What Does the pH of Potting Soil Mean and Why Is It Crucial?

What Does the pH of Potting Soil Mean and Why Is It Crucial?

The pH of potting soil is one of the most important factors that affects the development of your plants. It determines how effectively the plant can absorb nutrients, directly influencing healthy growth and blooming. If the pH is not appropriate, the plant can suffer from nutrient deficiencies, even if there are sufficient nutrients in the soil.

Why is the pH of potting soil important?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a value of 7 indicating neutral pH. Lower values represent acidic conditions, while higher values indicate alkaline conditions. Different plants require different pH levels in the soil:

  • Lime-sensitive plants (e.g., hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas) prefer acidic soil (pH 4-5.5). For this, the Rhododendron, Blueberry, and Magnolia Tree soil (pH 4.5-5.5) is an excellent choice.

  • Neutral pH soils (pH 6.5-7) are generally universal and many indoor and garden plants thrive in them. An example is Sunin Potting, Seedling, and Vegetable Soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

  • For balcony and geranium plants, Sunin Geranium and Balcony Potting Soil (pH 5.5-7.0) is ideal, ensuring the right nutrients and water retention.

  • For general use, we recommend Sunin General Potting Soil (pH 5.5-7.0).

How does pH affect plant development?

The pH value affects the solubility and availability of nutrients:

  • In acidic soil, elements like iron and manganese are more soluble, but calcium and magnesium are less available.

  • In alkaline soil, the availability of iron and other micronutrients decreases, while calcium and magnesium may become more abundant.

If the pH is not in the optimal range for a specific plant, nutrient deficiency symptoms can appear, even if there are enough nutrients in the soil.

How to choose the right potting soil?

On Somlax potting soil packaging, the pH value is always indicated, so you can easily find the soil that best suits your plants. Before purchasing, check this value and match it with your plant's needs. If a plant grows in soil with the wrong pH, it can result in slow growth, yellowing leaves, and weak blooming.

We care about ensuring that your plants grow in the best possible soil. That's why every Somlax potting soil is labeled with a precisely determined pH value and detailed composition information, so you can be confident that the soil you select provides the best environment for your plants, whether they are indoor ornamental plants or garden perennials.

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