Gardeners looking to keep their peace lilies blooming throughout summer are turning to a simple kitchen scrap: rice water. The natural fertiliser, made by rinsing raw rice, provides essential nutrients that encourage flower production.
Peace lilies require specific care to produce their signature white spathes. Many enthusiasts find their plants stay green but fail to flower. Rice water, applied once a month, offers a chemical-free solution.
Rice water contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, along with zinc, iron, and sulphur. These nutrients support foliage growth, root development, and blooming. It also provides magnesium and B vitamins for larger blooms.
To use, rinse a cup of raw rice in cold water until the water turns cloudy. Pour the solution onto the soil, avoiding any salt, oil, or seasoning. The mixture can be diluted if too strong. Do not store it for long periods.
Another method involves blending rice flour with water to create a thin paste. This can be used to wipe leaves or sprayed directly. Both techniques should be applied no more than once a month to avoid harming the plant.
YouTube channel Plant Tips demonstrated the rice flour method, showing a peace lily covered in blooms three months later. The expert described the result as 'so many flowers explode'.
