Hold on, don't just sprinkle coffee grounds directly into your potted succulents!
As a coffee-loving gardener, you might have gathered plenty of coffee grounds, thinking of using them as fertilizer for your potted succulents, hoping they'd thrive better. However, contrary to your expectations, this action could harm your succulents. You might wonder, isn't coffee grounds supposed to be good fertilizer? So why would it harm succulents?
That's precisely why I'm writing this article today, so let's delve into it:
Why shouldn't you use coffee grounds directly on succulents?
Untreated coffee grounds typically contain a high amount of nitrogen and acidic substances. Using such coffee grounds directly on succulents or other potted plants might cause soil mold, and the organic matter in coffee grounds could attract many small flies, which lay eggs in the soil and nibble on the roots and leaves of succulents. Excessive coffee grounds can also burn the roots of succulent plants, causing irreparable damage.
Of course, we can't overlook the benefits of composted coffee grounds. These grounds contain about 2% nitrogen, 0.06% phosphorus, 0.6% potassium, and various other trace elements, which, when used correctly, can promote the growth of succulents.
How can coffee ground fertilizer be used appropriately on succulents?
Here's what you need to do:
Use composted coffee grounds
I'll share my experience of using composted coffee grounds later on.
Use suitable succulent plants
This is crucial. I never use coffee ground fertilizer on my potted succulents because excessive nitrogen can accelerate their growth, causing them to stretch out and turn green. Excessive coffee grounds can also compact the soil, preventing water from entering, which is not conducive to soil drainage.
If you're planting succulents in the ground and want them to increase, creating an enchanting landscape, coffee ground fertilizer can help. Spread composted coffee grounds evenly around the succulents and lightly cover them with soil. Not only succulents but also azaleas, roses, carrots, and potatoes benefit from coffee grounds.
How to Make Coffee Ground Fertilizer?
Making Compost:
Coffee grounds are nitrogen-rich, considered "green" compost. You'll also need some "brown" compost like dried leaves, newspapers, and other "green" compost such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels. Mix green and brown compost in a ratio of 1:4, and place them outdoors in warm, sunny, and well-ventilated areas to naturally ferment. During this process, stir the compost regularly (weekly) and add water to moisten it. It may take 3-6 months for a complete fermentation. Your compost is ready when the materials turn into a dark, fluffy, soil-like texture with an earthy smell.
This process might be a bit of a learning curve for novice gardeners, but with courage and experimentation, you'll thank yourself for trying.
Making Liquid Fertilizer:
This is the simplest method. Use about a teaspoon of coffee grounds per gallon of water. Stir every two days, and after about 2 weeks, filter out the liquid through cheesecloth. Dilute the liquid with water to supplement your succulents and indoor plants.
What are the other benefits of coffee grounds in gardening?
Coffee grounds are also believed to repel ants, mosquitoes, slugs, and snails. Sprinkling coffee grounds around plants can deter these plant-eating pests. Although I haven't personally tried it, remember to use it appropriately to prevent root burning from excessive fertilizer.
Final Words:
Succulent novices, please refrain from using coffee grounds directly on potted succulents and other indoor plants; it's risky. If you've already done so, consider repotting your plants with fresh soil as soon as possible.
If you're interested in scientifically fertilizing succulents, stay tuned for the article "How to Fertilize Succulents Scientifically"
