What Plants Like Coffee Grounds? A Simple Guide for Gardeners
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Coffee grounds are often recommended as a natural fertiliser — but are coffee grounds good for plants, and do all plants love coffee grounds? The short answer is no. While used coffee grounds can support plant growth, improve soil structure and add nutrients, they’re only suitable for certain plants and soil types.
In this guide, we’ll explore what plants like coffee grounds, how adding coffee grounds affects water retention and soil health, and the safest ways to use them in your garden or compost bin.
If you’re also curious about the opposite effect, you may want to read
What Plants Don’t Like Coffee Grounds.
Do Plants Like Coffee Grounds?
Used coffee grounds contain nitrogen, along with small amounts of potassium and phosphorus — nutrients that support leafy plant growth. They can also improve soil texture when mixed correctly and help with moisture control.
However, coffee grounds are mildly acidic and can retain water if applied too thickly. When compacted, they may restrict airflow to plant roots. For this reason, coffee grounds for plants work best for species that prefer acidic or slightly acidic soil.
If you’re unsure about acidity levels, this guide on
Is Coffee Acidic? explains it in more detail.
🌿 Plants That Like Coffee Grounds
1. Blueberries
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Adding coffee grounds helps maintain acidity while improving soil structure and aeration, supporting stronger fruit production.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas love coffee grounds thanks to their preference for acidic conditions. In some cases, coffee grounds can even influence flower colour, encouraging richer blue tones.
3. Azaleas
These shrubs naturally grow in acidic woodland soil. Coffee grounds help recreate those conditions while adding organic matter that supports long-term plant growth.
4. Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons benefit from the nitrogen in coffee grounds, which supports healthy foliage and vibrant growth during the growing season.
5. Carrots and Radishes
When lightly mixed into the soil, coffee grounds can improve texture and drainage, helping root vegetables grow straighter and more evenly.
6. Roses (in moderation)
Roses don’t love acid soil, but a small amount of coffee grounds can boost nitrogen levels and support flowering when balanced with other compost materials.
🌱 How to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden
1. Mix Coffee Grounds Into Soil (Best Method)
Blend used coffee grounds into soil at roughly 1 part coffee grounds to 3 parts soil. This prevents clumping and reduces excessive water retention.
2. Add Coffee Grounds to a Compost Pile
Coffee grounds are classed as “green” compost material and are rich in nitrogen. Add them to your compost pile or compost bin alongside plenty of “brown” materials such as cardboard, dry leaves or straw for balance.
3. Sprinkle Lightly as Mulch
Coffee grounds can be used as mulch, but only in a thin layer. Thick applications may compact and create a water-resistant barrier.
⚠️ What Plants Don’t Like Coffee Grounds?
Plants that prefer alkaline soil or are sensitive to excess moisture may struggle with coffee grounds. These include many herbs and drought-tolerant plants.
For a full list, see
What Plants Don’t Like Coffee Grounds.
🌱 Are Coffee Grounds Good for Indoor Plants?
Yes — but only for certain indoor plants that enjoy acidic soil. Suitable options include:
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Jade plants (very lightly)
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Christmas cacti
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Philodendrons (sparingly)
Avoid using coffee grounds on plants that are moisture-sensitive, as they may retain too much water and lead to root problems.
☕ Recommended Coffees for Reusable Grounds
Any brewed coffee can be reused for plants, but if you’re already enjoying quality beans, the leftover grounds from these options work well in the garden or compost pile:
These aromatic coffees produce nutrient-rich used grounds once brewed — perfect for sustainable reuse.
If you enjoy exploring different origins, you can browse the
African Coffee Collection or
South American Coffee Collection.
🌼 Conclusion
So, are coffee grounds good for plants? Yes — but only for the right ones. Acid-loving plants such as blueberries, hydrangeas, azaleas and rhododendrons benefit the most. When added carefully to soil or a compost pile, coffee grounds can support plant growth, improve soil quality and reduce waste from your daily cups of coffee.
Use them wisely, avoid over-application, and your garden — indoor or outdoor — will thank you.