How To Make Banana Water For Plants

If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to give your plants a boost, you should learn how to make banana water for plants. This easy fertilizer uses something you’d normally throw away, turning banana peels into a nutrient-rich drink for your garden and houseplants.

Banana water is a mild, homemade liquid fertilizer. It’s made by soaking banana peels in water. The peels release minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and a bit of calcium into the water as they break down. These nutrients can support stronger roots and better flowering in many types of plants.

It’s a fantastic example of kitchen scrap gardening. You reduce waste and feed your plants at the same time. Best of all, it costs almost nothing to make.

There are two main methods for making banana water: a quick soak and a fermented version. The quick method is faster, while fermentation can extract more nutrients. Let’s start with the simple approach.

Method 1: The Simple Soak (Fastest Way)

This is the easiest method and takes just a day or two. It’s perfect if you need a quick plant booster.

Collect 2-3 banana peels. Organic peels are best to avoid any pesticide residues.
Chop the peels into small pieces. This increases the surface area, helping the nutrients leach into the water faster.
Place the chopped peels in a large jar or pitcher. A one-quart container works well.
Fill the jar with water. Use room-temperature tap water that has been left out for a day, or rainwater if you have it.
Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cloth. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours.
Strain the liquid into another container. Discard the spent peels into your compost bin.
Your banana water is ready to use!

Method 2: Fermented Banana Peel Tea

Fermentation breaks down the peels more thoroughly. This can create a more potent fertilizer, but it takes about a week.

Follow steps 1 through 4 from the simple soak method.
Seal the jar with a lid. This creates an anaerobic environment for fermentation.
Let the jar sit at room temperature for about 7 days. You might see bubbles forming, which is normal.
After a week, strain the liquid. It may have a stronger odor than the quick-soak version.
Dilute this fermented tea more heavily before using it on your plants.

Important: Always Dilute Before Use

Never use straight banana water on your soil. It’s too concentrated and could harm roots or attract pests.

For the Simple Soak: Mix 1 part banana water with 5 parts plain water.
For Fermented Tea: Mix 1 part tea with 10 parts plain water.

This dilution makes it safe and effective for your plants. It ensures you don’t over-fertilize, which can be just as bad as not feeding them at all.

How to Apply Banana Water to Your Plants

Application is straightforward. Use your diluted mixture just like you would any liquid fertilizer.

Water the soil at the base of the plant. Avoid pouring it directly on the leaves.
Use it once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce or stop applications in fall and winter when most plants are dormant.
One quart of diluted mix is usually enough for several small houseplants or one large garden plant.

Which Plants Benefit Most?

Banana water is high in potassium (K), which is the third number on a fertilizer bag (N-P-K). Potassium supports overall plant health, root development, and flower/fruit production.

Plants That Love Banana Water:

Flowering plants: Roses, geraniums, petunias, and hibiscus.
Fruiting plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries.
Houseplants: Flowering varieties like African violets and peace lilies.

Plants to Avoid It With:

Seedlings: They need a different nutrient balance focused on phosphorus for root growth.
Succulents and cacti: They prefer lean, well-draining soil and minimal fertilizer.
Plants that prefer acidic soil (like blueberries): Banana water can be slightly alkaline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana water is simple, but a few errors can reduce its effectiveness or even cause problems.

Using whole peels: Chopping them is crucial for nutrient release.
Skipping the dilution: This is the biggest mistake. Concentrated liquid can “burn” roots.
Letting it spoil: If you store it, keep it in the fridge and use within a week or two. If it smells foul, toss it.
Over-fertilizing: More is not better. Stick to the monthly schedule.
Forgetting to compost the peels: After straining, the leftover peels still have fiber and nutrients—perfect for your compost pile.

Storing Your Banana Water

You don’t have to use it all at once. Proper storage keeps it fresh.

Store the strained, concentrated liquid in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
It should last for 1-2 weeks. Always smell it before use; if it’s rancid, discard it.
For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Then, thaw and dilute cubes as needed.
Remember to always dilute the concentrated stuff from the fridge or freezer before using.

Why It Works: The Science in Simple Terms

Banana peels are rich in several key minerals. Potassium is the star player here. It helps regulate water uptake and enzyme activation in plants. It also improves a plant’s overall vigor and resistance to disease.

Peels also contain phosphorus, which aids in root and flower development, and calcium, which supports cell wall structure. The soaking process allows these water-soluble minerals to seep out of the peel and into the water, creating an accessible liquid plant food.

It’s not a complete fertilizer—it lacks significant nitrogen for leafy growth—but it’s a excellent supplemental boost. Think of it as a vitamin shot rather than a full meal for your plants.

Alternative Uses for Banana Peels in the Garden

If you don’t want to make liquid fertilizer, here are other great ways to use peels:

Bury chopped peels in the planting hole for tomatoes or peppers. As they decompose, they feed the roots directly.
Dry peels and grind them into a powder. Sprinkle this powder around the base of plants.
Add peels directly to your compost bin. They are a fantastic “green” material that adds nutrients to your finished compost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use banana water on all my houseplants?

Most flowering or fruiting houseplants will benefit. Use it cautiously on foliage-only plants, and avoid it entirely for succulents and cacti. Always observe your plant’s response after the first application.

How often should I give my plants banana peel fertilizer?

Once a month during active growth is sufficient. Overuse can lead to a buildup of minerals in the pot which might eventually harm the roots. Less is often more with natural fertilizers.

Does banana water attract bugs or fruit flies?

If you’re making the fermented version indoors, it might. The simple soak method, especially if used quickly and stored in the fridge, rarely causes issues. Straining the peels out properly also helps prevent attracting pests.

Is banana water better than commercial fertilizer?

It’s not necessarily better, but it is a good supplement. Commercial fertilizers provide a complete, balanced nutrient profile. Banana water is a great extra source of potassium and a sustainable way to use kitchen waste. They can work well together.

Can I just put banana peels on top of the soil?

It’s not recommended. Whole peels decompose very slowly on the soil surface and can attract pests like rodents or flies. They might also develop mold. Burying chopped peels or composting them is a much better method.

Learning how to make banana water for plants is a simple step towards more natural gardening. It’s a rewarding practice that connects you to the cycle of growth in a direct way. By repurposing your peels, you give your plants a gentle boost and reduce household waste. Give it a try next time you enjoy a banana—your roses or tomatoes will likely thank you with vibrant growth.