The Surprising Truth About Feeding Coffee to Your Succulents

Posted by: Janie

You’re probably wondering, “Can I really feed coffee to my beloved succulents?” The answer might just blow your mind! Believe it or not, those used coffee grounds you toss out every morning could be a secret weapon for keeping your succulents happy, healthy, and thriving. Want to know more? Keep reading to discover the surprising truth!

do succulents like coffee grounds

What’s So Special About Coffee Grounds?

At first glance, coffee grounds might seem like regular old waste. But these little brown granules are actually packed with nutrients that can work wonders for your plants, including succulents. Here’s what makes them so special:

  • Nitrogen Boost: Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, which helps plants grow lush, green leaves.
  • Other Mineral Goodies: They also contain phosphorus for strong roots, potassium for drought resistance, plus calcium, iron, and many other minerals succulents crave.
  • Acidity Adjustment: The slightly acidic nature of coffee grounds can help balance the soil pH for acid-loving succulents.
  • Free Organic Matter: Coffee grounds add nutritious organic material to enrich the soil as they break down slowly over time.
do succulents like coffee grounds

Using Coffee Grounds on Your Succulents

Okay, so coffee grounds sound awesome. But how do you actually use them for your succulent garden? It’s easy!

How Much to Use:

The general rule is to mix 1 part coffee grounds with 4 parts potting mix or garden soil. So for every 1 cup of grounds, use 4 cups of soil. This provides enough nutrients without overdoing it.

Mixing It In:

Simply work the coffee ground mixture into the top few inches of soil around your succulents when planting or repotting. The nutrients will release gradually as the grounds decompose.

Or Use as Mulch:

You can also sprinkle a thin layer of coffee grounds right on top of the soil as a mulch. This helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down. Just avoid piling it too thickly against stems.

Related Post:
Using Coffee Grounds on Christmas Cactus

using coffee grounds on succulents

A Word of Caution

While coffee grounds offer lots of benefits, it’s important not to go overboard. Too much can make soil too acidic and harm succulents. Use just the recommended amounts for best results.

Give It a Try!

So the next time you brew a fresh pot of joe, save those grounds! Using them on your succulents can give plants the pick-me-up they need. With a little experimentation, you may be amazed at how great your plants look. Who knew day-old coffee could be so magical?