Can't grow in acidic or alkaline soil? Sprinkle some ash and pour some vinegar, and the flowers will grow wildly immediately!

Soil acidity

We generally think that the soil in the north is mainly alkaline, and the soil in the south is acidic. So how do we define whether the soil is acidic or alkaline?

1. PH value test

A more scientific method is to use the pH value (acidity and alkalinity) to judge. Place the test paper in the soil solution for 10 seconds, take out the color card to compare the color, and the color value is less than 6.5, which is acidic, and the value is greater than 7.5, which is alkaline.

2. General classification

According to our common sense, the darker and softer soil is acidic soil.

Alkaline soil is relatively dry, white, and hard. There are generally three types: calcareous soil, saline soil, and alkaline soil.

Flowers that like acid and alkali

If you don’t know whether the flowers in your home prefer acid or alkali, and you blindly use or change the soil, it is very dangerous. At best, they will develop poorly, and at worst, they will die immediately!

Generally, flowers prefer slightly acidic soil, and they can only grow healthily if the soil is slightly acidic. There are also alkali-resistant flowers that can grow well even if the soil is a little alkaline.

Acid-loving: roses, gardenias, jasmines, hydrangeas, Milans, camellias, white orchids, azaleas, crabapples, kumquats, pine trees, etc.

Alkali-resistant: pomegranate, wood fragrance, hibiscus, wisteria, wolfberry, oleander, plum, winter jasmine, lilac, etc.

If the soil around you is too acidic or alkaline, and the water is also acidic or alkaline, even if you buy professional flower soil, it will still become unsuitable as time goes by. Don't worry, we can adjust the acidity and alkalinity of the soil manually.

Neutralize acid soil

1. Sprinkle lime to neutralize acidity

The soil in Guangzhou, Guangxi or other southern mountainous areas is too acidic. In addition, the current environmental pollution is quite serious. The soil in some areas is highly acidic and flowers cannot be grown at all!

Flower lovers can refer to the practice of the agricultural and forestry departments and sprinkle some lime in the soil. It is enough to sprinkle a handful of lime on a pot of soil and mix well. It can kill insects and bacteria and neutralize acidity.

2. Add water and filter to reduce acidity

Add water to the acidic soil, let it settle for half a day, then pour out the water, then add water again and "wash" it 2-3 times to reduce the acidity of the soil.

3. Wood ash, neutralizes acidity

Plant ash is also an alkaline fertilizer for flowers. It can neutralize the acidity of the soil, sterilize, and provide nutrition for flowers.

Succulents, green radish, and roses prefer weak acid and are not tolerant to strong acid. You can mix plant ash into the soil (be careful not to add too much, as it will easily burn the roots). This is a very good alkaline fertilizer.

Alkaline earth turns acidic

1. Mix with leaf humus to increase acidity

The soil near the homes of flower lovers in the north is alkaline. You can mix some dead leaves, pine needles, etc. It is best to rot them before use. They are more delicate and the flowers are easier to take root.

Leaf mold is a very nutritious acidic fertilizer. As an ancient poem says, "Fallen petals are not heartless, they turn into spring mud to protect flowers."

2. Mix with manure to increase acidity

Alkaline soil can also be mixed with manure, whether it is poultry or livestock manure, or even earthworm manure.

Be careful not to add too much. Generally, 2-3 handfuls of manure is enough for a 2-gallon flower pot. Too much will easily burn the roots.

3. Add chemical particles to quickly de-alkalize

There are professional sulfuric acid powder, iron sulfate, and aluminum sulfate on the market. Flower lovers can add them directly to alkaline soil according to the instructions to quickly change the alkalinity of the soil.

Especially for flowers like hydrangea and roses that are sensitive to soil acidity and alkalinity, these chemical particles can quickly change the color of the flowers.

Hydrangea turns blue when it encounters acid and turns pink when it encounters alkali. You can control its color according to your preference.

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