If your morning coffee is part of your daily ritual, your Pothos can benefit from it too.

Those leftover grounds aren’t just kitchen waste – they can give your plant a gentle nutrient boost, helping it grow fuller, greener leaves and stronger roots. 

 Pothos is loved for its trailing vines and easy nature. While it doesn’t ask for much, the right feeding routine can make a visible difference. Used correctly, coffee grounds offer a simple, natural way to support healthy growth.  

Why coffee grounds work

Used coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which supports leafy growth – exactly what makes Pothos look so vibrant. They also contain small amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which help strengthen roots and improve overall resilience. 

Another bonus? Coffee grounds can improve the texture of your potting mix, helping it hold moisture while still draining well. This creates a more balanced environment for roots to thrive.  

When to feed your Pothos

Less is more when using coffee grounds. Applying them too often can make the soil dense and slow drainage. 

As a general guide: 

  • Use dry coffee grounds every two to four months
  • Apply liquid coffee solution once a month during spring and summer
  • Skip feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows

Two easy ways to use coffee grounds

The sprinkle method

 This works as a slow, gentle feeder. 

What to do: 

  • Allow used coffee grounds to dry fully on a plate or tray 
  • Sprinkle a very thin layer over the surface of the soil 
  • Lightly mix it into the top layer with your fingers 
  • Water as usual 

The layer should be fine –  never thick or heavy. 

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The coffee water method

This creates a mild liquid feed that roots can absorb more quickly. 

What to do: 

  • Mix about 120 ml used coffee grounds with 4 litres water 
  • Let it sit for 24 hours 
  • Strain the liquid to remove particles 
  • Use the water to hydrate your plant as normal 

Always pour onto the soil, not the leaves. 

Simple dos and don’ts

Do use: 

  • Only used coffee grounds 
  • Completely dry grounds for sprinkling 
  • Small amounts at a time

Avoid: 

  • Fresh coffee grounds, which are too acidic 
  • Wet grounds, as they can grow mould 
  • Thick layers that block water from reaching roots 
  • Replacing your regular plant fertiliser entirely 

Think of it as a boost, not a replacement

Coffee grounds are best used as a gentle extra, not your Pothos’ main source of nutrition. Continue feeding with a balanced houseplant fertiliser during the growing season for the best results. 

With a light touch and a bit of consistency, this simple habit can help your Pothos produce fuller vines, richer colour and stronger growth – turning your everyday coffee into a secret weapon for a thriving indoor garden. 

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