Nutrient Deficiency
Plants need various macro and micronutrients. Deficiency symptoms vary by nutrient but generally show as discoloration, poor growth, or abnormal leaf development.
Posibles Causas
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.
Que Verificar
- 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
Que Puedes Hacer
- 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
Cuando Buscar Ayuda
- 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
Punto Clave
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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Fuentes: NC State Extension, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Florida IFAS Extension. Contenido compilado de referencias horticolas publicas con fines educativos. Las organizaciones fuente se enumeran solo por transparencia y no implican respaldo.