1. What Nutrients in Bananas Benefit Orchids?

Bananas are rich in essential nutrients such as B-group vitamins, vitamin C, carbohydrates, natural sugars, proteins, and important minerals like calcium, sodium, and potassium. They also contain a wide range of trace elements that are not only beneficial to humans but also extremely good for plants — especially orchids.

When properly prepared, bananas can be transformed into a highly effective organic fertilizer. This banana-based solution promotes strong growth, helps orchids develop healthy leaves and roots, and can even revive plants that appear wilted or stunted. Many orchid growers consider it a “natural elixir” for restoring plant vitality without relying on chemical fertilizers.

2. Ingredients Needed to Make Banana Solution for Orchids

• Fresh bananas (with peel), washed thoroughly and cut into small pieces. You can use either ripe or unripe bananas.

• A large plastic container or can with a tight-fitting lid.

• A blender.

• A large pot for boiling.

Tip: Using ripe bananas gives a slightly sweeter solution and releases nutrients faster, while green bananas provide more potassium and calcium — both excellent for flowering plants.

3. How to Prepare the Banana Fertilizer Solution

Step 1:
Add about 100 grams of chopped banana into a pot with 1 liter of water.

Step 2:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the bananas to become very soft. The longer you cook, the more nutrients will dissolve into the water.

Step 3:
Remove the bananas from the pot and blend them until smooth. Pour the blended banana mixture back into the pot, adding a bit more water to make up for what evaporated — keeping the total volume around 1 liter.

Step 4:
Stir the mixture well to combine the banana and water evenly.

Step 5:
Use a clean piece of cloth to strain the mixture, separating the liquid and the pulp.

• The liquid can be used immediately for watering or stored for later use.

• The banana pulp makes an excellent compost supplement — you can mix it directly into the soil or apply it around the roots of terrestrial orchids or other potted plants.

Storage:
Store the banana solution in a tightly sealed bottle or container, away from direct sunlight. If you refrigerate it, make sure to let it return to room temperature before using it on your plants.

Additional tip: To extend its shelf life, you can add a few drops of effective microorganisms (EM) or a bit of molasses — this helps preserve the nutrients and promotes beneficial bacteria growth.

4. How to Use Banana Solution for Orchids

Depending on your plant’s condition, you can mix the banana solution in different ways:

• To nourish orchids regularly:
  Mix 1 liter of banana solution with 4 liters of clean water.

• To promote rapid growth:
  Mix 1 liter banana solution + 1 gram NPK 20-20-10 fertilizer + 4 liters of water.

• To stimulate flowering:
  Mix 1 liter banana solution + 1 gram NPK 60-30-30 + 4 liters of water.

• To encourage root growth and prevent fungal diseases:
  Mix 1 liter banana solution + 4 liters water + 10 grams Trichoderma fungi.

• To revive weak or nutrient-deficient orchids:
  Mix 1 liter banana solution + 4 liters water + 100 ml coconut water for a quick recovery boost.

Note: Apply the solution once every 7–10 days during active growing seasons. Avoid spraying directly on flowers to prevent spotting.

5. Using Bananas as a Dry Fertilizer for Orchids

Besides the liquid form, you can also make a dry banana fertilizer that works slowly but lasts longer:

Mix 100 grams of cooked, blended banana (without adding extra water) with 2 kilograms of well-composted organic manure that has been treated with Trichoderma fungi — such as cow, goat, bat, or worm castings.

Knead the mixture thoroughly, then pack it into small mesh bags. Attach these bags to the orchid pots or growing media, or apply them directly near the roots.

For even better results, you can mix this organic banana fertilizer with slow-release pellets. This combination helps reduce fertilizer shock, enhances nutrient absorption, and adds beneficial organic matter that synthetic fertilizers lack.

🌱 Final Thoughts

Banana fertilizer is a natural, inexpensive, and eco-friendly solution for orchid enthusiasts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a nutrient-rich tonic that strengthens your plants, improves flowering, and supports a healthy root system — all without chemicals.

By consistently using this banana solution, your orchids will thrive, producing vibrant blooms and lush green leaves year-round.