How to look after your houseplants for free using household items
From propagating plants to reusing pasta water, there are plenty of houseplant care tricks that won't cost you any extra money.
With household spending increasing by £731 over the Christmas period, the experts at Beards & Daisies have weeded out the top tips for happy, healthy houseplants using items you already have in the home.
With a little know-how, you can grow plants for free, keep leaves looking shiny, and ensure bugs stay at bay without splashing the cash.
Take a look at their easy care tips below:
Use kitchen scraps as fertiliser
Put your kitchen scraps to good use in 2025. "Instead of throwing away your wastage, save money on fertilisers for your houseplants by using banana peels, eggshells, or even coffee grounds. They're natural and packed with nutrients that your plants will love."
Propagate your current houseplants
Many houseplants can be propagated through stem or cane cuttings. Remove a part of the plant, such as the leaf or stem, and replant it to create a clone of the original plant.
"Propagate your existing houseplants or even swap cuttings with friends for a fun and free activity in January," said the experts at Beards & Daisies.
"Plants like Pothos, Spider Plants, and Succulents are especially easy to propagate."
Make your own pest spray
Instead of purchasing pre-made pest sprays, make your own using dish soap, baking soda and water. Add a little eucalyptus oil to make the spray even more effective against unwanted bugs.
Water with leftovers
The UK wastes over three billion litres of clean water every day, which is around 25% of the country's daily water consumption. Do your part for the planet by using cooled pasta water or rainwater to hydrate your houseplants.
"Leaving containers outside during a downpour is a simple way to collect water for your plants," says the team.
Use banana peels for shine
"Rub the inside of a banana peel on houseplant leaves to clean and shine them naturally. The oils in the peel help remove dust from plant leaves, leaving a healthy shine.
"As a bonus, banana peels can also be added to compost, giving it nutrients to support plant growth."
Use natural light wisely
All houseplants need natural sunlight to grow. Instead of investing in growing lights, a simple free plant trick is to move your plants to sunny spots and rotate them regularly for even growth, using your natural light at home.
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