See how much this houseplant amended with tea has grown. This croton was top-dressed with tea and grew 6 inches in just a couple of months. Tea grounds provide houseplants with a variety of nutrients.
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Today we’re checking in on this lovely croton plant. In the prior video (linked below), we explored whether you can add tea grounds to houseplants and whether it’s beneficial. Two months ago, I applied used tea—specifically the contents of used tea bags—as a mulch on top of the soil.
During this time, I didn’t use any fertilizers or amendments. I simply cared for the plant by giving it proper light and water. The result? This croton grew half a foot in two months, which shows the tea was very beneficial for the plant.
When we zoom in, you’ll see that the tea is no longer visible on the soil surface. That means the soil absorbed the nutrients from the tea grounds. As I explained in the first video, brewed tea contains:
4.4% nitrogen
0.25% potassium
0.24% phosphorus
It also includes beneficial compounds like polyphenols, phenols, and tannic acid, which contribute nutrients to your soil and support plant health.
I’m truly impressed by the growth and health of this croton. It’s put out shiny new leaves and looks vibrant. I plan to continue applying the contents of tea bags as a top dressing, and I’ll start doing this with more of my houseplants, especially since I drink a lot of tea.
Top dressing with tea is simple—just open the used tea bag and sprinkle the contents on the soil surface. Each time you water, nutrients seep into the soil and feed the roots, which are essential to the overall health of the plant.
So, is tea good for houseplants? The answer is a resounding yes! It’s a sustainable, composting method that supports plant growth.
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FAQ: Using Tea Grounds for Houseplants
Can you use tea grounds on houseplants?
Yes, tea grounds—especially used tea bags—can be applied as a top dressing on your houseplants. They add nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.
What nutrients are in used tea bags?
Used tea bags contain about 4.4% nitrogen, 0.25% potassium, and 0.24% phosphorus. They also include beneficial compounds like tannic acid, phenols, and polyphenols.
How do you apply tea grounds to indoor plants?
Open a used tea bag and sprinkle the contents on top of the soil. This acts as a mulch and slow-release fertilizer that enriches the soil over time with each watering.
Is it okay to use tea that hasn’t been brewed?
Yes, you can use both brewed and unbrewed tea leaves. However, used tea bags are a great way to recycle and compost while enriching your soil naturally.
How often should you apply tea grounds to houseplants?
You can apply tea grounds once every few weeks. Monitor your plant’s response and adjust accordingly, especially if you’re also fertilizing or using other amendments.
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