Kitchen scrap 'promotes bigger and healthier' leaves on house plants and supports 'robust growth'
Houseplants grow faster when exposed to sunlight
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House plants need a plethora of ingredients for optimal health, many of which they can't source once potted.
Fortunately, many staple ingredients in the kitchen contain healthy doses of these nutrients.
Georgina O'Grady, who has extensive knowledge of indoor greenery, told GB News that tea leaves and fish emulsion are excellent for plant growth.
Tea leaves contain much more nitrogen than is found in typical fertilisers, as well as potassium phosphorus, and tannic acid.
Houseplants grow faster when exposed to sunlight
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Other helpful components include aluminium, fluorine, and manganese, which all support plant growth.
“With the ever-increasing popularity of environmental gardening practices, all you need to help your houseplants thrive, you already likely have at home," said Georgina.
“To promote bigger and healthier leaves on houseplants, it is best to use natural plant feeds like compost tea or diluted dish emulsion.
“These give plants essential nutrients without any harsh chemicals that could cause damage. These organic options are gentle on plants while fostering robust growth.”
Gardeners should bear in mind that certain plants may prefer soil with a natural pH and should therefore not be treated with tea. Stewed tea could harm plant growth if soils are intolerant of acidic ingredients.
What's more, the ingredients will do little to help plants if they don't receive food lighting, with certain areas of the house more conducive to plant growth.
“The best spot in the house for houseplants varies depending on the plant species,” said Georgina. “Generally, plants thrive near east or south-facing windows where they can receive enough sunlight without being exposed to direct harsh rays.”
A useful tip is to rotate the plants frequently enough to ensure the foliage grows at an even rate all around.
“Proper light exposure can encourage faster plant growth," the expert continued.
“You can achieve this by placing flowering plants in locations with adequate sunlight to trigger blooming.
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Different houseplants have different needs
GETTY“This ensures they receive the energy needed for producing vibrant flowers.
“To extend the lifespan of houseplants, maintain a consistent watering schedule tailored to each plant’s needs,” the expert added.
“Check for pests and diseases regularly, and address issues quickly to prevent spread."
Finally, repot plants when they outgrow their containers to provide enough root for root development and healthy growth.