Do Monsteras Like Coffee Grounds? What You Need to Know

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant famous for its large, glossy green leaves with signature holes and splits With its tropical jungle vibes and sculptural foliage, it’s easy to see why the monstera has been a staple of indoor decor for decades.

As a monstera parent, you likely want to provide the best care for your plant so it remains healthy and continues unfurling those gorgeous fenestrated leaves. This often leads to questions about using additives like coffee grounds in the potting mix. Can coffee grounds benefit monsteras? Are there any risks involved?

In this article, we’ll explore the potential pros and cons of using coffee grounds for monstera plants so you can make an informed decision about this organic fertilizer.

An Overview of Using Coffee Grounds for Plants

Before looking specifically at monsteras, let’s review some background on using coffee grounds in general gardening and houseplant care.

Coffee grounds are usually treated as waste and discarded after brewing. But many gardeners have realized they can repurpose these grounds to amend soil or fertilize plants.

Potential benefits of using coffee grounds include:

• Contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients plants need
• May increase soil acidity slightly depending on soil composition
• Introduces organic matter which improves soil structure
• Helps soil retain moisture
• May suppress fungal growth and deter pests like snails/slugs

Potential risks include:

• Too much can overload the soil and damage plant roots
• Can grow mold if grounds remain damp
• May attract pests like fungus gnats if allowed to accumulate

General tips for using grounds safely:

• Mix into compost or potting soil before use
• Apply in thin layers vs. thick piles directly on soil
• Alternate with traditional balanced fertilizer
• Pay attention to plant response and adjust as needed

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at what the research shows when it comes to using grounds specifically for monstera plants.

The Potential Benefits of Coffee Grounds for Monsteras

When used properly, coffee grounds may provide some advantages for monstera plants including:

Slow-release nutrients

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace amounts of other nutrients that plants need to grow. As the grounds break down in the soil, these nutrients are released slowly over several weeks or months.

This can act as a gentle, natural fertilizer for monsteras. The slow release means lower risk of nutrient burn compared to chemical fertilizers.

Organic matter for soil structure

Incorporating coffee grounds introduces organic material into the potting mix. This can improve soil texture, creating a lighter, airier composition.

Monsteras appreciate loose, well-draining soil that allows oxygen to penetrate the roots. The added organic content from grounds may support this.

Increase moisture retention

The organic particles in used coffee grounds can help potting soil better retain water and moisture. This mimics monsteras’ preference for consistently humid soil in their native tropical climates.

grounds absorb water like little sponges. As they break down, they slowly release moisture back to the plant roots.

Mild soil acidity

Coffee grounds are mildly acidic with a pH around 4.5-6.5. When used sparingly, they may lower the pH of alkaline potting mixes to a slightly more acidic level suited to monsteras.

They prefer mildly acidic soil similar to their jungle habitat. But the pH change from grounds is very minimal.

Pest control

Some gardeners report coffee grounds repel pests like snails and slugs. The abrasive texture may irritate these soft-bodied creatures.

Monsteras can be susceptible to slug/snail damage. So this potential pest control effect is worth noting.

Potential Drawbacks of Using Coffee Grounds for Monsteras

While coffee grounds offer some benefits, there are also a few potential risks to be aware of if using them with monsteras:

Nutrient overload

Coffee grounds release nitrogen, potassium and trace nutrients as they break down. But applying too much at once can overload the soil and cause nutrient burn.

Monsteras are sensitive to mineral buildup in the soil. It’s important to use grounds sparingly and alternate with regular fertilizer.

Promotes fungal growth

The nitrogen and moisture in coffee grounds may encourage fungal diseases like root rot if allowed to accumulate. This can be very damaging to monstera roots.

Proper drainage and limiting how much you use is key to avoiding excess moisture and fungal issues.

Attracts fungus gnats

If applied too thickly or while still wet/damp, coffee grounds can attract tiny fungus gnats that feed on decaying organic matter.

These pesky insects will lay eggs in the soil which then hatch into larvae that can damage monstera roots with their feeding.

Minimal pH change

While slightly acidic, research shows used coffee grounds have a negligible effect on potting soil pH when used in normal amounts.

If trying to lower pH substantially for a monstera, a stronger acidifying agent may be needed along with the grounds.

Imbalanced nutrition

Coffee grounds lack key nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Relying solely on them could create imbalances or deficiencies in the long run.

It’s important to also use a balanced monstera fertilizer to ensure all nutritional needs are met, not just nitrogen.

Best Practices for Using Coffee Grounds with Monsteras

If you want to try using coffee grounds with your monstera, here are some tips to do so safely:

• Mix grounds thoroughly into potting soil before repotting

• Start with small amounts like 1 part grounds to 3 parts soil

• Top dress lightly every 2-3 months vs. heavy application

• Alternate feedings with balanced liquid fertilizer

• Adjust amounts based on plant response

• Ensure grounds are dried before using

• Monitor soil moisture and drainage carefully

• Watch for pests like fungus gnats

• Don’t use if plant is stressed from other issues

• Avoid use if your water is alkaline

Following these best practices will minimize the risks of using coffee grounds with your monstera. Pay close attention to how your plant responds and adjust as needed.

Alternative Organic Fertilizers for Monsteras

If you decide coffee grounds aren’t the right choice for your monstera, don’t worry – you have plenty of other organic fertilizer options:

• Worm castings: Provide nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients.

• Compost: Nutrient-rich, balanced organic matter from breaking down scraps.

• Diluted compost tea: Steep compost in water to create liquid fertilizer.

• Crushed eggshells: Add calcium and slow-release nitrogen.

• Wood ash: Provides potassium, calcium, and raises pH.

• Seaweed extracts: Contain many micronutrients beneficial for growth.

• Fish emulsion: High in nitrogen and phosphorus. Has strong odor so best for outdoor use.

• Banana peels: Provide substantial potassium.

Experiment with any of these natural fertilizers to find what your monstera responds to best!

The Verdict: Should You Use Coffee Grounds for Your Monstera?

Coffee grounds can certainly provide some benefits when used carefully as part of a balanced feeding routine for monsteras. The slow-release nitrogen, organic matter, and moisture retention can be helpful additions to potting mix.

However, grounds do come with some risks like promoting fungal growth and pests if over-applied. There are also more concentrated organic fertilizers that may be better options.

Overall, coffee grounds are generally safe to use for monsteras in moderation if mixed thoroughly into soil and alternated with a complete fertilizer. Pay close attention to your plant’s response and adjust amounts accordingly.

If you want to tap into this free, organic additive, go for it! But monitor your plant and soil conditions closely and be prepared to troubleshoot any issues that arise. With the proper precautions, coffee grounds can be a beneficial supplement to a well-rounded feeding routine for your monstera.