Question 1

How do I tell if yellow leaves are from a nutrient deficiency or overwatering?

Accepted Answer

Check the soil first. If it is wet and the plant is wilting, overwatering is more likely. Nutrient deficiency yellowing follows a pattern — nitrogen starts on old leaves, iron on new leaves. Overwatering yellowing tends to be uniform across the plant with soft, limp leaves.

Question 2

Can I use kitchen waste to fix nutrient deficiencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for some nutrients. Banana peels add potassium, crushed eggshells add calcium, and used tea leaves add minor nitrogen. However, they release nutrients slowly. For an active deficiency, use vermicompost, neem cake, or a water-soluble fertiliser for faster results.

Question 3

Why do my container plants get nutrient deficiencies more often than ground plants?

Accepted Answer

Containers hold limited soil volume, so nutrients deplete faster. Frequent watering also leaches nutrients out through drainage holes. Mumbai's monsoon rains make this worse. Replenish with vermicompost every 2–3 months and use a balanced liquid feed monthly.

Question 4

What does interveinal chlorosis mean and which deficiency causes it?

Accepted Answer

Interveinal chlorosis means the area between leaf veins turns yellow while the veins themselves stay green. On older leaves it usually indicates magnesium deficiency. On younger leaves it points to iron or manganese deficiency.

Question 5

Is Epsom salt good for all plants?

Accepted Answer

Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur, so it only helps if your plant actually lacks these nutrients. Overuse can cause salt buildup and block calcium absorption. Use it only when you see confirmed magnesium deficiency symptoms — interveinal yellowing on older leaves.

Question 6

How long does it take for a plant to recover after I fix a nutrient deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Damaged leaves rarely recover their colour, but new healthy growth should appear within 1–2 weeks of correcting the deficiency. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, the diagnosis may be wrong or there is a pH or root problem blocking nutrient uptake.

Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants: How to Spot and Fix What Your Plant Is Missing

Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants: How to Spot and Fix What Your Plant Is Missing