How to Raise pH in Potted Plants

Potted plants are a great way to bring bright colors and fresh greenery into your home, office, or garden. However, if the pH of the soil in your potted plants is too low, your plants might have trouble absorbing nutrients properly. Luckily, it's easy to raise the pH of your potted plants and give them the foundation they need to thrive. Here are some tips on how to raise pH in potted plants.

1. Test the pH of your soil

Before you start adjusting the pH of your potted plants, it's important to know what you're dealing with. Purchase a soil pH testing kit and follow the instructions to test the pH of the soil in your plant's container. If the pH is too low (below 6.0), you'll need to raise it.

2. Add lime to the soil

One of the easiest ways to raise the pH of your potted plants is by adding lime to the soil. Garden lime, also known as calcium carbonate, is a common soil amendment that can help neutralize acidic soil. Follow the instructions on the lime package to determine how much lime to add to your plant's container. Be sure to mix the lime thoroughly into the soil.

3. Use wood ash as a soil amendment

If you prefer a more natural approach to raising the pH of your potted plants, wood ash can be a great option. Wood ash is the residue left after burning wood, and it contains a high concentration of potassium and calcium carbonate, both of which can help raise soil pH. Mix the wood ash into the soil and monitor pH levels to ensure that you don't overdo it.

4. Add crushed eggshells to the soil

Another natural way to raise soil pH is to add crushed eggshells to your plant's container. Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which can help neutralize acidic soil. Simply collect some eggshells, dry them out, and crush them into small pieces. Mix the crushed eggshells into the soil of your potted plants.

5. Water your plants with baking soda

If you're looking for a quick pH fix for your potted plants, adding baking soda to your watering can is a good option. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in one gallon of water and water your plants as usual. Be careful not to overdo it with the baking soda, as it can build up in the soil over time and cause problems later on.

6. Use pH-raising fertilizers

Finally, if you want a long-term solution for raising pH in your potted plants, consider using pH-raising fertilizers. These fertilizers are specially formulated to help neutralize acidic soil and maintain a healthy pH balance in your plants' containers. Look for fertilizers that are labeled as "pH-raising" or "alkaline."

By following these tips, you can easily raise the pH of your potted plants and give them the foundation they need to thrive. Be sure to monitor pH levels regularly so that you can make adjustments as needed. With a little care and attention, your potted plants will be healthy, beautiful, and full of life.