Orchids in bloom are a stunning sight to behold, but getting to this point can be a struggle if you don’t know what the houseplant needs.
Understanding what orchids need will make the blooming process a whole lot easier.
One thing that’s essential to them is water. However, this is something that can be added to it to help move along the flowering process.
Taking to the Orchids Tips and Tricks Facebook page, one woman claimed that her orchid bloomed more than three times a year after levelling up her watering routine.
She shared how she likes to add a “sliver of banana peel” to the water she uses on her orchid.
Sharing a picture of her orchid in full bloom, Jeanne Crooks wrote: “I am growing my orchids in just water. I water them once a week or every 10 days – whichever I feel they need.
“I also give them a sliver of banana peel in the water. They love it. It’s bloomed more than three times this year. This is the fourth time.”
Taking to the comments section, group members shared their thoughts on this. Sarah Webster said: “I do this with my orchids, and they bloom so well. I wait until the soil has dried out first before using this.”
One user warned that this hack could “promote pests”, however, Jeanne replied: “I haven’t had any issues and I’ve been doing this for years.
Annemie Dingenen wrote: “Using banana peel infusion forever. Never had issues either, just many beautiful blooms.”
Banana peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium and are a good organic fertiliser, according to Mark Curran of gardening blog Heavenly Orchids.
Instead of adding banana peels to water and using them immediately, he recommends soaking the skins for hours like a “tea” before using them.
Make banana peel tea by steeping fresh banana skins in water for 48 hours, then dilute with four parts water.
Alternatively, cut the banana peel into thin strips, dry it in the sun for two days, and then grind it into a powder that can be sprinkled onto the growing medium.
