Peace lilies will 'bloom for years' if 1 kitchen scrap is used
Peace lilies may be encouraged to bloom for years with a simple homemade fertiliser
Peace lilies remain a firm favourite in homes, prized for their graceful white blooms (spathes) and glossy green leaves. While they're relatively easy to care for, encouraging repeat flowering can be achieved by feeding them with a simple homemade solution.
Peace lilies aren't especially demanding when it comes to nutrition; however, feeding them just once a month during the growing season — which runs from spring through to summer — is crucial. Overfeeding can cause harm, so avoiding too much fertiliser is highly recommended.
According to an avid houseplant enthusiast online, an effortless homemade fertiliser for peace lilies can be created using banana peels.
Writing on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user wrote: "In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. My peace lily loves it, just thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling.
"I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years."
"Once I've eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I'll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them."
The post attracted numerous responses from fellow houseplant lovers, who were just as impressed by the banana peel method.
Susan Dyre commented: "Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again, and then a proper feed in between, but it's fantastic."
Rose Danyel said: "All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to overwater."
Soaking banana peels in water releases key nutrients, amongst them potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, all of which are hugely beneficial for peace lilies.
It's crucial to dilute the banana water to maximise its potency and prevent the plant from being overwhelmed by an excess of nutrients.
Banana peels are just as handy for feeding outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas.
When adding a new plant to your garden, place a few banana peels beneath the compost or spread them across the surface of the soil.
This technique can also be remarkably effective at keeping unwanted pests at bay, such as slugs, which particularly dislike rough surfaces.
