Coffee on Spider Plants

Acid Soil

• Spider plants prefer soil that is acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Coffee is acidic so adding grounds or diluted black coffee to the soil around the plant helps to balance it and keep it happy. Any type of grounds can be used, whether from the espresso pot or mild brew from the daily grind. However, don't overfill the planter with leftover coffee grounds. An occasional coffee supplement is enough to help balance the soil.

Coffee Grounds

• Coffee grounds are about 2 percent nitrogen. This is a useful nutrient for your spider plant, but must be used in moderation. Consider placing a paper filter with used coffee grounds at the bottom of the planter before adding the soil and plant. As the plant gets watered and the filter breaks down, the nitrogen from the grounds is gradually released into the soil. The grounds will also help minimize the pH level.

Extra Nutrients

• Coffee grounds and brewed coffee contain some trace nutrients that can benefit garden soil and feed spider plants. The brew contains magnesium and potassium which are ingredients in plant fertilizers. Sharing the leftovers in the coffee pot with the plant can give it extra nutrients. Black coffee with no milk or sugar is the best fertilizer option, so avoid dumping a half-finished cappuccino or latte on the plant. The decomposing grounds also provide some phosphorus, calcium and copper.

Precautions

• Don't just dump daily coffee grounds on the spider plant soil. The grounds can hold moisture and can set the stage for fungus growth, a condition that can definitely kill the plant. Mix some grounds in the soil on occasion, not daily, to enrich it. Also, dilute old coffee before pouring it on the plant to avoid burning or shocking the plant with too much acid at once.