Just as garden plants benefit from nutrient-rich compost made from kitchen scraps, houseplants can also thrive with the right kind of leftover food.
In a recent survey About Living conducted, across 2000 Brits, over half 52%, said they fail to keep houseplants alive for more than a month.
Sustainability experts at About Living reveal how you can use leftover food to keep your houseplants healthy and vibrant.
Using Food Scraps for Houseplants
Banana Peels
Banana Peel Tea: Soak banana peels in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich tea. Use this water to water your houseplants. This solution provides potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, essential for plant health.
Direct Application: Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them in the potting soil. As they decompose, they will release nutrients into the soil.
Egg Shells
Egg Shell Powder: Rinse and dry the egg shells, then crush them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. Sprinkle the powder on the soil surface or mix it into the potting mix to add calcium, which helps strengthen cell walls.
Egg Shell Tea: Boil crushed egg shells in water for a few minutes. Let the water cool, strain out the shells, and use the water to irrigate your plants. This tea provides a gentle calcium boost.
Coffee Grounds
Soil Amendment: Sprinkle used coffee grounds on the soil surface and gently mix them in. Coffee grounds improve soil structure and add nitrogen, promoting lush, green growth.
Compost Tea: Soak coffee grounds in water for a few days to make a mild liquid fertilizer. Use this tea to water your houseplants.
Tea Bags
Soil Amendment: Remove the used tea leaves from the bags and mix them into the potting soil. Tea leaves add nutrients and improve soil texture.
Mulch: Place used tea bags on the soil surface as a mulch. This helps retain moisture and slowly releases nutrients as the bags decompose.
Vegetable Scraps
Compost: Collect vegetable scraps like carrot tops, potato peels, and leafy greens. Blend them with water to create a slurry and pour this mixture into the soil. This provides a quick nutrient boost.
Direct Burial: Cut vegetable scraps into small pieces and bury them shallowly in the potting soil. As they break down, they will enrich the soil with nutrients.
Citrus Peels
Citrus Peel Spray: Boil citrus peels in water, let it cool, and use this water to mist your plants. The citrus-infused water acts as a natural pest repellent.
Soil Amendment: Dry the peels and grind them into a powder. Mix this powder into the soil to deter pests and add nutrients.
Tips for Using Food Scraps with Houseplants
Moderation: Use food scraps sparingly to avoid attracting pests or causing mold growth. Too much organic matter can lead to over-fertilization and harm your plants.
Proper Preparation: Ensure that all food scraps are properly rinsed and free from any oils, salts, or seasoning that could harm your plants.
Observation: Monitor your plants for any signs of distress or imbalance after adding food scraps. Adjust the amount and type of scraps used based on your plants’ response.
Composting Indoors: If space permits, consider setting up a small indoor compost bin or worm bin to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost that can be used for all your houseplants.
Sustainability expert Lisa Cole from About Living says:
Using leftover food scraps for houseplants is a fantastic way to recycle nutrients and promote healthy, vibrant indoor plants. By following these methods, you can create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for your houseplants, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to thrive. So next time you finish your morning coffee or peel a banana, remember that these scraps can help your houseplants flourish.
https://www.aboutliving.co.uk/