How Soil pH Affects Flower Growth

Soil pH is the index of the hydrogen ion concentration of the soil, expressed as pH value, and its range is usually between 1 and 14. A pH value between 6.5 and 7.5 is neutral soil; above 7.5 it is alkaline soil; below 6.5 it is acidic soil. pH test paper can be used to measure the pH value. Dip the test paper into soil diluted with water; if the test paper turns red, the soil is acidic, and if it turns blue, the soil is alkaline. By comparing with the color chart, the acid-base concentration of the soil can be determined.

The pH of the soil directly affects the growth of flowers. Most flowers grow well in neutral or slightly acidic soil, and the nutrients they absorb from the soil are all in a soluble state. If the pH is unsuitable for the flowers, the nutrients in the soil become non-absorbable, causing some flowers to develop nutrient deficiency symptoms.

Various flowers have different ranges of adaptability to soil pH, and generally the soil pH can be changed by applying acidic or alkaline fertilizers.