Gardeners who have been battling with wilting hydrangeas may need to reconsider their watering methods, according to a gardening expert on TikTok. The expert, known as BotanicKing, has shared a valuable tip that could prevent these plants from withering.
BotanicKing explained that using tap water for hydrangeas can lead to their decline within two months. This is due to the alkaline nature of tap water, which conflicts with the plant’s preference for acidic conditions. “Hydrangea is a typical plant that prefers acidic conditions and requires regular acid supplementation,” BotanicKing said. “Tap water is slightly alkaline, and watering the plant with it for a long time will lead to yellow leaves, leaf drop, and no flowering.”
To address this issue, BotanicKing recommends adding iron sulphate to the watering routine. “The correct method is to give the plant one spoon of iron sulphate diluted with water every seven days,” BotanicKing advised. “Water it into the potting soil. Maintaining the slightly acidic condition of the soil will ensure that the hydrangea grows well.”
When soils become too alkaline, hydrangeas suffer severe deficiencies as essential nutrients like iron become unavailable. Iron sulphate enriches and unlocks these nutrients from the soil.
It is important to monitor the pH of the soil annually to determine if it needs amending. To check the pH value of your soil, conduct a pH test using a testing kit, which can be purchased from various suppliers online or in garden centres and hardware stores.
BotanicKing also noted that this method is not only beneficial for hydrangeas but also applies to other acid-loving plants, such as camellias, osmanthus, bougainvilleas, jasmine, and roses.
Commenters on the video have shared their own soil acidity tips. One user suggested incorporating sand into potting mixtures to create a more acidic environment. Others proposed using lemon juice, coffee grounds, and acidic water from water machines.
