Indoor gardening is a great way to bring greenery into your home, but maintaining healthy plants requires more than just watering and sunlight. Tea is an excellent natural supplement that can improve soil quality, nourish plants, and even help with pest control. Whether used as a fertilizer, compost, or foliar spray, tea can provide valuable nutrients that enhance plant growth.

Let’s explore how to use tea in indoor gardening, the best types of tea to use, and the specific benefits it offers to houseplants.

Tea is packed with organic matter, nitrogen, tannins, and beneficial microorganisms that can improve soil health, boost plant nutrition, and aid in water retention. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, tea is a gentle, chemical-free option that enhances plant growth without the risk of over-fertilizing.

Benefits of Using Tea in Indoor Gardening

• Adds Essential Nutrients – Tea contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus essential for plant growth.
• Improves Soil Microbes – The organic compounds in tea stimulate beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil.
• Enhances Moisture Retention – Used tea leaves help the soil retain water, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
• Repels Pests Naturally – Some teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, have antibacterial and antifungal properties that deter pests.
• Balances Soil pH – Certain teas, like black and green tea, slightly acidify the soil, which benefits acid-loving plants.

Best Types of Tea for Indoor Plants

Green Tea – Nitrogen Boost and Soil Health

• Rich in antioxidants and nitrogen, promoting strong plant growth.
• It helps retain soil moisture, making it beneficial for tropical houseplants.

Black Tea – Enhances Soil Acidity

• Contains tannic acid, which slightly lowers pH, making it ideal for acid-loving plants like ferns, azaleas, and African violets.
• Provides organic matter that improves soil texture.

Chamomile Tea – Natural Antifungal Agent

• It acts as a mild antifungal spray for plants prone to mold and root rot.
• Helps prevent damping-off disease in seedlings.

Peppermint Tea – Pest Deterrent

• Contains natural menthol and antimicrobial properties that repel gnats and fungus in soil.
• It can be used as a foliar spray for bug control.

Rooibos Tea – Moisture Retention and Nutrient Boost

• It contains trace minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium that benefit plants.
• Improves soil aeration and structure, reducing the risk of soil compaction.

How to Use Tea in Indoor Gardening

1. Tea-infused water for Fertilization

Best for: Regular watering to enrich soil with nutrients.

Instructions:

• Steep one used tea bag or one teaspoon of loose tea in one quart of water for a few hours.
• Let the tea cool to room temperature before use.
• Water plants with tea once every two weeks to provide a gentle nutrient boost.

2. Used Tea Leaves as Soil Conditioner

Best for: Improving soil structure and moisture retention.

Instructions:

• After brewing tea, allow the used tea leaves to dry slightly.
• Mix into potting soil or sprinkle on top as a natural mulch.
• This helps retain moisture and adds slow-release nutrients to the soil.

3. Composting Tea Leaves for Houseplants

Best for: Making nutrient-rich compost for indoor potted plants.

Instructions:

• Mix used tea leaves with coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and dried leaves.
• Allow the mix to decompose in a compost bin or container.
• After a few weeks, add the compost to your houseplants for enhanced soil health.

4. Tea Spray for Pest and Fungal Control

Best for: Protecting plants from mold, mildew, and pests.

Instructions:

• Brew a strong tea using chamomile, peppermint, or green tea.
• Let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist plant leaves and soil to prevent fungal infections and deter insects.
• Apply once a week as a preventative treatment.

5. Tea-Soaked Seed Starter for Germination

Best for: Boosting seed germination and early plant growth.

Instructions:

• Soak seeds in weak green or chamomile tea for a few hours before planting.
• This helps soften the seed coat and accelerate sprouting.

Tea to Avoid in Indoor Gardening

While most teas are beneficial, some types should be avoided:

• Flavored or Sweetened Teas – Added sugars and artificial flavors can attract pests and mold.
• Highly Acidic Teas (Citrus-Based Teas) – Can alter soil pH too much, harming plants that prefer neutral conditions.
• Tea Bags with Synthetic Material – Some commercial tea bags contain plastic fibers that do not break down in soil. Always check for compostable options.

Best Houseplants for Tea Fertilization

Some plants benefit more from tea than others. The best candidates include:

• Ferns – love the slight acidity of black tea.
• Pothos and Philodendrons – Green tea helps maintain soil moisture.
• African Violets – Benefit from tannins in tea that enhance soil structure.
• Spider Plants – Thrive with mild tea fertilizers.
• Peace Lilies – Enjoy the nutrient boost from tea-infused water.

How Often to Use Tea for Indoor Plants

• Tea-infused water – Once every two weeks to avoid over-fertilization.
• Deposit used tea leaves in soil – Every few months to improve soil texture.
• Compost tea spray – Weekly for pest control or fungal prevention.

Using tea in indoor gardening is an eco-friendly and effective way to provide plants with essential nutrients, improve soil quality, and control pests naturally. Whether watering with tea-infused water, adding dried leaves to the soil, or using tea sprays for pest prevention, incorporating tea into your plant care routine is an easy way to enhance plant health without chemicals.

Experiment with different tea applications and see how your indoor garden thrives with this simple, natural approach.