Editing Coffea arabica (section)

=== Soil and water ===

Use a deep, friable, well-drained soil with organic matter and a slightly acid to neutral reaction. A short taproot is accompanied by lateral roots that can extend deeply in suitable soil, while shallow fibrous roots occupy the upper layer; persistent saturation is therefore a poor fit, and mound planting is useful where flooding is likely. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

Water consistently during establishment, but do not keep the root zone waterlogged. In a container, a free-draining medium and a vessel large enough for the developing root system are more useful than frequent light watering in a compact, wet mix. The container recommendation follows the documented root distribution and drainage requirement rather than a fixed irrigation interval. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>