In the fall, many ficus trees begin to lose leaves en masse: first the edges turn yellow, then they fall off in whole sheets, and by December, a lush bush remains with a half-bare trunk. Gardeners think that it is “poor care,” but in fact the plant simply does not have enough potassium, which is washed out of the soil over the summer.
But instead of expensive fertilizers, you can use something that usually goes into the trash – banana peels.
Ficus “adores” potassium: it strengthens leaf cells, improves immunity and helps to survive dry air from radiators. And the peel of a ripe banana contains a record amount of this element, plus magnesium and phosphorus for general tone.
How to use:
- Take the peel of 1 banana, rinse well and dry for 1-2 days (you can do it in the oven at 50°C or on a radiator).
- Grind into crumbs.
- Gently stir in 1-2 tbsp. spoons into the top layer of soil around the trunk.
- Repeat once a month from September to January.
After just 10–14 days you will notice: new leaves are dense and dark green again, old leaves stop turning yellow, and growth does not stop even in short days.
Question and answer:
What is dangerous about fresh coffee or banana peels in a pot?
Fresh organic matter decomposes, releasing heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold, mildew and soil gnats. Always dry them before using so they act as a slow-release fertilizer rather than compost.
Why do plants need potassium and phosphorus rather than nitrogen in the fall?
Nitrogen stimulates shoot growth, and in the fall the plants go into dormancy mode. It is more important for them to strengthen the immune system and roots, and potassium and phosphorus are responsible for this. That is why autumn fertilizing is made “nitrogen-free”.
