House Plants That Like Coffee

Americans are notorious coffee drinkers. But few know that their houseplants also like a little java in their day. According to Greenversations, the official blog for the US Environmental Agency, coffee mixed with soil acts as a natural fertilizer. Houseplants benefit from a dose of coffee grounds or a shot of the black stuff because coffee is rich in both nitrogen and acid. In addition, coffee grounds make a great addition to the compost pile where the nitrogen will enrich the soil and the acidity will assist in decomposition.

African Violets

African violets are royalty among houseplants. And they are avid fans of both acid and nitrogen. Use an equivalent amount of coffee as you would water every other watering. Be careful not to get coffee on the African violet leaves.

Miniature Roses

Miniature roses, as well as most other rose species, love acid and nitrogen. Outside sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of the plant just before a moderate to heavy rain. Indoors use approximately one cup of coffee per plant two to four times a month.

Golden Pothos and Philodendron

These two popular houseplants both like the occasional coffee. In addition, you may add grounds, complete with non-bleached coffee filters, into the potting soil with each transplant. The addition of grounds when transplanting will keep the vines robust and encourage growth.

Christmas Cactuses

Christmas Cactuses can be watered twice a week with excess coffee from the pot. Watering strictly with coffee as well as providing adequate daylight will help to ensure holiday blooms. Avoid over watering by only using half a cup of black coffee per plant. You may increase this amount if the plant does not respond after two to three weeks.

Jade

Jade plants are one of the most common coffee drinkers. Coffee will help to ensure that the plants leaves remain dark in color as well as promote thick stems. However, Jade plants are susceptible to over watering. Allow the soil to dry out in-between watering.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen are great houseplants for winter blooms. These succulents will bloom from December until April. You should water frequently throughout the blooming season with black coffee for rich greenery and showy blooms. However, as the plants leaves begin to whither allow the plant to go dormant by keeping it in a cool and dark environment.