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.