How to add coffee grounds to potted plants?

Author: Felix Jacobson  |  Last update: Friday, September 19, 2025

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.

Can I just sprinkle coffee grounds on plants?

Coffee grounds can most certainly be added to your compost and also directly to your soil. Instead of simply tossing them out though, you may wish to incorporate them a bit more thoroughly by digging them in.

Can I put coffee grounds in my potted plants?

Yes! Coffee grounds can be especially beneficial to houseplants when used as a mulch, pesticide, compost, or fertilizer. You can even water your plants using coffee. Just make sure to limit your coffeequantities, as too much caffeine can stunt plant growth and increase the risk of fungal diseases.

What plants should I not put coffee grounds on?

Avoid using coffee grounds on alkaline-loving trees, such as linden, ironwood, red chestnut and arborvitae. Coffee grounds used as mulch or compost inhibit plant growth on geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass. Definitely don't use coffee grounds with these plants.

Can you put coffee grounds on top of soil?

Using coffee grounds is remarkably simple. Coffee grounds can be used as a top dressing on soil ie apply on the top layer of your veggie beds or under fruit trees, much like mulch. Gradually the coffee will compost on site and, once nicely decomposed, the worms will bring the goodness down to the plant roots.

How to use Coffee Grounds as a FREE Fertilizer for your Plants

When should I add coffee grounds to my plants?

How Often Should You Add Coffee Grounds to Plants? You can fertilize houseplants an average of 7 to 10 days in a row, but no more, as there is a risk of over-acidification of the soil. A cup of ground coffee should be added to the compost once a week.

Do plants like fresh or used coffee grounds?

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.

What bugs do coffee grounds deter?

Repel insects and pests:Coffee grounds contain compounds that are toxic to many insects. You can use your coffee grounds to repel mosquitos, fruit flies, beetles and other pests. To use coffee grounds as an insect and pest repellent, simply set out bowls of grounds or sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas.

Can too much coffee grounds hurt 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.

Can I use leftover coffee to water plants?

In some workplaces, the only "watering" plants receive is from emptying leftover coffee into the soil, and they are often struggling. However, using leftover coffee once a week and coffee grounds sparingly is beneficial.

Are egg shells good for plants?

The eggshells provide calcium, potassium and magnesium, which are essential for healthy plant growth! Natural pest deterrent – The sharp edges of the eggshells also act as a natural pest deterrent, helping keep critters away from your plants and protecting the roots.

What are the disadvantages of coffee grounds as fertilizer?

Salts: Coffee grounds can contain salts, which can build up in the soil over time and become toxic to plants. Mold: Wet coffee grounds can attract mold, which can be harmful to plants. Caffeine: While caffeine is not toxic to plants in small quantities, it can be harmful if used in large amounts.

Can you put coffee grounds directly on potted plants?

Yes, You Can Use Coffee Grounds to Fertilize Your House Plants.

How often do you put coffee grounds on hydrangeas?

Start adding coffee grounds to the soil surrounding your hydrangeas in late fall. Sprinkle them around your hydrangeas, but be sure to work them into the soil to help eliminate any off-putting smell. You do not need to do this process often—just two to three times per year should be sufficient.

Do geraniums like coffee grounds?

A good, natural geranium fertiliser is coffee grounds, as these contain just the right mix of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen to provide all the nutrients geraniums need for optimal growth. To ensure an even supply of nutrients, we recommend weekly applications of fertiliser.

What animal hates coffee grounds?

Will coffee grounds keep rabbits away? Sprinkling coffee grounds among your plants may help to ward off rabbits and other small mammals due to coffee's powerful scent.

Do ants hate coffee grounds?

You may love your morning coffee, but ants could do without it. Another natural way to deter ants, sprinkle coffee grounds outside and around your garden. The smell repels them and they'll be looking for a less caffeinated place to hang out.

What bugs leave coffee grounds?

Drywood termite droppings (drywood termite pellets) look a lot like coffee grounds mixed with sand.

Are there plants that don't like coffee grounds?

Some plants do not benefit from adding coffee grounds to their soil. Plants like lilacs and lavender prefer alkaline soil, so the slight acidity may harm them. The caffeine in coffee grounds can also harm some herbs and geraniums.

Can you mix coffee grounds with potting 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.

How to use banana peels for plants?

Banana peels can be placed directly onto pot plant soil, or around the base of your garden as mulch. As they decompose, they will release nutrients into the soil to feed plants. If using banana peels in your garden, place a single layer straight on top of the soil, being sure not to let them touch the plant stem.

Do coffee grounds repel mice?

Coffee grounds can repel mice effectively in a home environment to some extent. While they may not be a foolproof solution, the strong scent can mask the smell of food and other attractants, reducing the likelihood of mice entering the treated areas.

What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?

Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off.

What bugs hate coffee grounds?

Not only do they repel mosquitoes, but also other insects such as wasps and bees. Coffee grounds are the bee's knees when it comes to staying bug bite free. Most bugs have a very strong sense of smell. Coffee grounds are very potent and even more potent once they are burned.

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