How do you acidify? Or do you?

[just.wing.it]

I always read that azaleas "need" acidic soil....or at least they like it....
The 2 that I have are in a basically inorganic mix, maybe a tiny bit of small pine bark chips in there....
They are both doing well....
I do use a water soluble fertilizer for acid loving plants on them and my Gardenia....
Is that sufficient?
Does it really matter?
What do you do for yours?

 

[parhamr]

I have bags of iron and sulphur to acidify soils. I also test with pH strips to verify. (I don’t have azaleas, but I have had slightly alkaline soils.)

 

[Steve Kudela]

I always read that azaleas "need" acidic soil....or at least they like it....
The 2 that I have are in a basically inorganic mix, maybe a tiny bit of small pine bark chips in there....
They are both doing well....
I do use a water soluble fertilizer for acid loving plants on them and my Gardenia....
Is that sufficient?
Does it really matter?
What do you do for yours?

Hey man, I just use a granular azalea/rhododendron fertilizer. That water soluble should be fine.

 

[just.wing.it]

Hey man, I just use a granular azalea/rhododendron fertilizer. That water soluble should be fine.

Ten4 on that!
I have heard of people composting citrus fruit rinds and other stuff, but I kinda figured I'm OK with that, thanks!

 

[just.wing.it]

I have bags of iron and sulphur to acidify soils. I also test with pH strips to verify. (I don’t have azaleas, but I have had slightly alkaline soils.)

Actual iron filings?
And what form of sulfur, I don't think I've heard of that combo before, but I haven't done tons of research either....

 

[parhamr]

@just.wing.it I have…

Iron sulfate granules, which are commonly available as a "lawn greening" product from garden stores.

Elemental sulfate granules, which are specialty fertilizer products with high nitrogen availability; also availavile from garden stores.

 

[just.wing.it]

@just.wing.it I have…

Iron sulfate granules, which are commonly available as a "lawn greening" product from garden stores.

Elemental sulfate granules, which are specialty fertilizer products with high nitrogen availability; also availavile from garden stores.

Ahh, I see... cool thanks dude!

 

[Steve Kudela]

Actual iron filings?
And what form of sulfur, I don't think I've heard of that combo before, but I haven't done tons of research either....

I've heard of folks taking iron nails and shoving 'em down in the soil. My granular works just fine, thanks.

 

[Cattwooduk]

My nan has a large azalea in a pot she's had for years. She has always ripped open used tea bags and put the tea tips in the plant pot so they slowly seep into the soil and keep it slightly acidic. I've no idea how well it works but it flowers real well every year! Not sure how useful that is for bonsai but thought it was interesting all the same.

 

[just.wing.it]

My nan has a large azalea in a pot she's had for years. She has always ripped open used tea bags and put the tea tips in the plant pot so they slowly seep into the soil and keep it slightly acidic. I've no idea how well it works but it flowers real well every year! Not sure how useful that is for bonsai but thought it was interesting all the same.

Interesting....

 

[just.wing.it]

taking iron nails and shoving 'em down in the soil

Yeah, now that you mention it, I have seen that one before...

 

[Eric Group]

I just use acidic soil components- peat moss makes up a majority of my potting soil for developing plants. It has a pretty acidic PH by nature... for bonsai soils, Kanuma Makes up a large part of my azalea mixes..
I do that and don't worry about it any more. In the past I have used Miracid but it seems unnecessary...

 

[quietobserver]

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Espoma-6-lb-Soil-Acidifier-100508616/203192757

Works well for me on occasion.

 

[M. Frary]

LSD

 

[zelk]

Part of the proper conditions might be influenced by the water. Some water can be very alkaline. I think fertilizing with Miracid has helped more than a typical fertilizer. good luck!

 

[just.wing.it]

LSD

Yeeeaahhhh maaannnn.....my azaleas are acid lovers!

 

[Anthony]

For what it is worth, the correctly identified Rhododenrons we have are planted in simple potting mix, peat moss
and perlite.
To repot, all that is done, is lift, remove one third from all around, re-add new soil mix.
Since 1980 or so.

Are they not supposed to be bog plants ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[my nellie]

Yeah, now that you mention it, I have seen that one before...

This is also done in order to prevent iron deficiency. I do this to my bougainvillea

 

[M. Frary]

Yeeeaahhhh maaannnn.....my azaleas are acid lovers!

We're talking about plants?

 

[just.wing.it]

For what it is worth, the correctly identified Rhododenrons we have are planted in simple potting mix, peat moss
and perlite.
To repot, all that is done, is lift, remove one third from all around, re-add new soil mix.
Since 1980 or so.

Are they not supposed to be bog plants ?
Good Day
Anthony

I don't think I've heard them referred to as bog plants before....I know that they don't like to dry out, like to stay moist but not wet feet....
And I frequently see that they like shade....