Spud Demon wrote:
Thanks to all who replied, especially Stephen -- lots of useful
info!

" writes in
article . com
dated 1 Dec 2005 07:48:56 -0800:
The best remedy for a potted plant is to change the potting
soil.
What could you have put in the pot to go pH 9. I don't know
of
any potting soils that are more than neutral. I f you have an
acid loving plant requiring a pH below 6. there are specific
potting mixtures for that situation.

The plant has been in the same soil for over a year but the
problem
is more
recent. All I added was water (through a new hose) and
fertilizer.
But
it's an undrained pot, maybe that has something to do with the
pH
going
crazy.

Anyway, last night I added half a cup of Epsom salt (Magnesium
Sulfate)
mixed with a gallon of water. Later today I will re-check the
pH.

I don't want to mess up the root ball by transplanting it in
different soil,
but I might rinse it (overwater and then dump out the excess)
if the
chemical/bacterial route doesn't work. That should bring the
pH
close to 7.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.

Plants should *never* be planted in a pot without drainage.

--

Travis in Shoreline (just North of Seattle) Washington
USDA Zone 8
Sunset Zone 5