Peace lilies, a popular houseplant in the UK, can be encouraged to flower repeatedly by using a simple homemade fertiliser made from banana peels, according to online gardening enthusiasts. The plants, known for their white spathes and green leaves, benefit from a monthly feed during spring and summer, but overfeeding should be avoided.
A member of the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page shared their method: chopping banana peels and soaking them in warm water for a few days, then using the liquid sparingly on plants. They reported that their peace lily produced up to ten blooms with this treatment.
Other users praised the technique. Susan Dyre said, “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.”
The banana peel soak releases essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are beneficial for peace lilies. It is important to dilute the banana water with additional water to avoid overwhelming the plant.
Banana peels can also be used for outdoor plants such as tomatoes, bell peppers, roses, and hydrangeas. Placing peels under compost or on the soil surface may help deter pests like slugs.
