pH Value and Anthuriums

Most of us have probably come across the term pH value in the context of fertilizer for anthuriums. But why is the pH value so important? And how can the pH value be useful for anthuriums?

Basic information:
The pH value indicates how basic or acidic a solution (water) is. Our fertilizer and our watering water have a specific pH value, which can be adjusted to an optimal setting. The value indirectly indicates how many hydrogen ions are present in the water. If many are present, the value is low, i.e., acidic. If few are present, it is high, i.e., basic.

• If the value is less than 7, it is called acidic.
• If the value is equal to 7, it is called neutral.
• If the value is greater than 7, it is called basic.
  

Fun Fact: The abbreviation pH stands for the Latin "pondus/potentia hydrogenii" (weight/power of hydrogen).

But what does the pH value have to do with anthuriums (or plants in general)?
Almost all anthuriums originate from tropical rainforests, where water and the rainforest soil are usually slightly acidic. For this reason, many of them react quite sensitively to incorrect pH values. The optimal range is about 5.5 – 6.5, which means it is slightly acidic.

Why is the pH value so important for anthuriums?
The pH value determines how well anthuriums can absorb nutrients.
If it is too low (e.g., below 5), nutrients such as calcium or magnesium can, simply put, be absorbed with difficulty. This results in deficiency symptoms or deformities.
If the pH value is in the optimal range (5.5-6.5), anthuriums can process nutrients best. This results, for example, in healthy roots and more stable growth.
If the pH value is too high (e.g., 7 or higher), anthuriums can no longer absorb nutrients or only to a very limited extent. This results in yellow leaves or chlorotic leaves, which is a sign of disturbed chlorophyll formation. 

Which water is suitable for anthuriums?
Rainwater is usually slightly acidic, meaning it has a pH value of less than 7, which is good for anthuriums. The pH values of tap water vary greatly from region to region. Mostly, their pH value is higher than 7. You can also use osmosis water and enrich it with fertilizers. We also have a corresponding entry in our lexicon: Osmosis water for anthuriums

How do I measure and adjust the pH value?
You need a pH meter for this. You can get these from many online shops. Their prices range from very cheap to very expensive. Bluelab devices have proven to be very good for us. But it can certainly be done cheaper. 
For the optimal adjustment of the pH value, we use fertilizer additives such as pH-Plus or pH-Minus. This way, we adjust the pH value to an optimal level every time we fertilize. However, you can also use a little citric acid, for example, to adjust the pH value downwards.

As a general rule: it is better to fertilize a little weaker, but regularly.

Parallel to the pH value, it is advisable to check and, if necessary, adjust the microsiemens value. You can find more information about this in our 4Aroids Encyclopedia entry Microsiemens and Anthuriums.