Why Do Coffee Tree Leaves Turn Brown & Fall Off?

Coffee trees require frost-free conditions to keep their leaves.

Coffee trees require frost-free conditions to keep their leaves.

Coffee, a favorite drink worldwide, is made possible thanks to the coffee shrub (Coffea arabica). Growing up to 15 feet tall, the evergreen shrub produces bright red berries that surround coffee beans, which can be roasted and brewed to create the caffeine-laden drink. If your coffee shrub is losing its leaves, the problem may be disease or environmental factors such as frost or scorch.


A native of Ethiopia, coffee grows naturally in subtropical and tropical climates. The plant does best in daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, leaves may die and drop when temperatures go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Coffee is only hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. If you live where it's borderline hardy, it may be helpful to plant the tree against a southern-facing wall to provide additional warmth.

Leaf Spot

Cercospora leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves, defoliation and reduced plant vigor. Spots may be surrounded by a light yellow halo, creating an eye-like appearance. Help manage the disease by removing all debris and fallen leaves from around the coffee plant, because they can continue to harbor the fungus. Prune to remove some inner branches and allow air to circulate through the canopy better. Remove weeds from around the plant; they contribute to a humid, fungus-inviting atmosphere.


Though the coffee shrub loves warmth, it doesn't like to be in direct sunlight. In exposed locations, leaves may turn brown and scorch, dropping prematurely in extreme instances. Though scorched leaves will never turn green again, you can help the shrub recover by providing adequate irrigation and moving it to a location with partial or dappled sunlight. Light shade is preferable to full sun. A little bit of scorch is normal during a particularly hot and windy summer.


Help prevent leaf problems by providing the plant with proper cultural conditions. Coffee does best in a well-draining, organically rich soil kept moist, but not waterlogged or flooded. A soil pH between 4.2 and 6.0 is ideal. Indoor plants require fast-draining potting soil and a bright spot in front of a window. To prevent leaf spot, you can apply a copper fungicide to the shrub's canopy, diluted with water as per label recommendations. You will generally need to spray once a month, starting when the tree flowers.

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