear when spraying chemicals.
