Your plant’s leaves can reveal a great deal about its overall health. Changes in color, texture, or shape often indicate a lack of specific nutrients. Here’s how to recognize common deficiencies and address them effectively.
Common Deficiencies and Their Symptoms:
Phosphorus (P)
– Leaves develop reddish or purple tones; growth is noticeably slow.
Magnesium (Mg)
– Older leaves turn yellow between the veins, often with a mottled pattern.
Potassium (K)
– Leaf edges appear brown or burnt; plants lose vigor.
Nitrogen (N)
– Uniform yellowing of leaves, especially older ones, accompanied by reduced growth.
Manganese (Mn
) – Yellowing with dark spots between veins; mottling appears on young leaves.
Iron (Fe)
– New leaves turn yellow but retain green veins, typically on the upper parts of the plant.
Zinc (Zn)
– Small, deformed leaves with yellowing between the veins.
Boron (B)
– Irregular leaf growth, deformed shapes, and dry or blackened tips.
Calcium (Ca)
– Young leaves display yellow or brown edges; growth is stunted.
How to Correct Deficiencies:
Balanced fertilization: Choose fertilizers that supply both macro and micronutrients.
Soil testing and improvement: Check and adjust soil pH, as improper levels can block nutrient uptake.
Proper watering: Both overwatering and underwatering can interfere with nutrient absorption.
Key Insight:
Consistent observation allows you to catch problems early. Small adjustments in care can restore plant health and growth.
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