Peace lilies produce bigger blooms when fed five unusual household scraps

Peace lilies are favoured as for their low-maintenance nature and their ability to flourish with the correct fertiliser. For peace lilies to maintain their bloom, it's imperative they receive vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – yet there's no need to invest heavily to maintain plant .

Chontelle Fossey, plant expert at The Lily Pot, reveals that many of the essential nutrients needed by peace lilies to blossom or ward off diseases can be sourced from everyday kitchen leftovers or other domestic refuse. She said: "If you're anything like me, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to keep your plants happy."

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In pursuit of cost-effective plant nourishment tips, which might not even cost a penny as these items are typically found at home, she shared: "So, I wanted to share some plant care hacks that shouldn't cost you much, if anything, as you likely have these products in your home already."

What to feed a peace lily to get it to bloom

Fish tank water

One top tip from Chontelle for a nutrient-rich boost is the use of fish tank water. She explained: "Fish tank water is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients that plants need to grow. Simply water your plants with the fish tank water once a month to give them a nutrient boost."

However, it's crucial to ensure that the fish tank water is clean, low in salt, and free from medications or harsh chemicals; otherwise, instead of nurturing a peace lily, it might harm it.

Cinnamon

Another useful addition is cinnamon, especially when combating mould or mildew on your peace lily, reports . Chontelle mentioned: "Did you know that cinnamon is a natural antifungal agent that can help prevent fungal growth in your plants?"

"Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on the soil around your plants to prevent fungal diseases like root rot."

Banana peel

Chontelle remarked: "Banana peels can also help to give your plants a boost as they hold several nutrients that benefit plants. They contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for plant growth."

To utilise banana peels, just chop them into tiny pieces and bury them deep in the soil of your peace lily, where they will decompose over time.

Tea

Chontelle explained: "Tea contains tannic acid, which can also help prevent fungal growth, with the added bonus of boosting plant growth."

For feeding your peace lily, prepare a weak tea (one bag with a couple of litres of water) and allow it to cool completely before watering the plant with it.

Chontelle further stated: "This is not a fertiliser that you can use exclusively on your plants, your plants will also need other nutrients, but it can help to give them a boost!".

Coffee grounds

Chontelle said: "Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. They also contain other nutrients, such as magnesium and potassium.

"To use coffee grounds, simply sprinkle them around the base of your plants or mix through your potting mix before repotting. Be sure to use them sparingly, as too much can make the soil too acidic."