There are those who consider it a brilliant trick and those who consider it a mistake that can ruin everything. Is using coffee grounds in Monstera really useful?
The scene is always the same: you get up, you put on the coffee, you wait for that familiar scent, and then… you empty the moka. And there comes the dilemma: throw them away or try to use them for plants? There are those who casually scatter them in the vase of Monsterahoping for a green miracle. But does it really work? Coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer is a crazy trend: a simple, ecological, almost poetic gesture. On social media it is talked about as if it were black gold for plants. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. And when it comes to Monstera, things get complicated.
Monstera, it is immediately clear, is not just any plant. It comes from tropical, humid but well-drained environments, where the roots breathe easily. Precisely for this reason, it suffers a lot from water stagnation. Coffee grounds? At first glance they seem perfect: natural, rich, dense. Yet, used badly, they risk becoming more of a hindrance than a help. Instead of nurturing, they can suffocate. Not everything that smells good is good for plants, especially if you overdo it.
Using coffee grounds with Monstera: little-known pros and cons
Let’s face it: the idea of reusing coffee is convenient and reassuring. There is nitrogen, they say, it’s good for the leaves. And in fact there is some truth. The grounds help retain moisture and improve the texture of the soil. But here comes the critical point: Monstera does not like soil that is too compact or acidic. If those funds are not dry enough or are put in excessive quantities, disaster risks.
The soil can become too dense, hold too much water and open the door to mold and rot. It is not uncommon for the roots to stop breathing and the plant begins to languish. A sprinkle might do the trick, but a generous handful? Better not. After all, who has never thought that “more is better” and then had to take action?
How to use coffee grounds (well) with Monstera
Do you want to try anyway? No problem, but caution is needed. First thing: the funds must be left to dry thoroughly. Damp, they are like a muddy trap. Even better if you mix them with sand, perlite or coconut fibre: the soil remains airy and the roots breathe.
A smart alternative? Compost. If you have a compost bin (even a small one), put them there. This way they release nutrients more gradually and don’t mix everything up. And pay attention to the frequency: once a month is more than enough. And if you see the plant start to “talk” to you – drooping leaves or strange spots – take a step back.
Here are the golden rules to keep in mind:
- The funds should only be used if they are very dry
- Better to mix them with materials that drain well
- No thick layers above the ground
- If possible, use them in compost
- Once a month is enough
- Keep an eye on the plant: it’s in charge
We are not talking about a magic potion, but about a small extra gesture. If done wisely, it can help. If done haphazardly, it can get complicated.
A little secret: context makes the difference
One thing that often goes unnoticed? Not all Monsteras react the same way. The age of the plant, the type of pot, the light it receives, the air that circulates… everything changes. A young Monstera is like a puppy: delicate, easy to stress. A plant in a damp, poorly ventilated corner? It risks never drying.
So no, there is no universal formula. Rather, there is an invitation to observation: look at your plant, understand how it reacts. Experiment, but always carefully. Ultimately, having a green thumb means exactly this: learning to listen. And sometimes, a leaf that closes says much more than a thousand online guides.
Photo © stock.adobe
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