Which Plants Don’t Like Tea Leaves? Avoid These Garden Mistakes

If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of tea and wondered whether your garden plants would appreciate the leftover tea, you are not alone. Many gardeners use tea leaves as a natural fertilizer, believing they provide essential nutrients to promote healthy growth. I happen to be one of them. However, how do you know which plants don’t like tea leaves? Not all plants benefit from this practice—some struggle with the tannic acid in black tea or the changes in soil pH.

In a previous post, Is Tea Good for Plants? How to Use It as Fertilizer, I shared the best results for using tea leaves in the garden. Today, let’s explore which plants don’t like tea leaves and why!

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Understanding Why Some Plants Don’t Like Tea Leaves

I am by no means an expert or a scientist on this subject. Although, hear me out. This is what I’ve learned through my research and experience from gardening in my garden. While tea leaves contain organic matter, trace minerals, and carbon-rich materials, they also have tannic acid, which can lower soil pH. This makes them ideal for acid-loving plants but problematic for plants that need alkaline soil.

Additionally, tea bags—especially those from Earl Grey or herbal tea blends—may contain additives that don’t break down easily in a compost pile or a compost bin. If you’re using used tea bags, make sure they’re biodegradable. I use whole-leaf tea with a tea strainer so the tea bag is something I don’t need to worry about.

Now, let’s explore which plants don’t like tea leaves and why.

Herbs That Need Alkaline Soil

I am a huge lover of fresh herbs for cooking. Some of my favorite herbs prefer alkaline soil and don’t do well with the slightly acidic soil created by tea leaves. If you’re growing a victory garden with homegrown herbs, avoid using tea water or tea leaves for these varieties.

Rosemary

I learned this the hard way so I’ll save you some trouble here. This tropical plant needs alkaline soil with excellent drainage. The best thing for rosemary is a drainage layer of sand or gravel, not loose-leaf teas.

The best part of rosemary? You can use this versatile herb for so many different culinary dishes. This is one of my favorite ways to store rosemary.

Lavender

Lavender thrives in dry soil and doesn’t tolerate much nitrogen or high soil pH fluctuations. If you want a healthier plant, avoid tea leaves and use coffee grounds sparingly.

Oregano & Thyme

Both of these herbs prefer slightly alkaline soil. Instead of tea plant waste, try grass clippings or a whole banana for balanced compost.

Homes and Gardens has an excellent article on this topic.

Vegetables That Struggle with Tea Leaves

If you’re growing vegetables in your garden, be careful with tea leaves, as they can alter soil pH and impact plant growth.

Carrots & Beets

These precious plants need alkaline soil to develop properly. Too much tannic acid from tea leaves can stunt root development.

Cabbage, Broccoli & Cauliflower

These vegetables prefer balanced compost with carbon-rich materials. The composting process works best with a mix of food waste, not just a whole bag of tea leaves.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers thrive in garden soil with stable ph levels. Too much nitrogen from tea leaves or compost heap materials can impact their growth.

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House Plants That Dislike Tea Leaves

Now let’s move on to Indoor plants, including pot plants. Often indoor plants struggle with tea leaves due to hard water and mold issues. If you’re using leftover tea for houseplants, test a small amount first.

several pots of house plants next to window

Spider Plants

Spider plants prefer neutral garden soil. Using tea water regularly can lower soil’s pH, leading to poor growth.

Boston Ivy

While african violets and some tropical plants enjoy acidity, boston ivy needs alkaline soil. It’s best to stick with a compost bin of mixed organic materials instead.

Orchids

Orchids require a healthy growing environment with a proper drainage layer. Used tea bags can retain moisture, causing fungal diseases.

Plants Prone to Mold and Rot

Some plants prefer dry soil and don’t tolerate tea bags or tea leaves. If your plant prefers a tropical climate, avoid placing loose leaves at the base of the plant.

Succulents & Cacti

These tropical plants need balanced compost with sand, not organic matter that retains water.

Ferns

Ferns enjoy slightly acidic soil, but too much tea can impact soil health. Instead, try a mix of compost heap materials and coffee grounds.

Best Alternatives to Tea Leaves

If you’re looking for a great way to feed your plants, here are various ways to improve plant health without using a lot of tea:

Eggshells – Great for tomato plants and vegetables needing alkaline soil.
Wood Ash – Raises soil’s pH naturally for indoor plants and herbs.
Coffee Grounds – A good substitute for tea leaves in the composting process.
Banana Peels – Provide essential nutrients for flowering plants.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Tea Leaves in Your Garden?

Tea leaves can be a great addition to your compost pile—but only for the right type of tea and different plant needs. If you have acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas, tea leaves can be beneficial. But for plants needing alkaline soil, it’s better to choose other organic matter.

Before adding tea leaves to your garden, check your soil pH and consider the needs of your plants. A couple of weeks of testing can make all the difference for a healthier plant and a thriving garden!