Why: Add calcium and lower soil acidity.
How to Use: Rinse and dry eggshells, crush into fine powder (coffee grinder works best). Mix 1 tablespoon per plant into topsoil or steep 5–6 crushed shells in 1 quart of water overnight and use the liquid monthly.
Best Used On: Calathea, Monstera, Spider Plant, Begonia, indoor tomato plants.
Avoid On: Gardenias, Azaleas, Peace Lily—these thrive in acidic soil.
3. 🍌 Banana Peels
Why: Rich in potassium and phosphorus for blooms and root health.
How to Use: Chop finely or blend into a puree and mix 1 tablespoon into soil once every 4–6 weeks. Or steep chopped peel in water for 2–3 days, strain, and use as liquid feed.
Best Used On: African Violets, Orchids, Peace Lily, Bird of Paradise.
Avoid On: Succulents, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant—low nutrient needs and rot-prone.
4. 💦 Rice Water
Why: Starch and trace minerals feed soil microbes.
How to Use: Collect water from rinsing or boiling unsalted rice. Let cool and use to water plants once every 1–2 weeks.
Best Used On: Peace Lily, Pilea, Philodendron, Ferns, Spider Plant.
Avoid On: Succulents, cacti, ZZ, Snake Plant—don’t like excess moisture.
5. 🧂 Baking Soda (Diluted)
Why: Natural antifungal that helps treat powdery mildew.
How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda + 1 quart of water + a drop of dish soap. Spray lightly on leaves once a month as a preventative or treatment.
Best Used On: African Violets, Spider Plant, Geraniums, Begonias.
Avoid On: Acid-loving plants like Ferns, Gardenias, Calatheas—can raise pH too much.
continued on the next page6. 🥕 Vegetable Scraps (Compost)
