Nutrients that plants need for healthy growth

Nutrient Elements Function Deficiency Causes

Nitrogen (N) Growth of leaves and stems. Deficiency: Yellowing of older, lower leaves; stunting growth

Phosphorus (P) Root growth development, bloom, energy storage transfer within plant. Deficiency: Purplish coloring, stunted roots

Potassium (K) Regulates plant uptake of nutrients, Promotes bloom, Disease resistance. Plants in general need less Potassium at flowering, excessive K slows fruit production. Deficiency: Irregular growth, brown edges of leaves, and pin holes

Sulfur (S) Synthesis in plants of protein and vitamins. It helps the plant to utilize nitrogen and potassium effectively. It also drops the pH value (for alkaline water). Deficiency: Plants which are small and spindly with short, slender stalks. Growth retarded and maturity often delayed. On most plants, young leaves turn to light green or yellowish, with even lighter-colored veins.

Calcium (Ca) Calcium plays an important role for plants growth process. It regulated the cells division and contributes to the stability of the plant. So a plant should always have sufficient amount of Calcium. Deficiency: Yellow/brown spots occur on older leaves, which may be surrounded by a sharp brown outlined edge.

Magnesium (Mg) It is essential for photosynthesis and energy transfer, it represents a building block for chlorophyll (leaf green). Will breakdown the medium-old leaves under the flowering top to support young parts of the plant. Deficiency: This breakdown is visible as rusty brown spots and/or vague, cloudy, yellow spots between the veins.

Iron (Fe) A key catalyst in chlorophyll production. High pH prevents plants from absorbing Fe. Iron (Fe) is difficult for plants to absorb and it moves slowly within the plant. Deficiency: Turns new leaves pale yellow or white while the veins remain green.

Manganese (Mn) Works with plant enzymes to reduce nitrates before producing proteins. Deficiency: Turns young leaves a mottled yellow or brown.

Boron (B) Necessary for cell division and protein formation, also for pollination and seed production. Deficiency: Results slow growth rate

Copper (Cu) Catalyst for several enzymes. Deficiency: Please note excess Cu causes sudden death of plants. Makes new growth wilt and causes irregular growth.

Molybdenum (Mo) Helps form proteins, assists fixing nitrogen from the air. Deficiency: Causes leaves to turn pale, with scorched-looking edges, and to grow irregularly

Zinc (Zn) A catalyst: must be present in minute amounts for plant growth. Deficiency: Produce stunting (reduced growth), yellowing and curling of small leaves.