I don't know why you couldn't use slightly acidic
rainwater. With our fast draining bonsai soils, the answer is not
in the soil mix. Acidic preferences by plants like azaleas just
means that they have inefficient root systems for delivering
nutrients. So, proper fertilization with any basic fertilizer
ought to do the trick.
Chlorosis also can reflect too much or too little water.
Chlorosis also can be a sign of iron deficiency, so you might
want to add a little chelated iron to your azaleas.
Cordially,
Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Carol

Hello IBC'ers,
I've grown azaleas in New York without any problems, but after
moving to
Maryland, a mid-Atlantic state, I find that some of the leaves on
the
azaleas are turning yellow and dying. I read that this could be
due to
the soil in this area which is not acidic. (The trees are healthy
and
have flowered.) Since I cannot use rain water which is slightly
acidic,
does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can increase the
acidity of
the soil by amending it, perhaps with a commercial product?
With thanks,
Carol Schroeder Maryland, zone 7

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