Both matter, but the root zone pH is what the plant actually feels. 7.0 is a bit high for soil (aim for 6.2โ6.5) because it can start locking out micronutrients and phosphorus.
How to fix it:
โข Don't overthink dry amendments: Adding things like elemental sulfur takes weeks to work. Itโs too slow if you're already in week 10.
โข The "Water-In" Method: Keep PH-ing your water to 6.0. The soil has a "buffer," so it takes a few waterings to pull that 7.0 down.
โข Check your Runoff: Next time you water, measure what comes out at the bottom. If it's still 7.0+, go down to 5.8 pH for one watering to nudge it.
Your plant looks pretty decent, so don't panic-adjust too hard! Just keep the inflow slightly lower (6.0) and the soil will eventually follow.