As a gardening and landscaping expert, I highly advise against using coffee grounds for your fiddle leaf figs. While coffee grounds are often touted as a natural fertilizer, they can actually have negative effects on the health of your fiddle leaf fig plant.
One of the main issues with using coffee grounds is their acidity. Coffee grounds are acidic in nature, and when added to the potting medium of your fiddle leaf fig, they can disrupt the pH balance. Fiddle leaf figs prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding coffee grounds, which are typically around 6.0 in pH, may make the potting medium too acidic for the plant’s liking.
Maintaining the proper pH balance in the potting medium is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your fiddle leaf fig. When the pH is out of balance, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, as the plant may struggle to absorb the essential nutrients it needs. This can result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and overall poor health.
Furthermore, coffee grounds can also retain moisture and cause issues with drainage in the potting medium. Fiddle leaf figs prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. If the potting medium becomes too compacted and waterlogged due to the addition of coffee grounds, it can suffocate the roots and lead to root rot.
In my personal experience, I have seen fiddle leaf fig plants suffer when coffee grounds were added to their potting medium. The plants started showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves with brown spots. Additionally, root rot became a problem due to the moisture-retaining properties of the coffee grounds.
Instead of using coffee grounds, I recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants. These fertilizers have the necessary nutrients in the right proportions to support the growth and overall health of your fiddle leaf fig. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and not to over-fertilize, as this can also be detrimental to the plant.
Coffee grounds should be avoided when it comes to fiddle leaf figs. The acidity of coffee grounds can disrupt the pH balance of the potting medium, leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor plant health. Additionally, the moisture-retaining properties of coffee grounds can cause drainage issues and potentially lead to root rot. Stick to using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants to ensure the optimal growth and well-being of your fiddle leaf fig.
