What Is Meant by “Acid Loving Plants”?

Question

I see this on fertilizers all the time, but what do they mean by that, and how is the level of acidity represented on the fertilizer? Is it the Nitrogen-Phosphate-Potassium numbers on the bag? Are Canna Lilies acid loving plants or no?

Answer 1

The Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (or NPK ratio) isn't the same as the soil pH, which measure acidity. This article will help explain soil pH and NPK ratio for plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fertilizer-numbers-npk.htm

As for acid loving plants, there are some types of plants that prefer (or even need) acidic soil--such as gardenias, azaleas, and blueberries. Generally, fertilizers will state whether they are specifically designed for plants like these. Here are some other plants that are acide lovers: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/acid-loving-plants.htm

Canna lilies prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil.