Uncovering the mystery of yellowing plant leaves: what is the most common nutrient deficiency?

Nitrogen Deficiency Phosphorus Deficiency Potassium Deficiency Calcium Deficiency Iron Deficiency Magnesium Deficiency

Yellowing leaves is a common problem for many gardening enthusiasts when caring for plants. This not only affects the aesthetics of the plant but may also indicate a problem with its health. So, what elements are missing when plant leaves turn yellow? This article will reveal the answers one by one.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is one of the three essential macronutrients for plant growth. When a plant lacks nitrogen, its leaves will turn yellow, which is one of the most common causes of yellowing leaves. Nitrogen mainly affects the plant's growth rate and the greenness of its leaves. If your plant shows signs of yellowing leaves, you should first check if the nitrogen content in the soil is sufficient.

Phosphorus Deficiency

Phosphorus is another important element for plant growth and is crucial for the development of flowers and fruits. When a plant lacks phosphorus, its leaves will gradually turn yellow, often accompanied by the withering of branches. The solution is to supplement phosphorus by applying fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate.

Potassium Deficiency

Potassium has a significant impact on a plant's disease resistance and growth vigor. When a plant lacks potassium, the leaves will start to turn yellow from the edges and gradually spread towards the center. Potassium can be supplemented by applying potassium fertilizers such as potassium sulfate or potassium chloride.

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium plays an important role in the formation of plant cell walls. When a plant lacks calcium, the edges of the leaves will turn yellow, and in severe cases, the leaves will dry up. Calcium can be supplemented by applying lime or calcium-magnesium phosphate.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is a component of many enzymes in plants and has a significant impact on photosynthesis. When a plant lacks iron, its leaves will appear pale yellow, and in severe cases, the leaves will dry up. Iron can be supplemented by applying iron fertilizers such as ferrous sulfate.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll and plays a vital role in photosynthesis. When a plant lacks magnesium, the leaves will start to turn yellow from the tips and gradually spread towards the center of the leaf. Magnesium can be supplemented by applying magnesium fertilizers such as Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate).

There are many reasons for yellowing leaves in plants, and the most common ones are deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. When your plant shows signs of yellowing leaves, you can refer to the above reasons to check and supplement the nutrients. Maintaining good care habits, such as proper watering, ventilation, and light exposure, are also important measures to prevent yellowing leaves.

References:

1. "Introduction to Horticulture", China Agriculture Press, 2018.

2. "Plant Nutrition", China Agriculture Press, 2017.

3. "Diagnosis and Control of Horticultural Plant Diseases", China Agriculture Press, 2019.