A simple homemade fertiliser made from banana peels can encourage peace lilies to bloom repeatedly for years, according to houseplant enthusiasts. The popular houseplant, known for its striking white spathes and glossy green leaves, thrives with just monthly feeding during spring and summer.
Homemade Banana Peel Feed
An anonymous user on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page shared their method: '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.'
The process involves chopping banana peels and soaking them in warm water for a few days. The resulting liquid should be poured sparingly onto the plants. The user added: '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.'
Nutrient Benefits and Dilution
Soaking banana peels releases essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are highly beneficial for peace lilies. However, it is crucial to dilute the banana water to prevent overwhelming the plant with excess nutrients. Overfeeding can cause considerable harm, so using the fertiliser sparingly is strongly recommended.
Fellow houseplant fans responded positively to the tip. 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 and Precautions
Banana peels are also valuable for feeding outdoor plants such as tomatoes, bell peppers, roses, and hydrangeas. When adding new plants to the garden, scattering a few peels beneath compost or placing them on the soil surface can help deter pests like slugs, which are put off by rough surfaces.
Peace lilies are not demanding feeders, but nourishing them once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) is vital. Avoiding excessive fertiliser is essential to prevent harm. The banana peel method offers a simple, natural alternative to commercial feeds.
