Friends in southern China who have tried keeping flowers may have noticed something strange: some plants seem easy to care for, but after just a few days at home, their leaves turn yellow and flower buds drop. It’s usually not because you forgot to water or fertilize—it’s most likely because you forgot to “add acid”!
Although the southern climate is humid, over time many potted soils become alkaline. And four common acid-loving plants—camellia, osmanthus, gardenia, and jasmine—are famous for needing acidic conditions. Without enough acid, they look just like people who haven’t eaten: weak, dull, and lifeless.
Camellia
A true beauty in southern courtyards, camellias bloom in big, festive pink, red, and white blossoms. But if you notice new leaves turning yellow while the veins stay green, that’s a sign it’s hungry for acid. A neighbor once lost half the leaves on her camellia just by watering alone. Later, she began adding a little diluted white vinegar to the water, and within two months new buds appeared. Remember: camellias love slightly acidic soil. Don’t water directly with tap water—let it sit for two days first. Occasionally, pour in some fermented rice water, and the leaves will stay glossy and green.
Osmanthus
In autumn, the sweet fragrance of osmanthus fills the streets, and many people dream of having one at home. But without enough acid, osmanthus will produce fewer flowers, weaker fragrance, and leaves that gradually wither. I once had a golden osmanthus on my balcony that barely bloomed. Then an experienced gardener told me to water it monthly with ferrous sulfate solution to prevent alkalization. It worked wonders—the next autumn my whole balcony was perfumed, and even neighbors downstairs asked for my secret. Also, stick to acidic fertilizers like decomposed soybean meal, and avoid alkaline ones that will only make the plant weaker.
Gardenia
Just hearing the name makes you feel refreshed, but gardenias are true “acid addicts.” The most obvious signs of acid deficiency are yellowing leaves and buds dropping before they open. One tip: never water directly onto the petals, or they’ll rot. Instead, water the soil around the roots so they can absorb the acid and thrive.
Jasmine
A summer favorite, jasmine blooms abundantly with fragrance and can even be brewed into tea. But many people find their plants turning yellow and even dying over time. Acid deficiency not only causes yellow leaves but also fewer, less fragrant flowers. When I grew jasmine, I always added a little ferrous sulfate to the water—at about a 1:1000 dilution, so as not to burn the roots. Jasmine also loves sunlight, but without acidic soil, no amount of sun will help—and too much sun on alkaline soil can even scorch it.
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