In this article, we take a look at the stunning Christmas Cactus and see if it likes Coffee Grounds for its well-being!
There’s a lot of intrigue around using coffee sediments for plants and soil. But it isn’t a black-or-white situation where one solution fits all! Find out if the Christmas cactus likes coffee grounds for real or if it is more myth than method!
What are Coffee Grounds?
Coffee grounds are the sediments left over after brewing…coffee! This coarse residue has small traces of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the superstar trio for plant growth. Despite these nutrients and their being so readily available in any household, most of us just toss them out.
But someone’s waste could be another’s fortune! Let’s explore if this is true with coffee dregs and the beautiful Christmas cactus!
Does Christmas Cactus Like Coffee Grounds?
Yes and no. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) grows on trees and rocks in shaded, humid spaces. With photosynthetic stems that resemble leaf-like pads, this succulent produces the prettiest pink, red, and white blooms around the holiday season! Let’s examine what this succulent needs to grow and to what extent coffee grounds help.
Soil & Nutrition
This Brazilian native favors slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Coffee residue, being rich in nitrogen, may theoretically create the ideal acidic soil Xmas cacti prefer. However, too much acidity can disrupt the soil pH balance and stress out the plant. But fear not. Below, we will show you how to boost your soil nutrition with coffee dregs without spoiling it.
Water absorption
This plant needs slightly moist soil but cannot stand overwatering. Composted coffee sediments mixed into the soil tend to retain water and act as a natural sponge, releasing moisture consistently and never overwhelming the plant.
Prevent fungal infections
Flowing from the overwatering issue, Xmas cacti can quickly contract fungal infections from too much moisture. And coffee grounds, with their spongy superpowers, can reduce the moisture in the air and the soil around the plant. This lowers the chances of fungal buildup. They also possess components that inhibit fungal growth.
Improve soil texture
These epiphytic plants need well-draining and aerated soil to thrive in, especially to prevent root rot. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand, with intermittent additions of composted coffee grounds, can improve the soil structure ideal for the Christmas cactus.
Ways to Use Coffee Grounds
Be moderate in sprinkling coffee dregs directly in your growing medium, as too much may disrupt the soil’s pH balance. The nutrients in this residue take time to break down and release slowly over time.
Compost: Add coffee grounds to your compost, and mix them well with other bio stuff like veggie scraps, dry leaves, grass, etc. Composting helps dilute the acidity in coffee grounds and leads to a balanced mix of nutrients that gently nourish both soil and plant.
Potting mix: Mix in one or two tablespoons of this coffee compost, or just the dregs directly, with three parts potting soil. As mentioned above, when also mixed with perlite and coarse sand, it improves the soil’s nutrients, drainage, and aeration—essentials for your Christmas cactus.
Use it along mulch: If you choose to mulch your Christmas cactus, sprinkle a bit of coffee grounds on top as well. This allows the coffee grounds to act as a water sponge and slow-release fertilizer that provides long-term nutrition. Make sure it isn’t too thick so that the soil doesn’t clog up.
Adding it to water: Soak coffee dregs in water for a few days, and then use this concoction as a liquid fertilizer. The plant will easily absorb this fertilizer and get a quick energy boost.
When to Use Coffee Grounds
With Christmas cactus and coffee grounds, the right amount and method depend on factors such as soil type, plant maturity, coffee type, and season.
During your succulent’s active growing season from spring to fall, adding nitrogen-rich coffee grounds to its diet may help it grow. Replenish it during the middle of this season, and as blooms appear, shift to a fertilizer with more potassium and phosphorous. Avoid during dormancy, in winter, when it requires less water and nutrition.
Plus, while it may help tilt highly alkaline soil to a slightly more acidic side, too much can ruin it. Take care to follow the steps we shared so that nutrients are released gradually and cause no damage.
Now, you’re ready to try some coffee magic on your Christmas cactus. Tell us how it goes via the comments below!
