Orchids are beautiful houseplants known for their colourful blooms - but it's annoying when they don't flower as expected. One reason why this occasionally happens is because they don't have enough nutrients, but there's a clever way you can give your orchids a boost. All you need are banana peels, which work as a great fertiliser according to Olivia, a gardener and founder of Gardening Olivia.
The expert shared that this hack will help them bloom routinely rather than just once a year. She said: "Believe it or not, banana peels can be a terrific organic fertiliser to help your orchids bloom! Who would have thought that something we consider garbage has such great value for our plants? "When I first heard this idea, I was sceptical too. But after trying it myself, I’m a believer.
My orchids used to bloom so sporadically, maybe once or twice a year if I was lucky. But ever since switching to banana peels as a fertilizer, they bloom like clockwork several times a year." The reason banana peels are so beneficial is because they are brimming with potassium.
This is an important nutrient that plants need to grow. It also improves disease resistance and helps the development of healthy roots and blossoming flowers. Olivia said: "Potassium is important for overall plant health and plays a key role in flowering.
It helps transport carbohydrates, which orchids need for energy to produce blooms." To use the banana peels, just collect them in a container and when you have enough allow.