In this video, we check in with a corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) that we treated with lime in Part 2 in order to make his soil more alkaline. This video shows how to use a soil pH testing kit to check soil pH. The video also talks about why you want to check soil pH. If the soil pH isn’t correct, the plant won’t take up any nutrients. See how the plant’s soil pH is now more alkaline and a better place for him to grow.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll find in the description below. You’ll also see links to related videos mentioned throughout this tutorial.
This is Part 3 of how to change houseplant soil pH. As explained in the previous videos, pH is extremely important for proper plant growth. If the pH is incorrect for your specific houseplant, the plant will experience growth issues—some of which can be significant.
This plant is a Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as a corn plant. He has had ups and downs due to improper pH. In the prior video, we added lime to his soil, and he now officially has a name—Marvin! The lime was intended to move the soil toward the alkaline side, as Dracaenas prefer slightly alkaline soil. Previously, his soil was very acidic.
Since applying the lime back in January, we’ve given it plenty of time to settle and adjust the soil pH. Today, we are testing to see how successful the treatment was.
For this test, I’m using a different soil testing kit—the AcuGrow soil test strips. Unlike the vial-based method shown earlier, this test uses a special solution combined with a soil sample.
I’m adding the solution to a small medicine bottle, which I like using because it allows for easy shaking. Next, I collect soil samples from different areas near the roots to get an accurate reading. After adding the soil to the bottle, I shake it for 30 seconds.
pH matters because if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline for your houseplant, the plant cannot uptake nutrients—even if you fertilize regularly or use high-quality soil. When the plant cannot absorb nutrients, growth becomes compromised.
After shaking the sample, I dip the test strip for three seconds. The bottom pad indicates pH; the top pad measures nitrogen, which we’re not checking today. I compare the strip to the pH chart on the bottle.
The results show that Marvin’s soil is now much closer to neutral. Previously, it was very acidic. Today, it appears to be around pH 7 to 7.2, meaning it has successfully shifted toward the alkaline side—exactly what Dracaenas prefer.
Marvin has also outgrown his pot during this process, so he will be featured in an upcoming repotting series. After repotting, we’ll check his pH again in a couple of months, since he seems particularly sensitive to pH issues.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is soil pH important for houseplants?
Soil pH affects how well a plant can absorb nutrients. If the pH is too acidic or too alkaline, the plant cannot take in nutrients even with proper fertilizing.
How do you raise the pH of houseplant soil?
Adding lime is one of the most common ways to raise soil pH, shifting it toward the alkaline side. It works gradually over several weeks or months.
How long does it take for lime to change soil pH?
Lime requires several weeks to months to fully adjust soil pH. It’s important to wait before retesting to get accurate results.
What tools can you use to test soil pH?
You can use soil test strips, vial-based testing kits, digital meters, or solution-based kits like the AcuGrow test used in this video.
What is the ideal pH for Dracaena plants?
Dracaenas prefer soil close to neutral or slightly alkaline, typically around pH 7 to 7.2, which promotes proper nutrient uptake and healthy growth.
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