As a growing enthusiast, I’ve often asked the question: “Do orchids like coffee grounds?” A lot of indoor gardeners have responded with a firm “no.” I understand that many people use this as a means to sterilize the pot and prevent fungi or insects from thriving in their pots. In fact, the practice is so common that it’s actually listed in the Department of Health’s Office of Cosmetic Standards. I understand the need to clean and sanitize, but there’s nothing about coffee grounds that would promote fungal growth. So why does this have any bearing on orchids?
Well, one theory I have is that orchids are considered “warm” or tropical plants. In their natural habitat, orchids are plants that require just the right amount of water and sunshine to thrive. The theory is that if you start a plant out in a dry climate, it will eventually develop a low tolerance for dampness and moisture. The result could be that after a while, the plant starts to wilt and die because it can no longer sustain the growing requirements necessary for it to grow healthily.
I believe that if you give orchid plants water and sunshine, they will eventually start to adapt. This is especially true of orchids that are just starting out. When a plant is poorly suited to its environment (or has not yet learned how), it’s only a matter of time before the plant begins to wilt and dies. This is why orchids like coffee really have two responses: they either try to harden themselves or they die. Therefore, if you give your orchid plants regular water and sunshine, you’ll be more likely to see them survive and thrive.
So, if you’re wondering “How do orchids like coffee?” the answer is simple. When your orchid grows up, it gets regular water and nutritious food. But, as the orchid matures and starts to form flowers, it stops getting the nutrients and water it needs in order to produce new flowers. Because it’s in a semi-damp climate, you don’t need to water your orchid nearly as often as you would a tropical plant.
On the other hand, this means you have to give your orchid a better water quality than you normally do. Orchids crave water to keep growing healthy, blooming plants. When you place a pot of water in the bottom of your terrarium, make sure you don’t saturate the soil. Instead, gently moisten the soil a little, then add water slowly to the pot of water until the roots are well established. You can also put a shallow dish of water in the bottom of your pot in order to make it a little more convenient to refill.
How do orchids get their delicious flavor? It’s actually quite easy. All orchids have single or two cactus-like branches that grow from the center of the orchid’s head (or sometimes, just one branch). These branches, called petals, send down tiny nectar-carrying hairs called petals to the base of the plant. When the hairs get wet, they expand slightly, holding the water in and giving the plant a slightly sweeter taste.
Of course, most orchids will enjoy a shot of coffee too! Many orchids get their flavor from the coffee grounds. If you want to know how do orchids like coffee grounds, just remember that a shot of coffee grounds is just what your orchid needs to get going.
If you’re curious about how do orchids like coffee grounds, you might also want to try giving your orchid a break from watering once a week. Watering your orchid once a week, about once an hour, will help your orchid stay beautiful even if it doesn’t get its “just a little sip” of water. If you’re tired of watering your orchid, consider giving it some freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will help cleanse the system of unwanted pollutants and will keep your orchid looking its best.