If your lovely plants are in need of a boost, adding a household item to the soil can help them thrive, according to an expert gardener with over 20 years of experience
How to keep your houseplants healthy(Image: Getty Images)
It is the perfect time to get outdoors and see your garden bursting into bloom, but if outdoor space is limited, there’s no need to miss out, as houseplants can also bring a touch of botanical beauty to any corner of the home.
If you want to help those houseplants flourish and thrive, you can help them out by adding a common household item to the soil.
Former royal gardener Jack Stooks says that your daily coffee habit can do more than wake you up; it can also give your plants a boost.
From acting as a natural fertiliser to helping soil retain moisture, here’s how your caffeine fix can go further than your morning cup.
“If you’ve got a coffee machine at home, chances are you’re left with used grounds most days. The good news is that they’re packed with nutrients and can be a brilliant, natural fertiliser. Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are essentially a ready-made NPK mix. This is exactly what you’d find in many shop-bought fertilisers, and when used correctly, they’re an easy and sustainable way to feed your plants,” he explained to Coffee Friend.
The former Head Gardener to King Charles for over 20 years also warned of one common mistake that people often make.
“One mistake people often make is piling wet coffee grounds straight onto the top of plant pots. I’ve seen it done outside cafés and pubs, layers and layers tipped on top. The problem is that when grounds build up in thick, damp clumps, they can turn mouldy. That’s the last thing you want near your plants. Less is more, so a light application is far better than overloading the soil.
“The key step is drying the grounds before using them. Spread them out on a baking tray or flat surface and break them up with your hands so they dry completely. Once dry, they’re much easier to work with and far less likely to cause mould issues.”
It is important to know which plants will benefit from coffee grounds, such as nitrogen-loving, acid-loving (ericaceous) plants, Monstera (cheese plants), and some violets.
If you have some coffee leftover, Jack says there is a use for that too, “If you’ve got more grounds than your houseplants need, add the excess to your compost. They’ll help improve soil structure and contribute valuable nutrients as the compost breaks down. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and boost your garden at the same time.
“You can also create a gentle liquid fertiliser. Once the grounds are dry, steep a small amount in water to create a diluted ‘coffee tea’, then use that water to feed suitable plants. Again, moderation is key. You want to nourish your plants, not overwhelm them.”
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