Peace lilies are a beloved houseplant in UK homes, prized for their elegant white blooms and glossy green foliage. They not only purify indoor air but can also enhance sleep quality. While generally easy to care for, encouraging repeat flowering for months requires proper feeding. Peace lilies are not heavy feeders, and over-fertilising can cause issues. However, during the growing season from March to October, monthly feeding can be highly beneficial.
Homemade Banana Peel Fertiliser
An online gardener on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page shared a simple homemade fertiliser made from banana peels. The 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."
How to Make and Use Banana Peel Feed
To prepare the feed, chop banana peels and soak them in warm water for a few days. This process draws out essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are loved by houseplants. The resulting liquid should be diluted before use to avoid overwhelming the plant and to make it last longer. Use sparingly, as overwatering can be a risk.
Gardeners have praised the 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 added: "All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to overwater."
Additional Uses for Banana Peels
Banana peels are also excellent for outdoor plants such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and roses. If you have no immediate use for the peels, they can be added to a compost heap or food waste bin. This simple, eco-friendly fertiliser can help your peace lilies thrive and bloom for years.
