Can orange peel water help peace lilies grow better? Learn the benefits, how to make and use it, and mistakes to avoid before trying!
If you spend enough time around houseplant enthusiasts, you’ll eventually hear about orange peel water. Some gardeners use it as a natural way to recycle kitchen scraps, and others claim it can improve plant growth, encourage flowering, or even keep pests away.
So, is there any truth behind it? The short answer is yes, but not in the way many people think. Read on to find out!
Can Orange Peel Water Benefit Peace Lilies?
Yes, orange peel water can benefit peace lilies! As orange peels soak, small amounts of nutrients, organic acids, natural sugars, and citrus-derived compounds are released into the water.
When applied to the soil, these compounds support microbial activity around the roots, contribute trace nutrients, and help maintain the slightly acidic conditions that peace lilies prefer.
That said, orange peel water works best as a supplement rather than a standalone solution. For the healthiest growth, pair it with proper watering, bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and occasional fertilization.
Benefits of Using Orange Peel Water on Peace Lilies
1. It Provides Small Amounts of Readily Available Nutrients
Potassium is the nutrient most often associated with citrus peels. In peace lilies, potassium helps regulate water movement within cells, supports strong stems, and contributes to plant vigor.
Plus, the calcium in orange peel water supports healthy cell development, and magnesium is involved in chlorophyll production, which helps leaves maintain their rich green color. Speaking of foliage, here are tricks to help your peace lily grow massive!
2. The Citrus Oils Help Discourage Pests
When orange peel water is freshly prepared, small amounts of citrus oils, including limonene, remain in the solution. Many gardeners have long used citrus-based products around plants because insects rely heavily on scent when searching for food and suitable habitat.
The effect is usually mild and temporary, but some growers find that fresh orange peel water helps make the area around the soil less attractive to nuisance pests such as ants.
3. It Can Slightly Influence the Soil Environment
Peace lilies generally prefer slightly acidic soil, typically with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Since orange peel water contains diluted citric acid, you can use it to make the potting soil slightly acidic, just how the plant likes.
But moderation matters! Small, occasional applications are unlikely to cause issues, whereas excessive use of any homemade plant solution can disrupt the potting mix’s balance. And before you give your peace lily some orange peel water, best check it’s soil pH this way.
We suggest buying a simple soil pH meter to check acidity levels and prevent overcorrection of the soil.
4. It May Support a More Active Soil Microbial Environment
Even in a container, the potting mix contains bacteria and fungi that contribute to root health. As orange peels soak, tiny amounts of natural sugars, organic compounds, and dissolved plant material enter the water.
We all know that a biologically active root zone equals healthier root development and more efficient nutrient uptake. So when orange peel water is applied to peace lily soil, these compounds provide an additional food source for some soil microbes.
Speaking of nutrients, did you know milk could help you get more blooms on your peace lilies?
5. It Encourages More Sustainable Plant Care
One of the most practical benefits has nothing to do with nutrients at all. Many gardeners enjoy finding ways to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded. Turning orange peels into a simple plant tonic lets you get more value from kitchen scraps before they end up in the compost bin.
Good gardening often involves working with natural resources efficiently. Orange peel water is a simple example of that mindset. It won’t replace proper fertilization or careful watering, but it can be an easy way to add a little more sustainability into your plant care routine.
For best results, pair orange peel water with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer for active growth and positive results.
How to Make Orange Peel Water
Preparing orange peel water takes only a few minutes, although the peels need to soak for 24 to 48 hours before use. Make sure you have these.
- Peels from 1–2 oranges
- 2–3 cups of clean water
- A glass jar
- Fine strainer
Here’s what to do! Wash one or two oranges thoroughly, then cut the peels into small pieces. Place them in a clean jar and add 2 to 3 cups of water. Let the mixture soak for 24 to 48 hours so some of the peel’s water-soluble nutrients and natural compounds can infuse into the water.
Once ready, strain out all peel pieces and use the liquid to water your peace lily. It’s best to use freshly made orange peel water within a day or two, as homemade plant solutions can begin to ferment if stored for too long.
A wide-mouth glass jar with an airtight closure makes the soaking and straining process much easier.
How to Use Orange Peel Water on Peace Lilies
You can use orange peel water just as you would regular water by pouring it slowly around the base of the plant until the soil is evenly moist. Apply it to already-damp soil rather than to extremely dry potting mix, as this helps distribute the solution more evenly around the root zone.
How often can you do it? Because orange peel water is only a mild supplement, occasional use is all that’s needed. Applying it once every 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient.
Between applications, continue your normal watering routine and use a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season if your peace lily needs additional nutrients.
Now, can you spray orange peel water on peace lily leaves? Well, you can do it for pest control, but it’s not worth the effort. You’ll have to dilute it by mixing 1 part strained orange peel water with 100 parts clean water, then use a soft cloth to gently wipe the leaves rather than heavily misting them. Pot watering is the better approach!
We suggest buying a soft microfiber cloth to clean the peace lily leaves without damaging the lush foliage.
Note: If you notice mold, an unusual odor, or fungus gnat activity after using homemade plant solutions like this, discontinue use and return to plain water. Orange peel water should always be used in moderation.
Orange peel water is best viewed as a small addition to an already healthy plant care routine. When paired with proper watering, bright indirect light, and occasional fertilizing, it can be a simple way to put kitchen scraps to good use around your peace lilies.
