The Genius Way To Reuse Old Coffee Grounds For The Benefit Of Your Monstera Houseplant

While monstera (Monstera deliciosa) plants are usually easy to grow, even they might need a nutrient boost sometimes. Coffee grounds could be the simple and cheap answer, and all you have to do is upcycle them into a go-to fertilizer. Your monstera, sometimes called a Swiss cheese plant, will thank you.

Coffee grounds contain all the good things plants need, such as concentrations of the big three: Phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. They also bring carbon and other great additives to the soil, too. Indoor gardeners have been using coffee as houseplant food for awhile, but it should be given only to certain plants. Java tends to be a bit acidic, so you don't want to sprinkle it on plants that prefer alkaline soil. Monstera plants like soil pH between 5.5 and 7, so they're a great candidate for this homemade fertilizer. But even acid-loving plants have limits, so use spent coffee grounds rather than fresh ones. Brewed coffee is slightly less acidic and safer to use on potted plants.

Coffee doesn't just add nutrients. It also restructures soil so water flows better to the roots while still draining consistently. The grounds can help the dirt in a pot retain moisture, too. That's an added benefit for this thirsty houseplant that doesn't like to be waterlogged or left too dry. If a monstera plant pot dries out, it might not thrive. This common household staple may also fight plant diseases like root rot by helping soil drain better.

Reusing the coffee remains on your monstera plant is easy. Simply take used grounds from your machine and dry them out. If they're moist, they might grow mold. (If you use an espresso maker, break up any solid chunks. Tossing an espresso brick on top of the pot likely won't do any good.) To help the grounds dry, spread them in a thin layer and let them sit for a few hours or up to a whole day. If you're in a hurry, pop them in the oven at 150 degrees for half an hour. Next, sprinkle some onto the soil around your monstera plant.  Apply this natural, slow-release additive only once or twice each spring and summer.

You can also create your own liquid fertilizer and water plants with coffee. Just mix one part brewed joe without sugar or cream and dilute it with three parts water. Make sure to use cooled coffee, because hot liquid will harm your monstera. Water every other week with the mixture. 

However, be careful not to overdo it with coffee. The effect of caffeine on plants can slow growth and put the brakes on your monstera's development. It can also harm the helpful microorganisms in the soil. You'll know you might have used too much coffee if you start to see yellowing or droopy leaves. Still, used in moderation, this DIY hack can become a cheap and easy way to give your favorite houseplant a healthy boost.