Horticultural expert David Denyer, known for his appearances on “Gardeners’ World,” has revealed a unique method to help peace lilies thrive. Denyer, who has an impressive record of Gold Medals and Best in Show awards at the Chelsea Flower Show, shared his insider knowledge on how to make these popular houseplants look their best.
“Many people may not realize that peace lilies require potassium to support their growth,” Denyer said. “Using a banana peel is a unique way to provide this essential nutrient.” However, he emphasized that there is a proper method to using banana peels for this purpose, which does not involve simply burying them in the soil.
“To create potassium-rich fertilizer, place banana peels in a jar of water and let it sit for at least a day or two—the longer, the better,” Denyer explained. “The more banana peels you use, the richer the potassium content in the water will be.” After the soaking period, he advised draining the water into a fresh jug and discarding the banana peels.
Next, Denyer instructed diluting the banana peel water with fresh water before using it to water the peace lily. He assured garden enthusiasts that applying this banana water biweekly would help maintain rich soil nutrients and promote growth. He also stressed the importance of following his specific instructions to avoid potential issues.
“Just tossing banana peels into the soil could attract pests and insects, which might end up eating the plant and causing it to die faster,” Denyer warned. He emphasized that regular plant care, including weekly watering, positioning the plant in indirect sunlight, and removing wilted leaves or spathes, is crucial when using this method.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) defines deadheading as 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 would keep it healthy.
Denyer highlighted that bananas can be purchased for as little as 16p, making this technique a “simple and cheap hack” to try. He concluded by noting that while peace lilies typically live for three to five years, with the right care, they can thrive for decades.
