Orchids are gorgeous houseplants which can last for many years when provided with the right watering and lighting conditions. Moth orchids are typically the most common in the UK, and they do have a reputation of being slightly stubborn when it comes to flowering.
Orchids may not bloom due to a number of reasons, including insufficient lighting or improper watering, and when mine hadn’t bloomed for around six months, I decided to try and feed it a two-ingredient solution — it worked incredibly, and the houseplant has been blooming ever since.
Orchids have specific fertilising needs, but they are not heavy feeders, so they shouldn’t be fed too often throughout the year.
After researching and finding out how banana water works, I decided to try it with my houseplant. I’ve now been using it for months, and it works so well.
Banana water can provide potassium and micronutrients to the roots, which orchids need to thrive.
However, it’s recommended as a fertiliser and shouldn’t be used every time you hydrate the plant, just once a month.
Whilst some people believe this attracts pests due to its slightly sweet smell, I’ve never had this problem and only use a little at a time until it’s soaked into the roots.
To make banana water for orchids, soak peeled banana pieces in water for a few days, then strain and use the liquid to water your orchids.
You can also blitz the banana peel into a powder and use it in water or even boil the peels, but I find soaking to be the easiest method.
My orchid loves banana water, and it has consistently bloomed ever since I started feeding it this.
Banana peel water can also be used to feed tomatoes, peace lilies and roses.
It helps to avoid food waste, but banana peels are also great for compost.
If you don’t have any banana peels to hand, rice water also works great to provide a nutrient boost.
Use sparingly and don’t use too much at once or your orchid may suffer root rot.
