Discover the plant-boosting power of simple pantry ingredients for houseplants that can elevate your houseplant game and keep your leafy companions flourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, the secret to happy, healthy plants might be hiding in your pantry already.
Keep Your Plants Happy With These Pantry Ingredients
1. Used Coffee Grounds
Revitalize your soil with coffee grounds, which act as a natural fertilizer and improve drainage. Sprinkle them on top of the soil or mix them in to enhance the overall health of your plants. Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, ideal for leafy green plants.
2. Eggshells
Crushed eggshells are rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Add them to the soil to prevent calcium deficiency and boost the development of strong, vibrant leaves. Be sure to wash the eggshells to avoid attracting pests from leftover eggs.
3. Banana Peels
Banana peels are a fantastic source of potassium, aiding in flowering and fruiting. Simply bury small pieces in the soil to provide your plants with this crucial nutrient, or soak a few banana peels in water as a make-shift liquid fertilizer.
4. Epsom Salt
Enhance the magnesium content in your soil by incorporating Epsom salt. This helps improve nutrient absorption and promotes overall plant health. Dissolve some Epsom salt in water and add it to your next watering routine.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon acts as a natural antifungal agent which can save a plant from a fungal infection. Sprinkle it on the soil surface to prevent fungal growth and protect your plants from diseases. As a bonus, it deters ants, which can carry plant diseases.
6. Honey
Harness the antibacterial properties of honey by mixing a small amount with water and using it as a natural plant antiseptic. This can be especially beneficial for treating minor wounds on your plants, or when you propagate to avoid infection.
7. Molasses
Boost microbial activity in your soil with molasses, a natural source of carbohydrates. This helps create a healthier environment for the roots and enhances nutrient uptake. Simply dilute some molasses in water and add to your soil.
8. Green Tea
Brewed green tea can be a gentle fertilizer for your plants. Allow it to cool and water your plants with it to provide a nutrient-rich drink. This is ideal for plants sensitive to change, or new plants you just got in, to avoid shock from full-strength fertilizers.
9. Vinegar
Create an acidic environment for acid-loving plants by diluting vinegar with water. This is particularly useful for plants like azaleas and gardenias. There is no need for special soil or expensive products, simple vinegar will do the trick.
10. Aspirin
Aspirin, diluted in water can boost seedling growth, and contribute to their disease resistance. It is well suited to make your indoor plants resistant to aphid infections.
11. Oatmeal
Boost the nitrogen content in your soil with oatmeal. Simply sprinkle raw oatmeal on the surface, and it will gradually break down, providing a slow-release nitrogen source. Be careful adding oatmeal to plants that you water frequently, since it may become moldy.
