Indoor plants require food just like all other forms of life, and if you want your houseplants to thrive it’s important to feed them as often as recommended according to their specific varieties. Store-bought plant food is rich in nutrients and highly beneficial, but it isn’t required for all houseplant varieties. Houseplants thrived in homes long before commercial products were ever developed, and whenever possible, natural food is always the best option.
If your indoor plants don’t require special feeding or care, consider the following natural homemade food for houseplants. You’ll save money, and your houseplants will receive the nutrition they need without using products that aren’t completely natural. Many people use these natural types of homemade houseplant food, and their plants are healthy, green, and flourishing.
Rainwater
Water isn’t considered food, but houseplants require water to survive, and it helps the food reach the stems and foliage through the root system. Unlike tap water, rainwater is naturally soft and void of the chemicals typically added to municipal water. Well water is good for plants – unless it has been softened through a water softener because softened water contains too much sodium.
Collect natural rainwater for houseplants in a rain barrel or another suitable container. Collected water is healthy, and best of all, it’s free. You already know how fast grass and outdoor plants grow with abundant rain, and houseplants are no exception. Use collected rainwater to water your plants according to their specific needs, and you’ll be amazed by how fast they grow and how green and lush they become, especially when used with the following natural homemade houseplant food.
Diluted Milk
People and cats aren’t the only milk drinkers. Mix one part milk with one part rainwater for healthy natural homemade houseplant food. Believe it or not, the milk and water mixture won’t cause the soil to smell sour or spoiled, and this is a great way to use milk that has lasted past the expiration date. Houseplants don’t mind slightly sour milk!
Veggie and Fruit Peeling Water
Next time you peel fruit and vegetables such as potatoes, oranges, apples, or cucumbers, soak them at least eight hours in rainwater, and feed your houseplants a completely natural homemade nutrient cocktail. They’ll benefit greatly from the natural homemade vitamin-rich water, and your old peelings will serve a valuable purpose before they’re added to the compost pile. Strain the peelings, and water the houseplants as usual.
Eggshell Water
Eggshells add a number of healthful nutrients to benefit houseplants. Before adding them to the compost bin, soak broken bits of eggshell in rainwater collected for houseplants. After they’ve soaked for at least eight hours, strain the shells, and water the plants as usual to give them a healthy, homemade, and completely natural drink.
Veggie Broth
Vegetable peelings aren’t the only parts of vegetables that can be used for natural homemade houseplant food. After cooking fresh vegetables, allow the liquid to cool completely, strain it with a wire mesh strainer, and water houseplants in need of food. The vitamins and minerals in the homemade liquid won’t go to waste as it would if it were poured down the drain.
Coffee and Tea Brew
If you drink homemade coffee and tea, take advantage of leftover coffee grounds and used teabags. Instead of throwing them away, allow them to soak in a small container of natural rainwater. Strain the grounds though a cheesecloth and remove the teabags. Use the water to feed thirsty houseplants. With proper care and feeding, in time they’ll grow more vigorous and more beautiful than you ever thought possible.
