Discover the benefits of using green tea to water your jade plant, adding an eco-friendly twist to plant care for its growth and soil health.
As crazy as it sounds, it is not. Ever wondered if you could use green tea to water your succulent friend, the Jade Plant? At first, you might think it sounds bizarre, but it affects plant physiology, soil chemistry, and promotes sustainability. Want to know how? Read ahead to find out.
Why Green Tea?
1. Nutrient Enrichment
Used green tea leaves or diluted brewed green tea contain small amounts of plant nutrients. You will find them enriched with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus when composted or used in gardening.
We know that Jade Plants store water and nutrients in their thick succulent leaves. So this will give them a mild nutrient boost. As for your chemical fertilizer, you can reduce its usage. Together, these two can aim for steady and healthy growth.
Also, the antioxidants present in green tea can indirectly benefit your jade by reducing stress on the plant caused by environmental changes. It may not act like a miracle fertilizer, but it surely helps in keeping the plant’s overall system balanced.
2. Soil-Organic Matter and Microbial Activity
Organic materials like tea leaves help the soil and the plant in numerous ways. They help improve the soil structure, increase microbial activity, and gradually release nutrients.
Green tea compost improves soil health and supports beneficial microbes. A jade plant loves well-drained soil. And a cherry on top would be if they are given occasional organic matter to thrive.
You can also mix a small amount of used, dried green tea leaves into your potting mix instead of throwing them away. This helps the soil stay airy while adding trace nutrients over time without making it soggy.
3. Acidity/pH
Tea is mildly acidic because of tannins, which means that if tea is used for watering, it can lower the soil’s pH. The jade plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (approx. pH 6.0–7.0).
So, if your potting mix tends to lean towards being a little alkaline (which may happen with hard tap water in some areas), occasional use of cool green tea may help maintain a healthier pH balance.
However, using green tea too often can make the soil too acidic, which your jade won’t appreciate. So, moderation is the key here — a little goes a long way.
4. Reuse and Repurpose
Using cooled and brewed green tea without milk, additives, or sweeteners offers an eco-friendly way to reuse them. Also adding on to the sustainable and mindful practice of discarding chemicals.
Besides watering, you can even use leftover green tea as a mild leaf wipe for your jade. Dip a soft cloth in the cooled tea and gently clean the leaves. This helps remove dust, restores shine, and may offer a mild anti-fungal effect — making your jade look fresh and healthy.
How to Use Green Tea to Water your Jade Plant
Brew a mild green tea using one tea bag or a teaspoon of loose leaves in 250–500 ml of hot water. Allow it to cool completely before use, as hot tea may shock the plant. Make sure that the tea is plain — no milk, sugar, or flavorings added.
Do not replace your usual watering routine with the tea, but rather use it as a supplement. Apply the tea only when the soil has dried because over-watering the jade plant can be fatal. Use this once every 4–6 weeks, rather than every time you water. And monitor the plant for signs of stress or change.
You can also pour a few tablespoons of the cooled tea directly into the soil instead of drenching it completely
If your jade plant already suffers from root rot or is over-watered, adding tea or more moisture can worsen the problem. Jade Plants are tolerant and prefer being under-watered rather than over-watered.
Note: If your soil is already acidic, adding tea and increasing the acidity will actually do more harm to plants that prefer alkaline soil.
Watering your jade plant with green tea presents is definitely a thoughtful approach. When used carefully, green tea can supply nutrients, improve soil organic content, and help maintain a favorable pH that supports the health of your jade plant. Let us know how your jade plants felt after this hack, in the comments below.
