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Ah, the old solution drop test!

There are many other types of pH testing tools, as well. The strips are somewhat easy to use, and digital meters, which make measuring really simple. You can find them relatively cheap online.

You will have to have a good eye, and make your best judgment with those solution based kits.

This article will give you more information on test kit results: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

This could be a Scale infestation.
Isolate the plants to keep them from spreading.
Treatment is explained in the links below.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

It appears to be one of the many types of Arbutus, but it would be very hard to pin the exact variety down. Your local extension service may be able to give you a more precise identification. This link will help you to find the closest extension to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search

We need the type of plant that you have, in order to give you planting and care information.

What you refer to are opposite reactions.. Limestone is usually a Calcium carbonate, which if incorporated into an acidic soil will tend to raise the pH, make it less acidic.
Lime-sulfur is a fungicide product and not usually used as a soil amendment. But soil sulfur or sulfate forms of other minerals, if used as soil amendments will tend to reduce the pH to a lower, more acidic level.
This is a simplified answer and there are other factors to consider. It is always best to look at the whole picture of the soil health, get a soil test and an Rx recommendation for mineral and biological amendments from a soil analyst, based on actual deficiencies found with site-specific needs considered.

Over time, the particles from the cigarette smoke coat the surface of the leaf, inhibiting the plant's ability to absorb sunlight from its leafy surfaces. Smoke also causes plants to drop leaves.
There is a great deal of research on the harmful effects of cigarettes and you may be able to find more details on how they effect the cells of plants.