Citrus Nutrient Deficiency: pH Management Over Supplements

1-year-old potted orange and lemon trees in India show yellow-green leaves with dark green veins (interveinal chlorosis). Repotted with coco peat, compost, loam—no improvement. Conflicting advice: iron deficiency vs. high pH. Expert Will Creed:

• Optimal pH for potted plants: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic). Outside this range, nutrients become unavailable regardless of soil content.
• Classic deficiency symptoms usually indicate improper pH, not lack of nutrients.
• Hard water raises pH; use filtered/distilled water.
• Soil acidifies with age; add lime to raise pH, sulfur/iron sulfate to lower.
• Cannot specify local products for pH adjustment.
• Neem oil somewhat effective for pests.

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