Do Houseplants Benefit From Coffee Grinds?

Coffee grounds have both positive and negative impacts on plants. While they contain nutrients that can benefit plant growth, they also contain chemicals that inhibit growth in certain plants. The effects of using coffee grounds on plants vary depending on their use.

Coffee grounds are eco-friendly and can reduce pollution by reducing the amount of waste disposed of in landfills. They are an effective houseplant fertilizer due to their high nitrogen content, which is essential for plant growth. Coffee grounds also contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals that are necessary for plant growth.

However, not all plants like old coffee grounds. Some houseplants, such as snake plants, African violets, ZZ plants, jade plants, pothos, and others, prefer coffee grounds over coffee. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals, which are essential for plant growth. They also improve soil quality and act as a fertilizer for some plants.

However, coffee grounds can also contain chemicals that inhibit growth in certain plants. The reason for this is because they attract worms, which fertilize and aerate the soil. Directly applying coffee grounds to indoor plant soil can cause excessive moisture retention, fungal overgrowth, and even impair plant growth.

In addition to being beneficial for houseplants, coffee grounds can also improve garden soil by acting as a natural fertiliser by releasing nitrogen into the soil. Coffee grounds and brewed coffee are a source of nitrogen for plants, producing healthy green growth and strong stems.

How to use coffee grounds for indoor plants?

Coffee grounds can be used on houseplants in two ways: mixing them into the soil or diluting them with water to form liquid fertilizer. Mixing the grounds into the soil is essential as it creates a barrier to water and nutrients. Another option is to create liquid fertilizer from coffee grounds by diluting a teaspoon of grounds in a gallon of water, letting it steep for a couple of nights, and straining the liquid. This potion can be used to water and gently fertilize houseplants.

However, it is important to be cautious of misuse, as the acidity of the grounds can contribute to overly acidic soil, which may lead to root rot in some plants. Despite the potential benefits of coffee grounds, it is crucial to use them in moderation to avoid potential issues such as overly acidic soil and root rot.

Can I water my plants with coffee?

To create a liquid fertilizer using used coffee grounds, dilution is crucial. Use about a teaspoon of coffee grounds per gallon of water, ensuring not to overdose. Steep the mixture for a few nights, stirring occasionally. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth, and the remaining liquid can be used to water and gently fertilize houseplants. This method is especially beneficial for containers potted in containers.

What plants do not like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds should not be used on alkaline-loving trees like linden, ironwood, red chestnut, and arborvitae, as they can inhibit plant growth on geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard, and Italian ryegrass. Subscribe to receive weekly gardening and landscaping tips, agreeing to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and acknowledging that HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address for updates, ads, and offers.

What kind of plants do you put coffee grounds on?

Coffee grounds should be used instead of fresh ones for fertilizing houseplants as they can be high in acidity and caffeine, which can negatively impact plants. Most common houseplants prefer low to no acidity, while some acidity-loving plants can benefit from fresh grounds. To repurpose used coffee grounds into fertilizer, add them to your compost pile, which typically consists of vegetable peels, fruit skins, and other natural waste. Mix a small amount with potting soil and distribute among your plants when the compost is ready. This method is the most accepted and best for your plants.

How often should I put coffee grounds on plants?

The frequency of coffee grounds used on plants is crucial, but the amount is more important. Avoid spreading more than a thin layer to prevent impenetrable grounds. Evenly sprinkle coffee grounds once a week, as it can make the soil acidic, which can affect plants that prefer slightly alkaline soil, such as roses, chrysanthemums, and salvia. Research the soil pH preference of your plants before adding coffee grounds.

Can too much coffee grounds hurt plants?

To ensure healthy plants, use a small amount of compost or coffee grounds in your potting soil, as excessive amounts can cause foliage burn and nutrient toxicity. Compost is rich in organic matter and naturally retains water, so be mindful of the amount you mix and the frequency of watering your plants. If you’re interested in adding compost, consider adding coarse sand or perlite to the mix to reduce overwatering.

If you don’t compost at home, you can create a liquid fertilizer using used coffee grounds. The key is dilution, as too much can be harmful, especially for containers. Use about a teaspoon of coffee grounds per gallon of water and let the mixture steep for a few nights. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth, then use the remaining liquid to water and gently fertilize your houseplants.

Why are coffee grounds bad for plants?

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which suppresses plant growth by reducing competition for space, nutrients, water, and sunlight. The amount of caffeine in used grounds is debated, and some plants may be more sensitive to caffeine. It is advisable to avoid spreading coffee grounds around seeds or seedlings as they may inhibit germination and growth. Coffee grounds alone for mulching can be detrimental as they are fine particles that can clump together, creating a barrier that resists water penetration, leading to plant death. To avoid this, mix coffee grounds with other organic matter like compost or leafmold before using them as mulch or rake them into the top layer of soil to prevent clumping.

Can I throw coffee grounds in my potted plants?

Coffee grounds can be used for planting plants, but only composted grounds should be mixed into the soil as they have a higher acid and caffeine content, which may burn plant roots. Wet grounds discourage mold and compact the soil, impeding water and fertilizer delivery. Acidic-loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and roses can benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds around their base.

Vegetable crops like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, and radishes may also benefit from coffee grounds. However, the use of tomato plants is inconclusive. To prepare coffee grounds, ensure the soil is neutral to slightly acidic, and avoid wetting the grounds too much.

Do monstera like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds can be beneficial for indoor plants, especially those that prefer acid soil. African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron are more receptive to coffee grounds. Avoid using grounds on aloe vera, orchids, and pothos. To use, sprinkle a small amount of grounds directly in the pot or mix them into potting soil before planting. A liquid fertilizer made from water and coffee grounds can also be used to water plants.

Can I just sprinkle coffee grounds on plants?

Coffee grounds can be added to compost and soil, but they should be thoroughly incorporated by digging them in. To prevent soil from drying into a water-repellent crust, mix them with soil or cover them with mulch. Rake the mixture to prevent separate layers. For compost, many grounds are in lumps, which can remain there if not broken down. To break down the lumps, place a plastic nursery flat with small holes on the surface and crush them through the holes as you add them. This will help break down the grounds and prevent them from remaining in the compost for months.

What are the disadvantages of coffee grounds as fertilizer?

Coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer in gardens, but they can contain salts and mold, which can be harmful to plants. Salts build up in the soil over time, while mold attracts wet grounds, causing harm. Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Acidity, which is beneficial for plants like blueberries and roses, can benefit from the acidity of coffee grounds. Additionally, coffee grounds add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and water-holding capacity. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether using coffee grounds for plants is a good idea for your garden.