Many gardeners (myself included!) appreciate brewing coffee and tossing their used grounds into their pots of plants. Coffee grounds are an organic fertilizer.
They contain nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are every plant’s requirement. Not only this, they also provide organic matter to soil and enhance the soil’s ability to aerate and hold moisture.
With moderation, coffee grounds can accelerate growth for acid-loving houseplants. So, in this guide, we will tell you about 9 common houseplants that love coffee grounds. Let’s begin!
9 Common Houseplants That Love Coffee Grounds
1 – Spider Plant
Spider Plants are resilient, air-purifying favorites that adore the occasional coffee treat. Their slightly acidic soil preference makes coffee grounds a perfect match for promoting vibrant growth and those iconic cascading baby “spiderettes.”
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Enhances soil acidity (ideal for pH 6.0–7.2).
- Provides nitrogen for leaf growth.
- Improves drainage in potting mix.
How to Use: Mix 1–2 tbsp of dried coffee grounds into the soil monthly, or dilute brewed coffee (cooled) with water (1:4 ratio) for watering.
Tip: Avoid overapplication, too much acidity can cause brown leaf tips. Rinse grounds to remove excess caffeine.
2 – Snake Plant
Snake Plants love neglect but can benefit from a sprinkle of coffee grounds occasionally. Snake Plants grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils, so coffee is a safe addition to their diet.
Here are some benefits of using coffee grounds:
- Slow-release nitrogen that will promote consistent growth.
- Will deter fungus gnats.
- They will aerate the soil.
How to Use: Simply sprinkle a thin layer of dried coffee grounds on top of the soil every 6–8 weeks.
Note: Snake Plants are drought-tolerant and require little water, therefore, after applying grounds, only add a tiny amount of water to prevent the risk of root rot.
3 – Pothos
Pothos is the ultimate trailing plant. The nitrogen in coffee grounds will keep the leaves nice and shiny. Pothos clutter grows best in compost matter, it does not have a necessary pH range.
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Encourages fuller, bushier vines.
- Composted grounds prevent soil compaction.
- Adds trace minerals like calcium.
How to Use: Mix composted coffee grounds into potting soil (1 part grounds to 3 parts soil) during repotting.
Tip: For faster growth, combine coffee grounds with indirect light and monthly liquid fertilizer.
4 – Peace Lily
Peace Lilies like slightly acidic soil and coffee grounds fit the bill. The additional nutrients help with sustaining their dark green leaves and white flowers.
They are beneficial because:
- Helps with magnesium production for photosynthesis.
- Prevents leaves from turning yellow.
- Helps support spectacular blooming.
Here’s how to use them: Every 2–3 months’ time add to your soil a handful of composted ground.
Tip: Use with filtered water when possible to make sure you are not putting chlorine in the soil because it will negate what the coffee does for the plants.
5 – African Violets
These delicate bloomers crave acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5), and coffee grounds deliver just that. The added potassium helps sustain their iconic purple, pink, or white flowers.
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Enhances flower vibrancy.
- Strengthens root systems.
- Prevents alkaline soil buildup.
How to Use: Steep used grounds in water for 24 hours, then strain and use the liquid to water weekly.
Tip: Avoid wetting leaves, water from the base to prevent spotting.
6 – Philodendron
Philodendrons are a favored type of tropical plants that are lush, easy to maintain vining or upright plants with large green leaves. They will grow well in medium light and will benefit from occasional feeding. Philodendrons prefer a slightly acid to neutral soil and good drainage. Also, they are fast growers and like a high-nitrogen environment. Coffee grounds offer a mild fertilizer aid, which helps to develop larger leaves and stronger vines.
Reasons They Like Coffee Grounds:
- Promotes a rapid rate of leaves.
- Helps deter soil pests.
How to Use: Incorporate dried grounds into the top inch of soil each month.
Tip: Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth once a month to dispense maximum photosynthesis.
7 – Aloe Vera
Aloe prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. While it doesn’t require loads of fertilizers, coffee ground fertilizers can help build up nutrients in depleted soils.
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Adds potassium for strong cell walls.
- Enhances drainage in sandy soils.
- Reduces soil salinity over time.
How to Use: Add a spoonful of grounds to the potting mix when repotting.
Tip: Aloe loves bright light, pair coffee grounds with 6–8 hours of sunlight.
8 – Christmas Cactus
This festive succulent blooms best in slightly acidic soil. Coffee grounds provide a mild nutrient kick without overwhelming its delicate roots.
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Encourages prolific flowering.
- Prevents alkaline tap water effects.
- Boosts organic matter in soil.
How to Use: Apply a thin layer of composted grounds in early fall to prepare for blooming.
Tip: Reduce watering in winter, in order to replicate its natural dormancy.
9 – Boston Fern
Boston Ferns crave humidity and acidic soil. Coffee grounds help maintain both, keeping their fronds lush and green.
Why They Love Coffee Grounds:
- Maintains soil pH around 5.0–6.5.
- Adds iron to prevent yellowing.
- Boosts microbial activity in soil.
How to Use: Mix grounds into the soil monthly or add to mulch.
Tip: Mist leaves weekly and keep in indirect light for best results.
Conclusion
To sum up, we can say that if you have any of the above 9 common houseplants that love coffee grounds in your home, this article was for you. Coffee grounds are a free and sustainable food source for acid-loving houseplants, such as Spider Plants or Boston Ferns. Coffee grounds as a fertilizer can be a great tool. Remember that moderation is important. Start small. See how your plant reacts. And soon enough you’ll be brewing pots of coffee for yourself and for your plants!