13 September 2023 , 11:31
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Of all the houseplants, orchids have a particular reputation as being high maintenance. The two biggest issues with orchids are their need for high humidity and consistent watering. Nonetheless they are one of the most popular houseplants to own in the UK.
If you're interested in owning an orchid - and more importantly keeping it alive, then moth orchids (phalaenopsis orchids) are the easiest to grow, available in various colours and sizes. These orchids bloom for several weeks, not requiring bright light or strange room temperatures to keep them alive. You're less likely to find yourself in the common predicament of being unable to make it bloom again. If you already look after orchids and find it a struggle to get them to rebloom, gardeners swear by this one unorthodox hack - and it only involves your favourite fruit, according to The Express.
Gardeners claim that feeding your orchids banana peels can encourage them to bloom. Sofia Ahmed took to the Gardening UK Facebook page to discuss her own use of the tip, saying "Orchid experts! I'm new to orchids and have been caring for my orchids diligently: feeding fortnightly, watering weekly with cooked boiled water and misting a few times. The leaves are healthy green, some new leaves and now loads of aerial roots but no blooms." She attached a photo of her bloomless moth orchid.
Group members noted that moth orchids typically bloom in spring, but there can be a way for it to rebloom at other times. "I have been using banana water on mine and it's got three branches at the top with flower buds on", one woman wrote. While another claimed: "I've just rescued my sister's wilted orchid with banana peel water. It's brought it back to life and encouraged the flowerless orchid to bloom."
A third plant lover explained that to make this magic banana peel water, you simply "soak banana peels in water for your orchids. It contains potassium which orchids need to grow." It's a popular tool among gardening communities, as it is so rich in many macro and micronutrients, meaning it's an organic fertiliser that is inexpensive and provides the best nutrients.
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The one issue gardeners face with banana peel water is that it has an unpleasant odour which contains harmful microorganisms that can threaten the root system. To avoid this, the water should be boiled after preparing the banana peel tea.
How to make banana peel tea:
Add some cut-up banana peels to a container with water and let it ferment for seven to 10 days. After doing this, boil the water for five minutes to remove the odour and kill the microorganisms. Then leave the water to cool for around five to six hours. Once ready to use, mix the banana peel water with regular water in a ratio of one to five.
What's your best tip to keep houseplants alive? Let us know in the comments below.