Nutrient Deficiency
Plants need various macro and micronutrients. Deficiency symptoms vary by nutrient but generally show as discoloration, poor growth, or abnormal leaf development.
Possible Causes
Nitrogen Deficiency
Why: Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll and overall growth. It is mobile in the plant, so deficiency shows on older leaves first.
Signs to check: Older/lower leaves turn uniformly pale yellow-green, growth is slow, plant looks sparse.
Iron Deficiency
Why: Iron is needed for chlorophyll synthesis. It is immobile, so new leaves are affected first.
Signs to check: New leaves are yellow with green veins (interveinal chlorosis), older leaves remain normal.
Potassium Deficiency
Why: Potassium regulates water movement and enzyme function. Deficiency weakens the plant.
Signs to check: Leaf edges turn brown and scorched-looking, older leaves affected first, weak stems.
Depleted Potting Mix
Why: Nutrients in potting soil are consumed or leached out over time, especially with frequent watering.
Signs to check: Plant has not been repotted or fertilized in over a year, multiple deficiency symptoms.
What to Check
- 1Note which leaves are affected — older (lower) or newer (upper)?
- 2Describe the pattern — uniform yellowing, interveinal, or edge browning?
- 3Check when the plant was last fertilized or repotted
- 4Consider whether overwatering has leached nutrients from the soil
- 5Assess overall growth rate compared to what is expected for the species
What You Can Do
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength
- For iron deficiency specifically, use a chelated iron supplement
- Repot in fresh, quality potting mix to replenish soil nutrients
- Establish a regular fertilizing schedule during the growing season
- Avoid over-fertilizing — more is not better and can cause burn
When to Seek Help
- Deficiency symptoms are worsening despite fertilizing (may be a pH or root issue)
- Leaf tips and edges are burning after fertilizing (too much, too strong)
- Plant shows multiple severe deficiency symptoms simultaneously
Key Takeaway
Which leaves are affected tells you which nutrient is lacking. Older leaves point to mobile nutrients like nitrogen; new leaves point to immobile nutrients like iron.
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Sources: NC State Extension, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Florida IFAS Extension. Content compiled from publicly available horticultural references for educational purposes. Source organizations are listed for transparency only and do not imply endorsement.