Peace lilies are a beloved staple in British homes, prized for their striking white blooms (spathes) and glossy green leaves. While they are generally easy to care for, repeat flowering can be stimulated by treating them to a homemade fertiliser.

Peace lilies are not particularly demanding when it comes to feeding; however, it is vital to nourish them just once a month throughout the growing season, which runs across spring and summer. Overfeeding can cause considerable harm, so avoiding excessive fertiliser is strongly recommended. A simple homemade feed for peace lilies can be made from banana peels, according to an enthusiastic houseplant lover online.

Posting on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user wrote: “In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. My peace lily loves it, just thought I’d share it in case anyone is struggling.

“I’ve always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years.

“Once I’ve eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I’ll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them.”

The post attracted a considerable number of responses from fellow houseplant fans, who were equally won over by the banana peel method.

Susan Dyre commented: “Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again, and then a proper feed in between, but it’s fantastic.”

Rose Danyel said, “All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to overwater.”

Soaking banana peels in water releases essential nutrients, amongst them potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, all of which are tremendously beneficial for peace lilies.

It is crucial to dilute the banana water to maximise its potency and prevent the plant from being overwhelmed by an excess of nutrients.

Banana peels are just as valuable for feeding outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas. When adding a new plant to your garden, scatter a few banana peels beneath the compost or place them across the surface of the soil.

This technique can also be remarkably effective at keeping unwanted pests at bay, such as slugs, which are particularly put off by rough surfaces.