Orchids and peace lilies are some of the most popular houseplants due to their ease of care, but getting them to flower at this time of year can be a challenge.
David Denyer, an expert gardener from the florists Eflorist, has shared that both orchids and peace lilies are less likely to flower in autumn due to a lack of energy.
In an interview with the Express, David explained: “As the days get shorter, there’s just not enough light for them to get the energy they need to produce flowers.
Orchids, for example, love light—around 12-14 hours a day. When autumn rolls around with its shorter days, they might take that as a sign to take a little break from blooming. Peace lilies aren’t as demanding when it comes to light, but the decrease still affects them.
“And then there’s the cooler temperatures. Both orchids and peace lilies are tropical plants, so when autumn’s chill creeps in, they slow down and focus on conserving energy instead of flowering.”
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You can easily make a natural fertliser that you boost your houseplant (Image: Getty)
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David also added that giving peace lilies and orchids a nutrient boost can help them restore some of their depleted energy to help them rebloom.
However, as David has shared, you do not have to spend money on pricy fertilisers. You can use them to encourage houseplants to flowers using only natural remedies you likely already have at home
David said, “natural fertilisers and feeds can encourage peace lilies and orchids to bloom — some found in your kitchen.”
What to feed peace lilies and orchids to help them flower
Coffee grounds
Do not throw away any used-up coffee grounds. They are a great source of nitrogen, a nutrient that helps leaves grow stronger and healthier so the plant can store more energy.
Coffee grounds help growth, and they are a simple and natural way to keep pests away, as most insects cannot stand the strong, bitter smell.
David said: “You swear by your morning cup of coffee, but some plant pests shudder at it. So, don’t toss those used grounds — they’re a free, year-round plant food that gives your indoor plants a nutrient boost, improves your soil, and may even deter insects and slugs.”
Eggshells are a rich source of calcium for houseplants (Image: Getty)
All you need to do is dilute one spoonful of leftover coffee grounds with cold water then pour the contents on the houseplant once a month.
However, be careful when using coffee grounds as too much nitrogen can damage plants and will also make the soil far too acidic.
Eggshells
Crushed-up eggshells help roots grow stronger so the plant takes in more nutrients and also influences hormonal functions to help houseplants flower.
David said: “Eggshells are a great, natural source of calcium that can help prevent problems like blossom end rot and boost overall plant health.
“Both peace lilies and orchids can benefit from the extra calcium to strengthen their roots and encourage healthy leaves. You can crush the eggshells and mix them into the soil or soak them in water to make a simple ‘tea’ for watering your plants.”
All you need to do is rinse the eggshells in case any yolk remains. You will want to thoroughly clean the shell, as eggy leftovers can encourage pests.
Then, allow the eggshells to dry out. Crush them into soil pieces and mix them into the soil, or dilute them in water and feed them to your plant.
The eggshells will slowly break down and provide a steady supply of nutrients to help the houseplant flower.
Worm castings is one of the best natural feeds for houseplants (Image: Getty)
Worm castings
Worm casting is one of the best natural fertilisers for houseplants. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the three essential nutrients plants need to stay healthy.
Nitrogen encourages foliage growth, potassium helps regulate water intake, which helps the houseplant store energy, and phosphorus is the nutrient needed for flower production.
David said: “Nicknamed ‘black gold’ by us gardeners, worm castings are packed with nutrients and improve drainage.
“You can gently mix worm castings into the potting mix or sprinkle a small amount on top of the soil for a slow release of nutrients, ideal for both peace lilies and orchids.”
Worm castings are a powerful fertiliser, and feeding them to peace lilies or orchids will help them grow bigger, healthier, and more abundant blooms. This will allow you to enjoy your houseplants throughout the cold months.
