When I moved my business to St. Thomas in 2023, I faced a challenge I hadn't dealt with before. Without a system to collect rainwater, I had to use tap water for my potted succulent plants. Over the months, I noticed that my plants were not thriving. Growth was stagnant, and they lacked their usual vibrancy.
After doing some research, I discovered that the issue might be related to the pH levels of the water I was using. Initially, I wouldn’t have thought tap water would affect succulent plants too much, as they aren’t typically considered finicky. However, tap water can often have high pH levels and excess minerals, making it harder for plants to absorb nutrients. A simple solution to address this is adding citric acid to water. This not only lowers the pH but also breaks down minerals from fertilizers, helping plants absorb nutrients more effectively.
I began adding ¼ a teaspoon of citric acid to a gallon of water, testing the pH with strips to ensure it was between 6.0 and 7.0. After a month of using this solution, the improvement was noticeable—my potted succulents looked healthier and showed significant growth.
The Benefits of Using Citric Acid for Succulents
Citric acid, a natural compound found in citrus fruits, can be used to adjust the pH of your water, making it more acidic and closer to the ideal range for succulent growth (around 6.0 to 7.0). Here’s how it helps:
- Improves Nutrient Uptake: An acidic environment helps break down minerals in fertilizers, making it easier for plants to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Combats Mineral Buildup: Citric acid helps dissolve salts and other minerals present in tap water, preventing harmful soil crusting.
- Promotes Growth: With improved access to nutrients, succulents grow healthier and show more vibrant colours.
Using Citric Acid for Indoor and Greenhouse Plants
In my experience, I use this citric acid solution as a light foliar spray on indoor potted succulents. It helps prevent bugs from attacking the crown and reduces the risk of powdery mildew. I apply the spray a couple times a day as needed, avoiding application during the hot afternoon sun. During the winter, when my plants are growing indoors under LED grow lights, I’ve found this solution to be safe for the foliage, provided it is used with care to prevent over-saturation.
However, I avoid foliar spraying my greenhouse succulents during winter. In the greenhouse, I maintain low temperatures to conserve energy, and water that doesn’t dry quickly in the cool environment can cause crown or foliage rot.
How to Use Citric Acid for Your Succulents
If you’re interested in trying citric acid for your succulents, here are some tips:
- Preparation: Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of food-grade citric acid in one gallon of water.
- pH Testing: Check the pH using test strips or a digital meter, ensuring the solution is between 6.0 and 7.0. This range supports plant health without causing harm. If the pH is too high, add a bit more citric acid to the solution; if it’s too low, dilute it with more water to achieve the ideal range.
- Watering: Use the solution sparingly to water potted succulents, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It enhances nutrient absorption and promotes healthier growth.
- Foliar Spray: Lightly spray indoor succulents a couple times a day to prevent bugs and mildew. Avoid foliar spraying plants in greenhouses during cold seasons to prevent rot, and refrain from foliar spraying outdoor plants during high temperatures in summer.
- Monitor: Observe your plants’ response to the solution. A noticeable improvement in growth and vitality suggests you’re on the right track!
A Word of Caution
- Overusing citric acid can lower the pH too much, which may harm your plants. Always test your water to avoid this.
- Avoid using the solution as a foliar spray in cold or high-humidity environments where water doesn’t dry quickly, as this can lead to rot.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting the pH of my watering routine with citric acid has been a game-changer for my succulents. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that has completely transformed the way my plants grow. Whether you’re dealing with tap water challenges, pest control, or powdery mildew, citric acid is a valuable tool for succulent care.
If you’ve tried this method or have other tips for watering succulents, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!