16p kitchen scrap that ‘encourages flowerless orchids to bloom’ and ‘for longer’

Orchids  on the whole have a reputation for being a little tricky to maintain, yet they are one of the most popular houseplants in households. However, phalaenopsis orchids, also known as the moth orchid, are known to be the easiest to grow and are available in various colours and sizes.    The best surprise is that once phalaenopsis orchids have finished blooming, almost anyone can make their orchid re-bloom again. Gardeners have claimed that one way to do this is by feeding them a kitchen scrap most would dispose of – banana peels. Moth orchids are the easiest to grow (Image: Getty) One woman took to the Gardening UK Facebook page for advice on encouraging her orchid to bloom. Posting a picture of her moth orchid with no blooms, Sofia Ahmed wrote: ‘Orchid experts! I’m new to orchids and have been caring for my orchids diligently: feeding fortnightly, watering weekly with cooked boiled water and misting a few times.  ‘The leaves are healthy green, some new leaves and now loads of arial roots but no blooms.’ Group members noted that moth orchids typically bloom in spring, but there can be a way for it to rebloom at other times. Gardeners recommended watering orchid with banana peel water (Image: Getty) Sharon Crampton said: ‘I have been using banana water on mine and it’s got three branches at the top with flower buds on.’ Miriam Weir claimed: ‘I’ve just rescued my sister’s wilted orchid with banana peel water. It’s brought it back to life and encouraged the flowerless orchid to bloom.’ Gemma Groat replied: ‘Been using banana water and wow my orchid loves it! Made such a difference. I’ve noticed that the blooms flower for longer.’ Adam Wake wrote: ‘Soak banana peels in water for your orchids. It contains potassium which orchids need to grow.’ Banana peel water is popular among gardening communities. As it is so rich in many macro and micronutrients, it is an organic fertiliser that is inexpensive and provides the best nutrients. Banana peel water is an organic fertiliser that is inexpensive and provides the best nutrients (Image: Getty) Orchids tend to collect their nutrients from the air or water, therefore, they should be provided in liquid form. The biggest problem gardeners will face when using banana peel water is that it will have an unpleasant odour which contains harmful microorganisms that can threaten the root system. To avoid this, the water should be boiled after preparing the banana peel tea. To make banana peel tea, add cut-up banana peels to a container with water and let it ferment for seven to 10 days. After, boil the water for five minutes to remove the odour and kill the microorganisms. Leave the water to cool for around five to six hours. Once ready to use, mix the banana peel water with regular water in a ratio of one to five. This hack will cost gardeners nothing for those who already have bananas. For those who don’t, they are cheap to buy from supermarkets, a pack of five bananas retails for 78p at S ainsbury’s , which works out to 16p per banana.