Can orange peel water help peace lilies grow better? Learn the benefits, how to make and use it, and mistakes to avoid before you try!
If you spend enough time around houseplant enthusiasts, you’ll eventually hear about orange peel water. Some gardeners use it as a natural way to recycle kitchen scraps, and others claim it can improve plant growth, encourage flowering or even keep pests away.
So, is there any truth behind it? The short answer is yes, but not in the way many think. Read on to find out!
Can orange peel water benefit peace lilies?
Yes, orange peel water can benefit peace lilies! As orange peels soak, small amounts of nutrients, organic acids, natural sugars and citrus-derived compounds are released into the water.
When applied to the soil, these compounds support microbial activity around the roots, contribute trace nutrients and help maintain the slightly acidic conditions preferred by peace lilies.
That said, orange peel water works best as a supplement rather than a stand-alone solution. For the healthiest growth, pair it with proper watering, bright indirect light, well-draining soil and occasional fertilization.
Benefits of using orange peel water on peace lilies
1. Provides Small Amounts of Readily Available Nutrients
Potassium is the nutrient most commonly associated with citrus peel. In peace lilies, potassium helps regulate water movement within cells, supports strong stems and contributes to plant vigor.
In addition, the calcium in orange peel water supports healthy cell growth, and the magnesium is involved in the production of chlorophyll, which helps leaves retain their rich green color. Speaking of foliage, here it is tricks to help your lily grow bulky!
2. Citrus oils help discourage pests
When orange peel water is freshly prepared, small amounts of citrus oils, including limoneneremain in the solution. Many gardeners have weather used citrus based products around the plants because insects rely heavily on scent when searching for food and suitable habitat.
The effect is usually mild and temporary, but some growers find that fresh orange peel water helps make the area around the soil less attractive to annoying pests like ants.
3. May slightly affect the terrestrial environment
Peace lilies generally prefer slightly acidic soil, usually with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Because orange peel water contains diluted citric acid, you can use it to make the potting soil slightly acidic, just the way the plant likes it.
But measure counts! Small, occasional applications are unlikely to cause problems, while overuse of any homemade herbal solution can upset the balance of the potting mix. And before you give your peace lily some orange peel water, better to check soil pH this way.
We suggest you buy one plain soil pH meter for control acidity levels and prevent soil over-amendment.
4. It can support a more active soil microbial environment
Even in a container, potting mix contains bacteria and fungi that contribute to root health. As orange peels soak, tiny amounts of natural sugars, organic compounds and dissolved plant material enter the water.
We all know that a biologically active root zone equals healthier root growth and more efficient nutrient uptake. Thus, when orange peel water is applied to lily soil, these compounds provide an additional food source for certain soil microbes.
Speaking of nutrients, you knew milk could help get more blossoms in your peace lilies?
5. Encourages more sustainable plant care
One of the most practical benefits has nothing to do with nutrients. Many gardeners enjoy finding ways reuse of materials which would otherwise be rejected. Turning orange peel into a simple plant booster allows you to get more value out of your kitchen scraps before they end up in the compost bin.
Good gardening often involves working efficiently with natural resources. Orange peel water is a simple example of this mindset. The it will not replace proper fertilization or careful watering, but it can be an easy way to add a little more sustainability to your plant care routine.
For best results, combine orange peel water with a balanced liquid indoor plant fertilizer for active development and positive results.
How to make orange peel water
Preparing orange peel water only takes a few minutes, although the peels must be soaked for 24 to 48 hours before use. Make sure you have these.
- Peels of 1-2 oranges
- 2-3 cups of clean water
- A glass jar
- Fine strainer
Here’s what you should do! Wash one or two oranges well and then cut the peels into small pieces. Place them in a clean jar and add 2 to 3 cups of water. Allow the mixture to soak for 24 to 48 hours so that some of the water-soluble nutrients and natural compounds in the peel can be infused into the water.
Once it’s ready, drain off any bits of peel and use the liquid to water your peace lily. It is best to use freshly made orange peel water within a day or two, as homemade herbal solutions can start to ferment if stored for too long.
A wide mouth glass jar with airtight closure makes the soaking and draining process much easier.
How to use orange peel water on peace lilies
You can use orange peel water just as you would regular water by pouring it slowly around the base of the plant until the soil is evenly moist. Apply to already moist soil rather than extremely dry potting mix, as this helps distribute the solution more evenly around the root zone.
How often can you do it? Because orange peel water is only a mild supplement, occasional use is all that is needed. Applying it once every 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient.
Among the applications, resume your normal watering and use a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season if your peace lily needs additional nutrients.
Now, can you spray orange peel water on peace lily leaves? Well, you can do it for pest control, but it’s not worth it. You should dilute it by mixing 1 part strained orange peel water with 100 parts clean water, then use a soft cloth to gently wipe the leaves without misting them too much. Pot watering is the best approach!
We suggest you buy one soft microfiber cloth to clean the leaves of the peace lily without damaging the lush foliage.
Note: If you notice mold, an unusual odor or fungus gnat activity after using homemade herbal solutions like this, discontinue use and return to clean water. Orange peel water should always be used in moderation.
Orange peel water is best thought of as a small addition to an already healthy plant care routine. When combined with proper watering, bright indirect light and occasional fertilizing, it can be a simple way to use kitchen scraps around your peace lilies.
