Are Coffee Grounds Good for Hibiscus Plants?

Coffee grounds are beneficial for many plants, including Hibiscus. If you have been throwing coffee grounds every morning, it’s time to rethink it, because they are useful for plants. Coffee grounds are natural ingredients that help the hibiscus plant to thrive in your garden. Hibiscus plants look great in the garden, and they are the favorites of pollinators, too.​

This blog covers the answer to your question, “Do hibiscus plants like coffee grounds?” Read it to the end to ensure the plant thrives and flowers well throughout all its growing seasons.

Important Facts About Coffee

Before using coffee grounds, here are some important facts you should know -

• Worms are attracted to coffee grounds.

• They are natural slug and snail repellents.

• Cats avoid coffee grounds and the area around them.

• They are slightly acidic, making them ideal for many plants.

• As they degrade, coffee grounds release nitrogen slowly into the soil.

• Coffee grounds are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

How Coffee Grounds Help Hibiscus Plants?

Coffee grounds are helpful for many plants, and here’s how this kitchen staple helps the hibiscus plant thrive -

Adds Nutrition

Coffee grounds contain about 2% nitrogen, which is exceptionally high, making them an essential element for lush green leaves and large, vibrant flowers. The high nitrogen content is beneficial for hibiscus, encouraging the development of new leaves and flowers.

Additionally, coffee grounds contain other nutrients, such as -

• Phosphorus (0.06%)

• Potassium (0.6%)

These nutrients are important for maintaining the health of the plant and keeping it strong and disease-free.

Ensure Better Soil Quality

Hibiscus grows well in moist, well-drained soil, and with coffee grounds, you can have that, as they also improve the soil’s structure. They improve soil drainage capacity and prevent waterlogging, which might damage the hibiscus plant's roots.

As coffee grounds are organic matter, they create a more aerated and nutrient-rich environment, which improves soil condition and quality. Thus, allowing the roots to spread evenly and more easily. This way, the roots can properly absorb the essential nutrients in the soil.

Balances Soil’s pH Level

Hibiscus thrives in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.5), and coffee grounds help maintain this pH. They lower the soil pH and maintain it at a level favorable to the hibiscus plant.

The coffee's slight acidity helps ensure the plant receives all the required nutrients. Using coffee grounds occasionally helps maintain an optimal pH balance, promoting healthier, more colorful flowers.

Pest Deterrent

Coffee grounds are a natural deterrent for pests such as mosquitoes, snails, and slugs because of their strong smell and texture. Thus, helping to keep the pests and insects away from the plant without using chemical pesticides.

Sustainable Gardening Practice

Using coffee grounds is the best example of sustainable gardening. This way, you recycle common household waste products, reducing landfill waste and providing a cost-effective source of plant nutrition.

What to Consider When Using Coffee Grounds for Hibiscus?

There are two main things you should consider when using coffee grounds for hibiscus. The first is crust formation, which can make watering difficult. Another is mold growth, as coffee tends to grow mold. Hence, it is important to be careful when using spent coffee grounds. To avoid crust -

• Mix one cup of ground coffee with five cups of water.

• Allow the mixture to rest for a day.

• Next, water the plant with the coffee water.

As the coffee grounds settle at the bottom, there is no worry of crust formation. Also, spent coffee is slightly acidic, so if you have second thoughts about using it for the hibiscus plant, add some lemon juice; it will neutralize the acidity and make it more balanced. Check the pH regularly to keep the plant comfortable.

What Are the Other Fertilizers for Hibiscus?

Hibiscus requires a proper blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) with a ratio of 7-6-5. You should also consider traces of other elements, such as boron, sulfur, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum.

During late summer and early autumn, switch to potassium-based fertilizers to strengthen the plant and prepare it for winter. Also, ensure that the fertilizer is evenly distributed so that the plant can absorb it properly.

If you are looking for something more natural and organic, you can also use liquid manure or a decoction made from vegetable water or plant residue. Using crushed banana peel and tea grounds also gives the best of everything to the plant. Additionally, you can add Epsom salt to give the plant an extra dose of magnesium, helping it withstand the harsh winter.