Nana's Flowers Hawaii

It never failed that on any given day when I worked at the nursery that a customer would come in with either a plant or a leaf with some problem. Sometimes it was just underwatering or overwatering, but there were those times that it was apparent a deficiency was occurring.

There are nine different clues about a plant. And majority of the time adding nutrient(s) to the soil improves the quality of the plant. It is important to make sure you are fertilizing the plants to the maximum quality.

Here are the nine clues:

The Complete plant is receiving all the nutrients at the correct amount. It has balanced growth with the foliage being green that is not too light or dark. Growth is doing well with the plant having a nice shape including the stems and leaves.

Iron deficiency is when the plant leaves are turning yellow between veins. Leaves may potentially die from edges to inward. The new leaves show symptoms first. If the deficiency continues, it will spread to the veins, leaves and then the plant dies.

Phosphorus deficient plants are short in stature.Flowering Ceases. Foliage possibly turns dark green with some tint of purple. This appears on older leaves before the new growth. Leaves eventually turn brown, drop early, and die.

Manganese is one of the micornutrients- A deficiency is when the newest leaves turn yellow between veins. Smaller veins have a checkerboard effect in which the veins stay green. Tan or gray spots appear in yellow parts of the leaf.

Nitrogen- Plants have pale yellow leaves possibly with brown on the edges. Growth is hindered and in the worst cases is quite puny. Older leaves are affected first since plants pass on nitrogen to the new growth (leaves).

Calcium deficiency is seen first in the active parts of the plant which is the youngest part, or leaves and tips of stems and roots. Leaves look twisted, deformed, and sometimes with a hook like effect. New growth, seedlings, and roots die. Fruits like the tomato get the blossom-end rot.

Potassium- Shows signs of yellow and dead spots towards the inside. The leaves also show curling and have a burned (scorched) appearance. This causes the stems to be weak, roots show rotting, and any fruit may also shrivel.

Sulfur- Whole plant appears yellow with the younger leaves showing it first. Veins have lighter coloring with a possibility of dead spots. Plant may act like it is reaching for the sun light with a stunted and thinned growth appearance.

Magnesium- The older leaves show signs first with an appearance of yellow leaves with green veins. The yellow areas may get white spots, leaves thin, fragile with a bronze to purple look. Yellow areas have the potential of dying quickly.

If you are not quite sure what deficiency your plant has, take a sample to your local nursery. Chances are they will be able to tell you what is wrong and what type of nutrient you must add to the soil.

You must also rule out any pests, insects, or diseases. If unsure visit your local nursery center for further help.

Jennifer Bryan

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