How to Identify Nutrition Deficiencies in Plants by Leaf Problems
Identifying problems with your plants is a complex and moderately difficult process. Once you've ruled out acidity or alkalinity of the soil, pest infestations and watering issues, nutritional deficiencies are the next logical culprit. By examining the leaves carefully, you can see the changes in color, shape and size of the deformed and discolored leaves. Each symptom leads to a different diagnosis. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Leaves in General
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Examine the plant carefully, from top to bottom. Note if the symptoms extend over the entire plant or only on the lower leaves.
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Look closely at the leaf colors. If the plant is suffering from a nitrogen deficiency, all the leaves are light green, with the lower leaves turning yellow and drying to brown. If the leaves are dark green or reddish-purple and the lower leaves are drying to dark green, the plant is lacking in phosphorus.
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Examine the older lower leaves. If the edges are yellow but still green in the center, the plant needs magnesium. If the plant is lacking in potassium, the leaves have a wilted or scorched appearance, with dead spots in the middle or along the edges.
New Leaves
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Look for yellowing leaves. If the new leaves are yellow and the yellowing is spreading across the plant, the plant is lacking in sulfur.
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Examine the area between the leaf veins for yellowing. If the plant needs zinc, the leaves are also crinkled and distorted and the stems are shorter than normal. If the stems are normal but the leaves have dead spots developing, the plant needs manganese. If the leaves are normal except for yellowing around the veins, the plant is lacking in iron.
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Look for distorted or dead leaves and stems. If the leaf, or terminal, bud at the end of the stem dies, it indicates a lack of boron. If the terminal bud is alive but the new leaves are distorted with dead spots, the plant needs calcium. If the plant requires copper, it will be stunted, with small, distorted, bluish-green leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult with the local agricultural extension office. Many offices offer an analysis of plant samples for a small fee.
Check the ph balance of the soil;
Pest infestations, a lack of water or overwatering can also cause leaf distortions and discolorations.
Use caution in handling plant leaves. Euphorbia and dieffenbachia sap may cause severe allergic reactions. Some varieties of citrus, bougainvillea and roses have sharp thorns.
References
- University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; Recognizing Plant Nutrient Deficiencies; Angela O'Callaghan, Ph.D.
- The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Guide to Symptoms of Plant Nutrient Deficiencies; Shanyn Hosier, et al.; May 1999
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies in Ornamental Plants; Amy L. Shober, et al.; March 2010
Resources
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