Can I put coffee grounds in my houseplants?
Summary In case you were wondering too, “Are coffee grounds good for houseplants? The answer is definitely yes! Coffee grounds can be a wonderful source of nutrients that will help your houseplants grow and thrive. They’re also eco-friendly, not to mention free! Used grounds rot down well, and homemade compost is superb for improving soil and growing healthy plants. While applying coffee grounds directly onto the soil around most plants is usually fine, this should be done with care and moderation, as using grounds in this way is never a one-method-fits-all approach.You can put a lot and be ok. Coffee grounds are about 2% nitrogen. In other words, coffee grounds are equivalent to a 2-0-0 fertilizer. General nitrogen application is 1/4 to 1/2 lb per 100 sq ft of soil surface, all at once.You don’t just indiscriminately “fertilize” plants with coffee grounds. Some plants like them; some plants don’t. Better to mix the grounds in with compost and, depending on which types of plants, which size, and which placement, boost the underlying soil with a bit every month or two.Here’s something to buzz about: using coffee grounds to enrich houseplants can be a win-win. First, recycling this widespread by-product of caffeine consumption means a little less waste ends up in the landfill. Secondly, coffee grounds can improve soil quality and act as a fertilizer for some plants.Which indoor plants like coffee grounds the most? Plants that enjoy slightly acidic, nitrogen-rich soil tend to respond best. This includes African violets, peace lilies, pothos, philodendrons, spider plants, and miniature roses. Use composted grounds or diluted coffee water sparingly.
Which houseplants do not like coffee grounds?
However, there are some plants that you should avoid using coffee grounds on. Plants that prefer alkaline soil, like lavender and lilacs, can be harmed by the acidity of coffee grounds. Plants that are sensitive to caffeine, such as geraniums and some herbs, can also be affected by the presence of coffee grounds. In most cases, the grounds are too acidic to be used directly on soil, even for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and hollies. Coffee grounds inhibit the growth of some plants, including geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass.Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can be harmful to some plants. Caffeine acts as a natural pesticide, which can inhibit growth, particularly for seedlings and young plants. This is especially true for plants that are sensitive to caffeine and tolerate acidic soil poorly.Rodents do not like the smell of most products containing caffeine, and they typically won’t bother with coffee grounds in any form. This general aversion to coffee smells is one of the reasons it’s perfectly safe to throw your used coffee grounds into your compost heap.However, there are some plants that you should avoid using coffee grounds on. Plants that prefer alkaline soil, like lavender and lilacs, can be harmed by the acidity of coffee grounds. Plants that are sensitive to caffeine, such as geraniums and some herbs, can also be affected by the presence of coffee grounds.
Is coffee bad for houseplants?
You should use coffee ground fertilizer for houseplants around once a week during the active growth season. If, however, you’re adding coffee grounds directly to plant soil, you should do so less frequently to avoid the soil becoming too acidic. Once or twice during your plant’s active growth season is recommended. Opt for used coffee grounds, instead of fresh. When considering using coffee grounds to fertilize your houseplants, we recommend sticking with used coffee grounds. This is because fresh grounds can be high in acidity and caffeine, which can have a negative impact on your houseplants.COFFEE GROUNDS FOR INDOOR PLANTS Houseplants can also benefit from the use of coffee grounds, though some may benefit more than others. Houseplants that prefer acid soil will be more receptive to coffee ground use. These include African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron.Studies have shown both positive and negative impacts of using coffee grounds on plants. While coffee grounds 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 also vary depending on their use.While many budding gardeners may be concerned that coffee grounds can attract pests, the reality is quite to the contrary. In fact, when implemented correctly, coffee grounds can be an effective way to repel certain pests such as wasps, snails, and mosquitoes.In my mind, that makes late winter/early Spring the best time to use coffee grounds as fertilizer for Spring blooming plants. Their buds were set long before, so adding nitrogen at that point will feed the plants without interfering with flowering.
Can I mix coffee grounds directly into soil?
Add to soil: Composted coffee grounds can be added directly to soil or potting mix to fertilize plants. Make sure to mix them in well. Use as a liquid fertilizer: A dilution of coffee grounds in water can be applied as a liquid fertilizer. Add 2 cups of coffee grounds to 5 gallons of water and allow to steep overnight. In a compost pile, mix three parts leaves to one part fresh grass clippings to one part coffee grounds by volume. Coffee filters can be composted as well. Turn the pile weekly and monitor for moisture. The compost should be ready in three to six months.
Is there a downside to using coffee grounds for plants?
Excess coffee grounds, if applied to the soil before composting, have multiple effects on the soil system. In addition to microorganisms tying up nitrogen temporarily, the caffeine residues in the spent coffee grounds can suppress germination and slow the growth of some plants. When using coffee grounds as a soil amendment, Brewer recommends working in a half inch to a depth of 4 inches. If used as a mulch on top of the soil, a layer of leaves or bark mulch helps keep the grounds from drying out and repelling water.Coffee grounds or banana peel fertilizer are great starting points; they’re simple, safe, and effective for most common houseplants.Don’t just pour it down the drain — you can use it to fertilize your plants, both indoor and outdoor. Coffee grounds (and brewed coffee) are a source of nitrogen for plants, producing healthy green growth and strong stems. Coffee also contains calcium and magnesium — both of which are beneficial to plant health.Just sprinkle dry used coffee grounds on the soil around acid loving plants. I use leftover coffee when possible. The plants love it. Best to test day soil 1st before adding coffee coffee is acidic.
How much coffee grounds to put in potted plants?
Too much of a good thing is possible, particularly for plants potted in containers. We recommend using about a teaspoon of coffee grounds per gallon of water. Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can be harmful to some plants. Caffeine acts as a natural pesticide, which can inhibit growth, particularly for seedlings and young plants. This is especially true for plants that are sensitive to caffeine and tolerate acidic soil poorly.Do not sprinkle more than a thin layer around your plants, or the coffee grounds can become impenetrable, preventing water from getting into the soil. If you evenly sprinkle coffee grounds around the plants once a week or so, the amount will likely be okay.Coffee is a great fertilizer for plants. Coffee contains some of the same nutrients that are good for us too, like nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The nitrogen in coffee helps plants to produce greener, stronger and healthier stems. So reuse those grounds—not the actual cup of coffee sitting on your desk.Acidic-loving plants such as azaleas, blueberries, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and roses will benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds around the base of plants. Vegetable crops that may benefit from coffee grounds include carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, and radishes.You can add cinnamon and soda water to coffee grounds to create a more effective fertilizer for your garden. Cinnamon is a natural antifungal agent and can help to prevent fungal growth in your soil. This is especially useful if you live in an area with high humidity, which can promote fungal growth.