How Do You Make An Indicator Using Hibiscus Petals?
• Cut approximately 10 mature hibiscus flowers. • Remove the stigma, and detach the leaves, so as to have only the red petals remaining. • Put them in a container, and pour approximately 6ml of ethanol or surgical spirit; the latter works best. • Crush the petals using an appropriate implement, such as a mortar and pestle. Crush until all of the liquid has been extracted from the petals. • Filter the solution, and you have the reddish indicator ready. View results in sunlight if possible. Check for these results: • Acid–> towards highlighter red, • Base–> towards dark green (almost black).
