Try these unusual Fertilizers that Work Wonders on Your Houseplants for healthy and lush growth without spending much.
Are you looking to give your houseplants a healthy boost without relying on store-bought fertilizers? Believe it or not, some of the best nutrients for your indoor plants may already be sitting in your kitchen or home. These unusual fertilizers are not only practical but also eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Let’s explore some Unusual Fertilizers that Work Wonders on Your Houseplants.
Fertilizers that Work Wonders on Your Houseplants
1. Banana Peels
Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus; these two key nutrients help with flower production and root growth. Instead of throwing the peel away, chop it into small pieces and mix it into the soil around your plants. You can also soak banana peels in water for a few days to make a liquid fertilizer.
2. Used Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil, which encourages leafy growth. Sprinkle a thin layer on the top of the soil or mix it in lightly. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much can make the soil too acidic.
3. Eggshells
Crushed eggshells are a great source of calcium, which helps strengthen cell walls in plants. Rinse and dry the shells, then crush them into small pieces.
You can mix them into the potting mix or add them to the bottom of the pot as a slow-release supplement.
4. Aquarium Water
If you have a freshwater fish tank, don’t throw out the old water during a tank cleaning. Aquarium water is full of natural nutrients like nitrogen and beneficial bacteria. Use it to water your plants.
5. Cooking Water
Water used to boil vegetables, pasta, or potatoes contains nutrients that leach out from the food. Once cooled, this water can be used to water your plants. Just make sure it’s unsalted, as salted water can harm roots and affect plant health.
6. Green Tea
Used green tea bags or weak brewed green tea can be a gentle fertilizer for plants that like slightly acidic soil, such as ferns or peace lilies. It helps improve root growth and provides mild nutrients without overpowering the plant.
7. Molasses
Molasses is rich in iron, calcium, and potassium. Mix one tablespoon of unsulfured molasses in a liter of water and feed your plants monthly. It also promotes beneficial microbes in the soil, which help break down nutrients for plant use.
8. Hair Clippings
Human or pet hair contains nitrogen and slowly breaks down in the soil. It also helps retain moisture in the pot. Mix a small amount into the topsoil or compost pile. Just make sure the hair is clean and free of chemical treatments.
9. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk contains calcium and is a gentle way to boost the strength of plants. Mix one tablespoon of powdered milk with a liter of water and use it once a month. It is especially helpful for preventing blossom end rot in fruiting houseplants like tomatoes or peppers.
10. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfur, which help with chlorophyll production and nutrient absorption. Mix one teaspoon in a liter of water. Use it as a foliar spray or to water your plants every few weeks.
