Why You Should Always Use Coffee Filters With Your Potted Plants

If your plants lose soil when you water them, or you're a culprit of overwatering, the solution to these common gardening woes may reside right in your kitchen. Believe it or not, a coffee filter can do wonders for a potted plant, helping with moisture retention and reducing soil loss. The next time you're repotting one of your plants, consider placing a coffee filter over the drainage hole—and use these tips from a gardening expert to ensure you do so the right way.  

Benefits of Using a Coffee Filter for Potted Plants

Placing a paper coffee filter at the bottom of a flower pot can help your plant thrive. This is especially true for houseplants, as they commonly suffer from one of two problems: overwatering and underwatering.

Promotes Even Water Distribution

Coffee filters are absorbent and help with water retention. Their absorbent properties promote even water distribution to the plant’s root system, says Marryn Mathis, owner of The Farmhouse Flower Farm and author of Sweet Pea School.

Reduces Soil Loss

If your potted plants lose soil when you water them, placing a coffee filter at the bottom of the container can help. “Coffee filters create an eco-friendly barrier, reducing soil loss through excessive watering and preventing clogged drainage holes at the bottom of the pot,” says Mathis.

Retains Soil Moisture

Another benefit of coffee filter absorbency is that it helps retain moisture in the soil without risking root rot. Coffee filters allow water to spread and fill the pot without over saturating the soil. Oversaturated soil can increase plant stress and make it more susceptible to disease.

How to Use a Coffee Filter in Plant Pots

Paper coffee filters are easy to use in gardening. “While repotting your plant, place a coffee filter at the bottom of your vessel and top it with some moist potting soil," says Mathis, adding that this keeps soil from escaping from the drainage hole. Then, add soil or the plant on top of the coffee filter and add more soil on the sides to secure the plant in place.

Make sure the filter covers the drainage hole to prevent soil buildup. “When dirt flows out of the hole with water, the hole can become clogged, making water flow less freely,” says Mathis. This can lead to moisture buildup and root rot. 

Coffee Filters vs. Gravel in Flower Pots

Some plant enthusiasts recommend placing a small rock or gravel over the drainage hole of your flower pot to help with drainage. That said, rocks still allow some soil to pass through the drainage hole, which can cause clogs and lead to root rot. Similarly, the stones can sometimes move and block the drainage hole from allowing water to flow. “Coffee filters can provide better drainage than gravel because they don't shift and clog drainage holes," says Mathis.