Liquids, dry powder, water-soluble granules, compost, coffee grounds — the list goes on. There’s so much to choose from when it comes to fertilizing your plants.
If you’re like us, you might love the idea of using leftover coffee grounds to help cultivate a rich, organic soil for your houseplants.
But, with so many organic options to help your plants thrive, how do you know what houseplants like coffee grounds, and what plants don’t?
It’s easy with our quick and comprehensive guide. We share what houseplants like coffee grounds, what the best type of coffee is for your plants, and the best way to use coffee to help perk up your favorite houseplants.
Coffee grounds can be used as a beneficial addition to the soil for certain houseplants. They provide nutrients and can help improve soil structure. Here are some houseplants that tend to enjoy the added nutrients of coffee grounds:
Several reasons exist for why certain houseplants like coffee grounds. Here are a few reasons your houseplants might like coffee grounds:
Not all plants benefit from or can tolerate the acidity of coffee grounds, so we’ve created a list of the top 8 most popular houseplants that like coffee grounds and the best way to use the grounds to your chosen plant’s benefit.
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African violets not only make a beautiful gift, but many people buy them to adorn their own homes because of the vibrant flowers and dense, dark green leaves.
They shine in any decor. Caring for them properly will help maintain their unique beauty for years to come.
To use coffee grounds for African violets, sprinkle a small amount of composted coffee grounds on the soil surface as a top dressing. Avoid direct contact with the plant's leaves and keep an eye on your plant after the first couple of applications.
The beloved pothos has become one of the most popular houseplants for its trailing foliage and striking dark green and light green leaves. Not to mention, it’s an excellent air purifier, making it both a gorgeous and healthy plant to adorn any home.
However, pothos enjoys coffee grounds in moderation, so be careful not to overdo it.
When using coffee grounds, compost them first and then sprinkle a conservative amount on the surface of the soil as a top dressing. Try not to make contact with the plant’s leaves or stems.
Snake plants have long been adored for their low-maintenance and care-free attitude — but that doesn’t mean they won’t thrive with a little extra love.
When using coffee grounds for your snake plant, compost them first and then blend the composted grounds into the first couple of inches of soil. You want to avoid creating concentrated layers. True to their form, snake plants only enjoy coffee grounds in moderation.
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Spider plant is another failsafe option for beginners because of how easy it is to grow and propagate. They’re also tolerant of neglect and can thrive in any conditions, but let’s face it, what living thing doesn’t appreciate a little special treatment now and again?
You can use coffee grounds to show your spidey that you care. Just be sure to compost the grounds first and then evenly distribute them into the top layer of soil. No need to go overboard, as spider plants don't need as much coffee as you do to survive, and try to avoid coming in direct contact with the leaves or stems.
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Philodendrons are among the most common and easy-to-maintain plants, especially for beginners. They’re troopers in low light and even power through some of the most neglectful environments. But that’s not to say you won’t be rewarded with years of beauty if you take the time to treat her well.
Philodendron does not need a cup of joe every day to get by. Simply compost your grounds and evenly mix it into the top layer of soil and watch how she reacts.
At first, you should see your plant thriving, but when growth slows down, this is when you’ll know to add a little more. Avoid making contact with the leaves and stems — soil only, please!
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Often associated with good luck, the jade plant is thought to bring good energy and attract wealth. We don’t know if this is true, but wouldn’t it be nice?
That said, many people avoid succulents because they’re worried about their care. Luckily, (see what we did there?) jade is quite resilient and easy to grow indoors.
When adding coffee grounds to jade, compost first and then be sure to mix them evenly into the soil. You want to avoid any concentrated areas of compost and use them sparingly to ensure the soil does not become too acidic.
Azalea is a crowd favorite, so if you want to keep yours looking healthy year-round, coffee grounds may help do the trick.
Azalea does better with compost coffee grounds. Once composted, sprinkle them as a mulch around the base of your azalea to provide slow-release acidity and nutrients.
Avoid piling the grounds against the plant's stem and monitor your plant’s health.
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When grown indoors, the Christmas cactus blooms in the winter due to long nights and cooler temperatures. It’s also a legend among succulents for its ability to live up to 100 years with the proper care! You’re going to have to put this one in your will. But, before you worry about that, let’s get to the part about proper care.
Generally, the Christmas cactus is a low-maintenance plant that likes a little misting every day and can benefit from a thin layer of composted coffee grounds on the surface of the soil.
The grounds will distribute nutrients naturally during regular waterings every one to two weeks. Try not to come in contact with the leaves or stems, but ensure the grounds are spread evenly.
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The best type of coffee to use on houseplants is unflavored decaf or regular, used, rinsed, and composted coffee grounds. When prepared and distributed according to your specific plant type, plain coffee grounds will provide many beneficial nutrients.
The three most common ways of applying coffee grounds to your plant’s soil for added nutrition are as follows:
For the most part, coffee grounds should be used in moderation. Always rinse and compost them before application to minimize the risk of over-acidifying the soil or causing any adverse effects on your houseplants.
Monitoring your plants' health and adjusting your coffee ground use accordingly is essential for their well-being.
When it comes to what houseplants like coffee grounds and which ones don’t, the list can be quite extensive. Adding coffee grounds to the wrong house plant can be a lethal mistake, and we’d hate to see that happen.
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