Are you a coffee lover who also happens to be a green thumb? Have you ever wondered which are coffee-loving houseplants? As a good source of nitrogen and organic matter, coffee grounds can be a great addition to your potting mix.
But hang on, don’t pour your black coffee onto your plants just yet. There are some specific ways to use coffee grounds for the best results.
Table of Contents
Why Coffee Grounds? The Nutritional Perks for Houseplants
Before we delve into the specific houseplants that love coffee grounds, let’s understand why these grounds are an excellent choice for your green companions. Coffee grounds contain essential nutrients that can benefit your houseplants in multiple ways.
1. Nitrogen Boost
Spent coffee grounds have about 2% nitrogen1, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf development and vibrant green foliage.
2. Acidic Environment
Many houseplants thrive in slightly acidic soil conditions. Coffee grounds have a pH of around 6.5, making them ideal for acid-loving plants such as African violets and azaleas.
3. Slow Release
Coffee grounds gradually release nutrients, nourishing your plants over time.
Now that we understand the benefits of coffee grounds let’s explore some houseplants that would be delighted to have a sprinkle of coffee goodness.
15 Coffee-Loving Houseplants
When it comes to houseplants, not all of them are fans of coffee grounds. Some plants thrive in soil enriched with coffee grounds, while others may not appreciate the additional acidity.
Here are 15 houseplants that generally enjoy the benefits of coffee grounds:
1. Christmas Cactus
Treat your cactus twice weekly with coffee-enriched water. Combined with sufficient light, it will help the plant thrive and aid in flowering. Coffee grounds are often used to revive dying Christmas Cacti.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas produce stunning blooms when grown in acidic soil. Coffee grounds contribute to the desired acidity level, producing more vibrant and colorful flowers.
3. African Violets
This charming flowering plant is a huge fan of nitrogen and acid, so you can use a solution of coffee and water for the best growth. FYI, African violets don’t really like strong or direct fertilizers, and coffee could potentially harm them. I recommend using a specialized African Violet fertilizer instead.
4. Azalea
This plant is quite popular for its beautiful flowers, and coffee grounds will ensure it blooms profusely. Just keep it near a south or west-facing window in your home, and the plant will thrive indoors.
5. Ferns
Ferns love coffee grounds! They can be used in various ways: as a component of compost, as organic fertilizer, mixed with mulch, in the form of compost tea, or added to the potting mix when repotting. Coffee grounds should not be used for seedlings.
6. Miniature Roses
Most rose species, including miniature roses, like nitrogen and acidic soil, and coffee grounds provide that, which encourages flowering. Alternatively, you can use half a cup of black coffee per plant once every 2-3 weeks.
7. Philodendron
This houseplant offers various indoor varieties. Add coffee grounds to the potting mix or sprinkle a solution of coffee and water for lush growth.
8. Jade Plant
You can use coffee grounds to fertilize jade plants either by sprinkling them around the plant base or making a spray with equal parts coffee and water. Fertilize every 2-3 months during spring and summer, and adjust if you notice signs of slow growth or nutrient deficiency2.
9. Snake Plants
This low-maintenance plant enjoys an occasional coffee treat. Make a solution of 2 parts coffee to 3 parts water and sprinkle on the pot once every 3 weeks.
10. Golden Pothos
Pothos like occasional watering with black coffee. Alternatively, you can add coffee grounds into the potting soil while transplanting and watch the plant thrive long-term.
11. Cyclamen
You can aid in dense growth by watering the cyclamen frequently in the flowering season with water and coffee solution (see below). It’s also important to give your cyclamen indirect sunlight and maintain a moderate temperature to promote healthy and vigorous growth.
12. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants prefer a well-draining mix enriched with organic matter. Incorporating coffee grounds into the potting soil provides a nutrient-rich environment for these succulent beauties.
13. Spider Plants
Spider Plants are great for cleaning the air in your home. They thrive in slightly acidic conditions. Mixing a solution of one part coffee to three parts water can encourage their growth.
14. Peace Lilies
Peace lilies appreciate the organic matter provided by coffee grounds. Improve soil structure and promote healthy growth by mixing coffee grounds into the potting mix.
15. Bolivian Torch Cactus
The Bolivian Torch Cactus is rapid-growing houseplant cactus that thrives with coffee grounds as fertilizer. Adding coffee grounds to your fertilization routine helps nurture this special cactus. Water it twice weekly with coffee-infused water or mix used coffee grounds into the soil.
4 Coffee-Hating Houseplants
If you want to go Fatal Attraction on ex-boyfriend’s houseplants, make sure he has one of the plants listed below before you sneak in while he’s away using the key he forgot he gave you.
1. Lavender
Lavender plants thrive in full sun, with hot, dry, sandy, and non-acidic soil. The increased acidity from the coffee grounds can hinder their growth.
2. Orchids
Orchids can’t break down the nitrogen found in coffee grounds. Also, using coffee grounds as mulch for orchids can cause root rot because orchid roots can’t absorb nitrogen.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary plants don’t like acidic soil, so using coffee grounds isn’t a great idea. But, if you mix the coffee grounds with water, they can give the plants some nutrients without making the soil too acidic3.
4. Cactus
Certain cacti need well-draining soil with a balance of organic and inorganic materials. Adding coffee grounds can upset this balance and hinder cactus growth. However, it’s important to know that both the Christmas Cactus and the Bolivian Torch Cactus prefer nitrogen-rich soil.
House Plant Fertilization Guide
Here’s a table that breaks down the 15 coffee-loving house plants, how to apply coffee grounds as a fertilizer, and how often to do so.
| Plant | Fertilization Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Cactus | Water w/ coffee fertilizer tea | Twice a week |
| Hydrangeas | Mix coffee grounds into soil | 2-3 times a year |
| African Violets | Mix coffee grounds into soil | Every few months |
| Azalea | Mix coffee grounds into soil | Twice a month (spring & summer) |
| Ferns | Water w/ coffee fertilizer tea | Biweekly (growing season), Monthly (Fall), None (Winter) |
| Miniature Roses | Water with 1/2 cup black coffee | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Philodendron | Mix coffee grounds into soil or water w/ coffee fertilizer tea | As needed |
| Jade Plant | Mix coffee grounds into soil or spray w/ coffee fertilizer tea | As needed |
| Snake Plants | Water with 2:3 coffee to water solution | Every 3 weeks |
| Golden Pothos | Water with coffee fertilizer tea or mix coffee grounds into soil | Occasionally |
| Cyclamen | Water with 1:2 coffee to water solution | Once or twice a week |
| Aloe Vera | Water with coffee fertilizer tea | Frequently (flowering season) |
| Spider Plants | Mix coffee grounds into soil | Alternate months |
| Peace Lilies | Mix coffee grounds into soil | Monthly |
| Bolivian Torch Cactus | Water with coffee fertilizer tea or mix coffee grounds into soil | Twice a week |
How do I fertilize my houseplants with coffee grounds?
Here are 4 of the most common methods for safely fertilizing your beloved houseplants using spent coffee grounds.
1: Make a Coffee Fertilizer Tea
If you’re looking for an excellent way to give your indoor plants an extra boost, you can brew coffee grounds to create a liquid fertilizer. Simply steep the coffee grounds in water for a few days, strain the mixture, and dilute it with water.
How to make coffee fertilizer:
- Gather 2 cups of spent coffee grounds.
- Combine the coffee grounds with 2 gallons of water.
- Mix the two together well.
- Pour the mixture around the soil of your plants.
You can use this organic fertilizer once a month to provide your plants with a nutrient-rich drink.
2: Add Coffee Grounds to your compost
Coffee grounds are also a valuable addition to your compost pile. When added to a compost bin or pile, coffee grounds contribute to the decomposition process and enrich the resulting compost with essential nutrients.
Incorporating coffee grounds into your compost will create a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that can be used in your garden to nourish a wide range of plants.
3: Mix Coffee Grounds directly into Potting Soil
You can mix spent coffee grounds in small amounts into your potting soil. Use a quarter cup of grounds for every 4 to 6 cups of potting soil when repotting plants.
For existing plants, work a teaspoon or two (depending on the plant’s size) into the soil’s top surface area. Make sure to blend it in well to stop the soil from soaking up too much water in one place.
4: Sprinkle Dry Coffee Grounds onto the soil
Spread the coffee grounds on a tray or newspaper and let them dry completely. Once dry, sprinkle the coffee grounds onto the soil or mix them with compost before applying them to your plants.
Which outdoor plants like coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are acidic and can be used to adjust the pH of your soil, favoring plants that prefer acidic conditions. Here are some outdoor plants that like coffee grounds:
| Flowering Perennials | Fruits | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Azaleas | Blueberries | Cabbage |
| Camellia | Cranberries | Carrots |
| Hydrangeas | Gooseberries | Parsley |
| Lilies | Wild Strawberries | Peppers |
| Rhododendrons | Potatoes | |
| Roses | Radishes |
Troubleshooting & Tips
Here are some common issues that will come up in your coffee fertilizing journey.
Avoid Using Flavored Coffees
Please remember that not all coffee grounds are the same. Avoid using flavored coffees or coffees with artificial ingredients on houseplants, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can harm plants. Instead, it’s best to stick with the grounds from plain coffee, whether regular or decaffeinated.
Only use spent coffee grounds
Also, it’s essential to note that we’re referring to spent coffee grounds, not fresh, un-brewed ones. Fresh coffee grounds are more acidic and can upset the balance of the soil’s PH levels. The brewing process reduces the acidic level in coffee grounds significantly.
Dealing with Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats can be a common problem for indoor gardeners. These tiny insects thrive in moist soil conditions and can infest your houseplants. However, coffee grounds can help combat fungus gnats.
The caffeine in coffee is toxic to these pests, and when added to the soil, it can deter them from laying their eggs and prevent their population from growing.
Preventing Root Rot with Coffee Grounds
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that can be fatal to your houseplants. Coffee grounds, when used in moderation, can help improve soil drainage and prevent excessive water retention. This particularly benefits plants that prefer well-draining soil, such as succulents and snake plants.
Caution: Simply dumping coffee grounds on the soil surface of any indoor plant is not a good idea. Coffee grounds retain a lot of moisture, and if placed directly on the soil surface, they can oversaturate a plant’s root system, leading to root rot and other issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use coffee grounds directly on my houseplants?
Yes, coffee grounds can be used directly on houseplants. However, it is recommended to use them in moderation and mix them into the soil or apply them as a top dressing to avoid potential issues with water retention or excessive acidity.
Can I use coffee grounds from decaf coffee?
Yes, regular and decaf coffee grounds can be used for your houseplants. The caffeine content in coffee grounds is not the primary factor for their beneficial effects on plant growth.
Can I fertilize my plants with coffee grounds from espresso or French press coffee?
Absolutely! Coffee grounds from any coffee brewing method can be used for your houseplants. The coffee grounds themselves contain beneficial organic matter and nutrients, regardless of the brewing technique.
How often should I apply coffee grounds to my houseplants?
It’s best to use coffee grounds sparingly and not overdo it. Applying coffee grounds once a month or as a top dressing every few months should be sufficient to provide your plants with the benefits of organic matter and nutrients.
Can I use coffee grounds for outdoor plants as well?
Yes, coffee grounds can be used for both indoor and outdoor plants. They offer similar benefits regarding organic matter, nutrient content, and soil conditioning.
Are there any houseplants that don’t like coffee grounds?
While many houseplants benefit from coffee grounds, there are a few exceptions. Plants that prefer alkaline soil conditions, such as lily of the valley, may not appreciate the acidity introduced by coffee grounds. It’s always a good idea to research the specific needs of your plants before using coffee grounds as a fertilizer.
Summary
Coffee grounds can be an excellent natural fertilizer for certain houseplants, providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy growth. Snake plants, African violets, ZZ plants, jade plants, pothos, and spider plants are some examples of houseplants that generally enjoy the benefits of coffee grounds.
However, it’s crucial to use coffee grounds in moderation and avoid overdoing it, as excessive acidity can harm some plants. Remember to monitor your plants’ health and adjust the frequency of coffee ground application accordingly. So, if you have some coffee grounds lying around, why not give them to your houseplants and watch them thrive?!
