Orchids’ exquisite blooms are rare beauties, with most plants blooming just once or twice a year. Flower lovers can extend its growing season all year round by incorporating one common kitchen item into its watering schedule, according to houseplant enthusiast Kiva Kriti.
The game-changing tip comes by way of houseplant enthusiast Kiva Kriti. Her secret lies in steeping the chopped banana skin in warm water for several hours until it’s “ready to use”. In a social media video, Kiva showed how she carefully nourishes her orchid with the enriched water over the sink — allowing any excess liquid to easily escape and prevent over-saturation.
Next, she instructed: “Chop, chop into pieces,” preparing the essential ingredient needed for her orchid care tip.
“Feed your orchids and wait until the water drains out,” she advised, which promotes health and avoid possible fungal issues.
Kiva recommended people follow the process every 10 years, concluding: “Happy plant, happy you.”
In the comments on her TikTok post, Kiva noted that she uses this banana regimen “once a month [during] blooming time”.
One inquisitive viewer asked: “They bloom every month?” to which Kiva answered: “No, in my case it blooms twice a year… so I feed them once a month during blooming season.”
When do orchids bloom?
Horticultural expert Victoria Lee Blackstone told Hunker that potted orchids “have varied blooming seasons, depending on their species” hinge on their individual species.
Moth orchids are most likely to hit peak blooming season in March, with the potential for their vibrant displays to last “several months” with proper care.
Blackstone advised plant enthusiasts to “repot spring blooming Cattleyas immediately after blooming has ended” for optimal health.
Repotting orchids post-bloom can significantly benefit their next flowering cycle as the potting medium deteriorates over time. The repotting process involves removing any dead or decaying foliage from the plant and introducing fresh potting mix.
If an orchid has outgrown its current home, it may be time to upgrade to a larger pot. For the best chance at a long and healthy life for your orchid, ensure that the potting mixture consists of either sphagnum peat moss or bark chips.
