Peace lilies remain a popular choice in British households, prized for their elegant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Beyond purifying the air, they can also contribute to better sleep quality.
While they're typically easy to maintain, continuous flowering over several months can be encouraged using a homemade fertiliser.
Peace lilies do not require excessive feeding, and overfeeding can lead to numerous issues. However, during the growing period, from March through to October, monthly feeding can deliver significant advantages.
Simple Homemade Fertiliser from Banana Skins
A simple homemade fertiliser can be created from banana skins, according to an online gardening enthusiast. Writing on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous contributor shared: "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."
Responding in the comments section, Susan Dyre remarked: "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 contributed: "All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to overwater."
Nutrients and Application
Soaking the peels in water extracts valuable nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. These nutrients are particularly beneficial for houseplants, including peace lilies. The banana feed should be diluted prior to application to avoid overfeeding the plant, thereby extending its usability.
Banana peels prove equally valuable for feeding outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers and roses. If you have no immediate use for the peel, simply add it to your compost heap or place it in a food bin.
