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How to Make Soil Acidic for Rhododendrons
How to Make Soil Acidic for Rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are beautiful dark green plants with thick leaves and a wood stem that are found mostly in mountain regions. They bloom in the spring and early summer with a variety of colors including pink and purple. The reason they grow so well in the mountains is because of the high acidic content in the...
Rhododendrons are beautiful dark green plants with thick leaves and a wood stem that are found mostly in mountain regions. They bloom in the spring and early summer with a variety of colors including pink and purple. The reason they grow so well in the mountains is because of the high acidic content in the soil due to the decay of leaves, pine needles and other debris. To help your rhododendron grow to its full potential, it is best that you create an acidic soil where your plant will be placed.
Things You'll Need
Mulch
Leaves
Bark
or Other organic material
Acidifier or fertilizer
Turn your soil with a pitch fork or hoe so that it is not too compact. Rhododendrons like a light airy soil. This is also the best type of soil to promote decay.
Mix organic matter such as leaves, pine needles and bark into the soil. This material will breakdown over time and release acid into the soil. Rhododendrons are found in areas where there is plenty of decaying material in the soil. Adding organic matter will help to simulate this environment.
Add organic material, from time to time, around the base of the rhododendron so that it can continue to have acid released into the soil. This will act as an acid compost for the plant and provide a rich soil for it to grow in.
Apply a fertilizer with ammonium nitrate to the soil surrounding the rhododendron for a quicker fix. This will lower the pH level and make the soil more acidic.
Treat the soil with an acidifier additive such as Miracid, which is manufactured under the Miracle Gro brand. This is an additive which allows for incremental adjustment of the soil pH for acid loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas and gardenias.
Tips & Warnings
Use caution when handling fertilizer and other chemicals. Wear protective clothing including gloves and eye protection.
