PH sciency question

So, I have been growing my 3 ladies outdoors in Australia. They always looked very healthy but a few days ago I noticed this awkward discolouration in the most mature plant. Could this be pH related? And if it is what do you use to get pH down? H2SO4 or HCl? Is there a better or a worse acid?

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Definitely looks like a micronute lockout. Cant remember which one thru those colors but it could be pH or it could be hungry. Lemme go take a look

Im seeing Phosphorus everywhere… i was thinking iron or manganese…

How are your pH’n habits?

Have u fed at all?

Any better pics of problem leaves?

All in one spot? Like at bottom or top? Or is it randomly everywhere?

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Perhaps run a slurry test to see where the pH is in the soil.
I also see a bit of damage to the stem of that leaf. You may have some pest issues.
Agree with Purp tho about the lockout.

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That’s what I’m seeing too. Just to be clear though; plants do use up and drop leaves. Especially understory stuff. That’s different from a deficiency.

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The plants didn’t grow many leaves and yes, there is some bug in my backyard that eats just a bit of the stem of the larger leaves and doesn’t touch the other plants.
I never checked my pH, I just used the local tap water. Plants are very healthy and this is the first time I see any kind of deficiency in any of the plants. The plant is 6 weeks into flowering.
What do you use to get the pH down?

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I use a pH down product from General Hydroponics.
If you want a home remedy then some use lemon juice, citric acid or vinegar.
My question is if you have not checked the pH then how do you know you want to lower it?

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Haha exactly. Might need to raise it. But at this point in her life? P and K are HIGH demand. If ur only using tap water and have never fed, its about that time.

That one or two drained leaf isnt bad. Plants lose leaves. Big lower ones u can stand to lose. Actually i leave a few for when I forget to feed just to save em hehe. But the spread means she could probably use a snack.

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There is ‘outside’ and then there’s ‘outside container growing’. You being in the latter category have no real choice but to monitor/maintain nutrient load and correct PH. Otherwise plant will suffer.

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Plants are getting fertilizer, switched to a high K and P one when flowering started.
According to my water provider average pH in my area is 7.3, never worried about it until now. Instead of buying something, I was just wondering if anyone uses just acid to bring it to desired pH? I have H2SO4 and HCl readily available to me.
Plants are in pots outside and are inside now during night. All 3 plants are very different.

U still have to know which way you would need to go.

Starts at 7.3
Add food and ??
So from ?? To 6.5 is which way? Lol. Get what im saying?

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Sulfuric and Hydrochloric acids are very bad choices to lower pH.
Besides, without a meter how will you know where you land. I had to lower the pH of my water yesterday and used two drops of pH down to get it to the correct pH. You really really really need to get a pH meter and see what you are dealing with. Even if your municipal water is 7.3, is it chlorinated? Chlorine dissipates quickly and the pH rises dramatically. Mine will go up over 8 after the chlorine is gone.

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It really helps to know the mediums PH and the ph of what you feed it. I’d check run off if possible, if not, a slurry? Any nutrients added to the tap water will change the ph of the water. Check it after adding nutes. It looks phosphorus to me also , ut I’d guess it’s d/t PH being off.

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Why are H2SO4 and HCl bad choices? Ph meter is available and I understand logarithmic scales. I got a PhD in materials science just new to gardening :blush:

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They’re strong acids. You would typically want acids classified as weak acids to lower soil pH.

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That means you know the values of good tools. Growing herb is much easier when uve got the right equipment n get why how when where ur using them.

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:nerd_face::nerd_face::nerd_face: dude i love having u on this forum

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It depends how much you put in. You would just need less of them than of a citric acid.

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And the acid used in a pH down product for plants is actually a safe plant food.
That acid will not kill beneficial bacteria in your soil, but sulfuric and hydrochloric will.
Would you put that in your food to eat?

Seems like you dont want advice as you keep arguing about it.
Do what you want.

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How do you figure?