If you're anything like me, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to keep your plants happy.  So, I wanted to share some plant care hacks that shouldn't cost you much, if anything, as you likely have these products in your home already. 

Cinnamon

Did you know that cinnamon is a natural antifungal agent that can help prevent fungal growth in your plants? Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on the soil around your plants to prevent fungal diseases like root rot.

Now don't get me wrong, this won't cure or prevent root rot if you continue to over water and your plants roots are surrounded by moisture.  But it will prevent mould growing on the top of your soil, which can happen from time to time during the right conditions.  It also smells pretty good too!

Fish Tank Water

Not as nice smelling as cinnamon, I agree, but your plants love this stuff. If you have a fish tank, you can use the water to fertilize your plants. Fish tank water is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients that plants need to grow. Simply water your plants with the fish tank water once a month to give them a nutrient boost.

So long as your fish are alive, you can use the water to water your plants!

Tea

Did you know that tea can be used to water plants? Tea contains tannic acid, which can also help prevent fungal growth, with the added bonus of boosting plant growth. To use tea as a plant fertilizer, brew a weak tea (one tea bag per couple of litres of water) and let it cool. Then, water your plants with the tea. Be sure to use unsweetened tea, as sugar can attract pests.

This is not a fertiliser that you can use exclusively on your plants, your plants will also need other nutrients, but it can help to give them a boost!

Banana Peel

Banana peels can also help to give your plants a boost as they hold several nutrients that benefit plants. They contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for plant growth. To use banana peels as a fertilizer, simply chop them up into small pieces and bury them in the soil around your plants. The peels will break down over time, releasing their nutrients into the soil.

Alternatively, and how I use them, is to chop them up and place them in a jar then fill the jar with water and wait for the water to turn a light brown colour.  I usually wait a couple of days and then use the water to water your plants. One word of warning though, fruit flies can be attracted to the lovely, sweet smell, so just keep a watch that you're not creating the perfect environment for them during the process. 

Coffee Grounds

You may have already heard of this one, or maybe you've wondered why some cafes and shops, leave coffee grounds out for people to take.  Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. They also contain other nutrients, such as magnesium and potassium. To use coffee grounds, simply sprinkle them around the base of your plants or mix through your potting mix before repotting. Be sure to use them sparingly, as too much can make the soil too acidic.

One last fun fact that I'm sure will make you smile, is that believe it or not, talking to your plants can actually help them grow. Studies have shown that plants respond positively to human voices and can even grow faster when spoken to regularly. So, don't be shy, go ahead and have a conversation with your plants – they'll appreciate it! And if you're already talking to them, this is confirming that you haven't gone mad. 

Let me know in the comments below if you've enjoyed this blog or learnt something new. I hope I've enlightened you, in a good way. 

Thanks for stopping by my planty friend, I truly appreciate you.