1. Rice Water - A Classic Slightly Acidic Nitrogen Fertilizer
What's its use? Rich in nitrogen and small amounts of phosphorus and potassium, it promotes the growth of leaves and branches, especially suitable for acid-loving foliage plants such as pothos and spider plants.
Wrong way to use: Pour it directly on flowers! This will burn the roots and cause heat and odor on the soil surface due to fermentation, attracting small flying insects.
Correct steps (fermentation is key):
1. Pour the rice water into a plastic bottle (do not use a glass bottle as the gas produced during fermentation may cause it to explode), filling it to about 70-80% full.
2. Add a few pieces of orange or grapefruit peels to effectively reduce the smell.
3. Cover the bottle cap but do not tighten it too much, or occasionally open the cap to release gas. Place it in a spot where it won't be exposed to sunlight. .
4. Fermentation lasts 1-2 weeks in summer and 3-4 weeks in winter. It's ready when there is no white sediment at the bottom of the bottle, the liquid turns yellow or black, and there is no obvious odor.
It must be diluted before use! Mix it with water at a ratio of 1:10 (fertilizer: water), and then water the plants. Usually, it should be done once every 1-2 weeks.
2. Eggshells - Calcium and phosphorus fertilizer for strong roots
What's the use? The main component is calcium carbonate, which can supplement calcium and make the plant roots strong. It can also slowly release phosphorus, which has a certain effect on promoting flowering.
Wrong usage: Directly place large pieces of eggshells in the flowerpot. This way, they hardly decompose and may scratch the plants. The remaining egg white will stink and attract insects.
Correct steps:
1. Rinse the eggshells clean with water to remove the internal egg white.
2. Place them in the sun for a few days to make them brittle, or stir-fry them in a pan over low heat until slightly yellow.
3. Grind the eggshells into powder with a rolling pin or a grinder. The finer, the better, for easier absorption by plants.
4. You can sprinkle the powder on the edge of the soil in the flowerpot or mix it into the soil when repotting.
3. Expired beer - Leaf brightener
What's the use? Beer contains sugar, protein, amino acids, and phosphate. When diluted, it can be used as a foliar fertilizer to make the leaves of ornamental plants shiny and lustrous.
Correct usage:
1. Open the expired beer and let it stand for half a day to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
2. Dilute it with water at a ratio of 1:50.
3. Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe the front and back of the leaves (such as those of pothos, turtle-back bamboo, and amaryllis) with the diluted solution. Note: Do not pour it onto the soil, as it may attract insects.
4. Soybean residue/rice washing water upgraded version - High-nitrogen fertilizer
What's the use? Soybean residue is rich in protein. After fermentation, it becomes an excellent high-nitrogen fertilizer, with more nutrients than rice washing water. It's a "feast" for ornamental plants.
Correct steps (similar to rice washing water fermentation):
Put the soybean residue in a plastic bottle, add some water and a few pieces of orange peel.
Seal it and ferment it. Open the lid to release gas every day in the early stage. The fermentation process takes 1-2 months until the liquid turns black and has no obvious odor.
When using, take the upper clear liquid and dilute it at a very high ratio of 1:100 before watering the plants. Remember: It's better to dilute it too much than too little.
5. Banana peels - High-potassium fertilizer for promoting flowering
What's the use? Banana peels are rich in potassium and are a natural "flower-promoting fertilizer". They can make flowering plants have more vibrant flowers and sweeter fruits.
Common methods:
Banana peel water: Cut the banana peels into small pieces, add water and ferment for 2-3 weeks. Dilute it and water the plants.
Easier method: Cut fresh banana peels into small pieces and directly bury them at the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer. They will decompose slowly.
6. Orange peels/citrus peels - Universal deodorizer
What's the use? They are acidic and contain vitamin C. But the main function is to add them when fermenting other fertilizers (such as rice washing water and soybean residue) to effectively neutralize the odor and increase the acidity of the fertilizer.
Core precautions (must-read)!
1. Fermentation is key: Almost all homemade organic liquid fertilizers (except beer) must be fully fermented. Otherwise, they will ferment in the soil, generating high temperatures and harmful substances, causing "burning of roots".
2. Dilution is the way: The fermented fertilizer is "concentrated liquid" and must be diluted with water before use. The higher the concentration, the greater the dilution ratio.
3. Odor management: Fermentation will produce odors. Adding orange peels or EM bacteria liquid can greatly reduce them.
4. Application frequency: Homemade fertilizers have a mild effect, but the principle of "thin fertilizer and frequent application" should still be followed. Apply it once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and stop during the winter dormancy period.
I hope this genuine "home version" list can help you. May all your flowers and plants thrive!
