The potted coin trick: How this metal affects plant growth

Spring has announced itself in full swing and is treating us to pleasant temperatures. This raises the question of how to keep flowers fresh and plants healthy. A year ago at this exact time, I was wondering how to encourage plant growth. Fortunately, I discovered a brilliant trick then.

Every gardener knows it. With the arrival of spring comes the worry about plants that lasts for most of the year. It’s time to nurture their growth and health, but it doesn’t always work. I, too, have struggled with various problems and wondered unhappily what to do to keep them healthy. Then a friend advised me an effective trick that literally brought my plants back from the dead. They say money can’t buy happiness. Well, maybe it does for plants, albeit metaphorically. Because if you put a copper coin in the soil, you’ll encourage them to grow. I wondered what a silly idea this was, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results.

One coin, many successes.

I’ve heard all sorts of opinions about using copper in the soil, many of them negative. However, according to the experts, it offers beneficial properties in plant care as it is an important micro element for plant growth. It even counteracts pests, especially slugs, which prevent plants from thriving healthily. Copper also offers fungicidal properties, i.e. it prevents fungal infections. Once the copper ions are dissolved in the soil, an environment is created that slows down the spread of harmful bacteria and in turn promotes vigorous plant growth.

As I noticed during use, the copper promoted a natural environment in the soil, but also kept the flowers more vigorous and beautiful for much longer when added to the water in the vase. In fact, copper has antibacterial properties that prolong their life. I also add a sugar cube to the water to increase the nutrient content.

There is no science in using a coin, just put it in the soil. Ideally, however, it should be combined with natural fertilisers that increase the nutrient content of the soil. Organic fertilizers that you have at home are a great choice. I, for example, regularly use coffee grounds.

However, as expert studies point out, you need to take care of the copper balance in the soil. If there is not enough of it, the plants are weak; if there is too much, it causes a problem. This means that it can damage plants and slow down their growth.

Personal experience

I did an experiment with coin for the first time last spring. I am always sceptical about any novelty and this trick was no exception. First I tried putting a coin in the soil. And worlds wonder, the plants did indeed look healthier and more beautiful, even the pesky pests stayed away. After suppressing my initial doubts, I tried adding the coin to the water. The flowers usually lasted a short time in my vase, but the presence of copper extended their life by a few days. I always paid attention to the quality and purity of the coin. If it shows signs of corrosion, I recommend using a different one.