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Orchids are prized for their breathtaking beauty, gracing homes with their . To prolong their beauty, you can use a kitchen discard you would have normally thrown out. According to LeAnne Samuelson, a gardening expert with , a surprising pantry staple may hold the key to transforming your orchid's bloom cycle.

" do require a bit of rest during their 'down time,' but with a few kitchen cupboard secrets, you can boost their growth if you feel your plant care hasn't been up to scratch," says Samuelson.

This budget-friendly, all-natural trick uses brewed black coffee as a base for homemade fertiliser. You can use any leftover brew to create this booster.

Coffee contains natural nitrogen, an essential nutrient that supports lush foliage and vigorous plant growth.

When delivered in moderation, this extra nitrogen can help orchids stay healthy and flower more frequently.

To create the fertiliser, Samuelson recommends mixing one part brewed black coffee (make sure it has been cooled), four parts water and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

"Feed this mixture to your orchid once a month instead of your regular watering," she explains. "Store any leftovers in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard."

While coffee can be beneficial, Samuelson warns against overuse. "Coffee is slightly acidic, and though many plants, including orchids, can benefit from that, too much can do more harm than good," she warned.

Signs of over-fertilisation include white crust forming on the bark or soil, browning or dying leaf tips and black, mushy roots

"Always start with a light dose and see how your plant responds," Samuelson advised. "Sometimes, orchids just need rest to recover. Forcing too much growth can backfire."

Brewed coffee isn't the only kitchen scrap worth saving. Banana peels also make an excellent orchid booster thanks to their high potassium and phosphorus content.

"Bananas help orchids absorb more carbon dioxide, improve their drought resistance, and activate important enzymes that stimulate growth," Samuelson says.

To use banana peels, blend them into a smooth puree and apply it to the soil around the base of the orchid. Repeat this every few weeks to help spark new foliage and blooms.