i was on the phone with the plant store asking about soil Ph of their special mix and it occurs to me that if they asked what i was growing i would have to insist tomatoes and hang up.

so maybe someone with some knowledge could refer me to a plant that is difficult and worthwhile to grow, that requires ph monitoring,, maybe something exotic?
or something with similar requirements as pot, something i could defer to if ever in a difficult situation? an alibi plant?

i need to explain why i went from having barely any interest in plants, to avid gardener with an indoor greenhouse in the course of a year.