How to Identify a Magnesium Deficiency in Plants

Your tomato plants have this strange orange color to the leaves and you think there might be something wrong. Consider a magnesium deficiency when you see symptoms like this in your garden. Here's how to identify and remedy a magnesium deficiency in plants.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden sprayer
• Epsom salts
• 2 drops liquid detergent
• 2.5 gallons of water

1. Know what types of plants are susceptible to magnesium deficiency. All plants can be deficient in magnesium, but tomato plants and apple trees are particularly prone.

2. Examine the leaves of affected plants for orange bands between the veins, which indicates magnesium deficiency. These orange bands may later turn brown if the deficiency isn't treated soon enough.

3. Identify signs of the withering, another indication of magnesium deficiency in plants. This may lead to necrosis of the plant's leaves and eventually defoliation, which could kill the plant.

4. Pay special attention to your plants after applying a high-potassium fertilizer. A fertilizer with a high potassium content tends to hold the magnesium in the soil. This keeps this vital nutrient from entering the roots of the plant, which may result in magnesium deficiency.

5. Treat the magnesium deficiency with Epsom salts. Mix a solution of 8 rounded tablespoons of Epsom salts, which is magnesium sulfate, in 2.5 gallons of water. Add a drop or two of liquid detergent and spray your plants with the solution.