Can You Use Coffee Grounds on Peace Lilies? Expert Guide

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are known for their elegant white flowers and rich dark leaves. Peace lilies need proper care to maintain their beauty. They often need a regular nitrogen supply for proper leaf growth and magnesium to maintain their health. To ensure both, you can use coffee grounds as a fertilizer to keep the plant healthy and happy.

Peace lilies can greatly benefit from the nutrients found in coffee grounds when used correctly. So, this blog discusses how to use coffee grounds in your peace lilies.

Do Peace Lilies Benefit From Coffee Grounds?

Ground coffee can offer proper nutrients, but it may also increase soil acidity over time. But peace lilies require slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, which might not be suitable for your peace lilies. Moreover, coffee grounds can be harsh on the roots and may damage the roots or cause nutrient imbalances. Hence, they need to be composted first.

If used in moderation, ground coffee is considered the best choice because -

• It releases nutrients slowly as it decomposes, which provides a steady nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supply.

• It improves soil texture and drainage, too! Thus creating a more livable environment for your peace lilies to thrive.

• It acts as a natural pest deterrent. Some of the pests they repel are - ants, fungus gnats, slugs, etc.

How to Use Coffee Grounds for Peace Lilies?

Plant experts say “adding used grounds to the compost tumbler or compost bin and then using them is the best method to use coffee for the plant. Gardeners have used composted ground coffee for a very long time to enhance soil health, and the practice has yielded positive results. Here’s how you can use it for your peace lilies -

• Sprinkle a thin layer of ground coffee on the soil.

• You can also use it as mulch.

• Moreover, you can add it to the compost.

You can also add coffee-infused compost to the peace lilies once or twice a year, and it is considered the best way to add more compost between repotting. This method does not result in the same challenges as when the coffee ground is used directly. This is because the compost material is much lighter and doesn’t compact the soil.

Incorporating finished compost into potting mixes is the best way to use composted coffee grounds. It enhances soil health and supports plant growth by -

• Loosening the soil

• Reducing compaction

• Boosting nutrient retention

• Improving drainage and airflow

Factors to Consider Before Using Ground Coffee for Peace Lilies

Though coffee grounds can be beneficial for your plant, here are some factors to be considered before using them -

• Coffee grounds are highly acidic, which means they are not best for plants that prefer alkaline or neutral soil. Peace lilies thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil, so it is important to always monitor the pH of the soil when using coffee grounds.

• Don’t use excess coffee grounds, as they increase soil acidity and nutrient imbalances, which may potentially harm the soil.

• Use coffee grounds sparingly and in addition to other organic fertilizers.

What Can You Use Instead of Coffee Grounds?

Another household item that can help your peace lily plant flourish is Epsom salt. It is chemically known as magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is one of the important elements in chlorophyll production, which is important for photosynthesis. If you see your peace lily turning yellow, it often means there is a magnesium deficiency, and adding  Epsom salt can be very helpful. Here’s how you can use it -

• Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water.

• Keep the plant fed with water once every month.

• You can also use it on your other houseplants.

Although peace lilies need minimal fertilization, it is important to keep them fertilized during the growing season. Coffee grounds offer a slow-release source of nitrogen and help get rid of plant-harming pests, while Epsom salt supplies a good amount of magnesium.

What is the Best Plant Food for Peace Lilies?

Here are some of the best plant foods for peace lilies -

• Water soluble fertilizers with a balanced ratio (20-20-20), diluted to half or quarter strength.

• Slow-release fertilizers with a balanced ratio of 14-14-14 or 15-15-5, which offer nutrients for up to four months.

• High-nitrogen fertilizers, since nitrogen keeps the plant lush, green, and healthy.

Conclusion

Ground coffee is beneficial for peace lilies when used in moderation, as it provides nitrogen to the plant. It is one of the most eco-friendly ways to nourish your plants. It can enhance their health and also boost soil health, and promote quick growth. Additionally, it keeps your peace lilies safe from invading pests. However, it is important to keep an eye on the plant after application.