Why High pH is Good for Pot Plants?

As a pot plant enthusiast, you might be wondering whether high pH is good for your beloved plants or not. The truth is, maintaining a high pH level in your soil can actually have numerous benefits for your pot plants. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of high pH for pot plants.

What is pH?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. When it comes to soil, the ideal pH level for pot plants is between 6.0 and 7.0. However, some pot plants can thrive in a pH level that is higher or lower than this range.

Benefits of High pH for Pot Plants

Here are some of the benefits of maintaining a high pH level in your soil:

Better Nutrient Uptake

One of the main benefits of high soil pH is that it improves nutrient uptake in pot plants. When pH levels are too low, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium become less available for plant roots to absorb. But when pH levels are high, these nutrients become more accessible, which means your pot plants get the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Reduced Soil Compaction

High soil pH can also help to reduce soil compaction. Soil compaction is when soil particles are densely packed together, making it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This can lead to poor plant growth and even plant death. But by maintaining a high pH level, you can help to break up soil particles, allowing air, water, and nutrients to move more freely throughout the soil.

Less Plant Disease

Another benefit of high soil pH is that it can help to reduce plant disease. Many plant diseases thrive in acidic soil, so by maintaining a high pH level, you can help to prevent disease from taking hold in your pot plants.

How to Raise Soil pH

If you want to raise the pH level in your soil, there are several things you can do:

Add Lime

Lime is a common additive used to raise soil pH. It's made from calcium carbonate, which helps to neutralize acidic soil. Simply mix lime into your soil until you reach the desired pH level.

Add Wood Ash

Wood ash is another natural additive that can help to raise soil pH. It's made from burnt wood and contains high levels of calcium, potassium, and other nutrients that are essential for plant growth.

Use a pH Test Kit

If you're not sure what your soil's pH level is, you can use a pH test kit to measure it. These kits are available at most gardening stores and are easy to use. Once you know your soil's pH level, you can take steps to raise it if necessary.

Conclusion

Maintaining a high pH level in your soil can have numerous benefits for your pot plants. From improving nutrient uptake to reducing soil compaction and plant disease, high pH levels can help your pot plants grow and thrive. If you're not sure what your soil's pH level is, consider using a pH test kit to find out, and take steps to raise the pH level if necessary.