In 2023, the U.S. generated almost 85 billion USD in the coffee market.1 That’s a lot of used coffee grounds! But before you toss them in the trash, consider this: coffee grounds can be a game-changer for your hibiscus plants.
Studies have shown that amending soil with coffee grounds can improve soil structure, deter pests, and even suppress fungal diseases.2 This common kitchen waste product, packed with essential nutrients, can help your hibiscus thrive and produce stunning blooms.
The Benefits of Coffee Grounds for Hibiscus
Coffee grounds are packed with nutrients that hibiscus plants love, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. As the grounds break down in the soil, they release these nutrients slowly over time, providing a steady supply of nourishment for your plants.
Hibiscus also appreciate the improved soil structure that coffee grounds can provide. The tiny particles help to aerate the soil and improve drainage, while also retaining moisture.
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In addition to directly benefiting your hibiscus, coffee grounds can also support the beneficial microorganisms and earthworms in the soil. (ref) These creatures play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and creating a healthy soil ecosystem.
By providing them with a food source in the form of coffee grounds, you can encourage their populations to thrive.
Coffee grounds are also slightly acidic, with a pH around 6.5 to 6.8. This makes them an excellent choice for acid-loving plants like hibiscus, which prefer a soil pH between 6.5 and 6.8.
By adding coffee grounds to the soil, you can help maintain the ideal pH level for your hibiscus plants.
How to Use Coffee Grounds for Hibiscus
To use coffee grounds for your hibiscus, simply sprinkle a thin layer around the base of the plant and gently work it into the top inch or so of soil. Be sure to use only used coffee grounds, as fresh grounds can be too acidic and may harm your plants.
It’s also important not to overdo it – a little goes a long way! Applying too thick a layer of grounds can create a crust on the soil surface that prevents water from penetrating. Aim for no more than a half-inch layer of grounds, and reapply every few months as needed.
For an extra boost, you can also mix coffee grounds into your compost pile or use them to make a nutrient-rich “tea” for your plants. Simply steep used grounds in water overnight, then strain and use the liquid to water your hibiscus.
Another way to incorporate coffee grounds into your hibiscus care routine is by using them as a mulch. Spread a thin layer of dried grounds around the base of your plants, taking care not to pile them up against the stems.
This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and slowly release nutrients into the soil as the grounds break down.
With a little help from your daily brew, you can give your hibiscus plants the nourishment they need to thrive. So go ahead and enjoy that morning cup of coffee – your garden will thank you for it.
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Read More About Hibiscus
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.