The internet is awash with claims that soaking banana skins in water creates a miracle fertiliser for houseplants, promising lusher leaves and more vibrant blooms. But does this household hack hold water?
Bananas do contain potassium and trace amounts of other nutrients, so the idea is not entirely baseless. However, critics point out that the concoction lacks a balanced nutrient profile, making it a poor substitute for standard fertilisers.
To test the theory, a peace lily was fed with banana water while another received a conventional fertiliser. The banana water-treated plant showed no discernible improvement, and its soil developed a slimy layer, attracting a swarm of fruit flies.
The verdict from experts is clear: houseplants require a balanced diet, not a random infusion of kitchen scraps. Rotting peel can introduce odour, slime, and pests. If determined to try it, it is best used outdoors on borders or beds, not indoors.
