A tip - Plants 

Coffee grounds as fertilizer for my African Violets. And for the Peace Lilies. Also, Epsom Salts!

~When it looks like some flour has been blown on my plant, I think that is a tiny mite. Right away brush it off with dry brush. Then I will give it fresh soil and add some coffee grounds to the soil. Be sure to stir up the soil as I'm not sure if the offending pest comes from the soil.

~Peace Lilies
-Coffee grounds can be a hidden gem in your gardening toolkit when it comes to caring for peace lilies. They're a rich source of nitrogen, one of the primary nutrients essential for promoting robust leaf growth in plants. What makes coffee grounds particularly advantageous is their slow-release nature, offering a consistent and gradual supply of nutrients as they break down over time. To use coffee grounds as a fertilizer you can gently sprinkle a thin layer on the soil, use it as mulch, or add it to your compost. Coffee grounds also have a protective effect against common issues like root rot and harmful bacteria, making them a dual-purpose wonder for peace lilies. Additionally, the natural compounds in coffee grounds serve as a natural pest repellent, helping to safeguard your cherished plant from unwanted insects and contributing to the overall health and vitality of your peace lily

-Another surprising household item you can repurpose as a peace lily fertilizer is Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is a key component in chlorophyll production, essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health. When peace lilies lack magnesium, they can display yellowing leaves, a telltale sign of magnesium deficiency. A bit of Epsom salt can help restore the plant's balance. To apply Epsom salt as a fertilizer dissolve 1 T in 2 qts of water and using it to water houseplants, like peace lilies, every month. This ensures a steady supply of magnesium for your plants without risking over-fertilization.

-Don't forget to use the spray bottle to mist the epsom salt directly on the leaves.
~Coffee grounds are an inexpensive way to fertilize your African violets and if you’re a coffee drinker, you have a free fertilizer right in your kitchen that would normally be tossed in the trash. This would help you and the planet by keeping them out of the landfill.
Another reason to use coffee grounds is for the nitrogen content, especially if your plant likes a nitrogen-rich soil, which is the case with African violets.
If that’s not enough reason, coffee grounds will also repel insects.although you’re not like to get slugs and snails inside the house on your African violet plant, you may see ants inside and there’s some evidence that the coffee grounds may keep them at bay.
In addition to that, this more earth friendly method will eliminate the need to use strong chemicals on your plant, which some people are trying to avoid. If you have the choice to use a harsh chemical or some coffee grounds (which are basically free), which would you choose?
Coffee grounds also contain other essential minerals that will help your African violet grow and thrive such as, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
You can even add eggshells to the grounds and add to the soil for some calcium and phosphorus.

Cookbook Home | About | Search