'Simple and cheap' food hack helps peace lilies live 'for decades'

Daily Mirror

a day ago

David Denyer, who is based at Eflorist and has won Chelsea Gold Medals and Best in Show titles, explained that peace lilies require a certain nutrient to aid growth
A flower expert has shared some insider knowledge on making peace lilies look their best. Horticultural expert David Denyer, who's graced television screens on Gardeners' World, divulged a handy tip about these popular houseplants.
"Many people may be unaware, but peace lilies require potassium to aid with their growth," said David, who is a florist at Eflorist with an impressive track record of Gold Medals and Best in Show accolades at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. He added: "So using a banana peel is a unique way to help with this."
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However, he was quick to clarify that there's a "genuine method" to employing a banana peel for boosting peace lily growth, which doesn't involve simply burying it in the soil.
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David said: "To make some potassium-rich fertiliser, put some banana peel in a jar of water, and leave it to sit for at least a day or two - the longer the better!
"Don't hold back on the amount of banana peel you use, as the more you add, the more potassium-rich the water will become." After the steeping period, Denyer advised to "drain the water into a fresh jug and dispose of the banana peel".
He then instructed: "Then, dilute the banana peel water with some fresh water and use this liquid to water your peace lily."
David assured garden lovers that utilising banana water biweekly "it will help to keep the nutrients in the soil rich and promote growth". He stressed the necessity of adhering to his specific instructions to avoid potential problems, reports the Express.
"Just throwing some banana peel in the soil could attract pests and insects, who may end up eating the plant, and cause it to die faster," Denyer warned.
He emphasised that when adopting this method, it's crucial to maintain regular care for the plant, including weekly watering. Further care involves positioning the houseplant where it receives indirect sunlight and removing any wilted leaves or spathes.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explained: "Deadheading is the term used for the removal of fading or dead flowers from plants."
Denyer recommended routine upkeep of the peace lily and suggested that incorporating the biweekly banana water trick will "keep it healthy".
With a smile, David pointed out that bananas can be purchased for as little as 16p, branding the technique a "simple and cheap hack" to experiment with. He concluded: "Peace lilies typically live for three to five years, but with the right care, they can thrive for decades."