| Nutrient |
Role |
Deficiency Symptoms |
Solutions |
| Nitrogen (N) |
Supports leafy growth and chlorophyll production. |
Yellowing of older leaves, stunted growth. |
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers; use fish emulsion or blood meal for organic options. |
| Phosphorus (P) |
Crucial for root development and flowering. |
Dark, purplish leaves, weak stems, and delayed flowering. |
Increase phosphorus with bone meal or commercial PK boosters. |
| Potassium (K) |
Enhances disease resistance and overall plant health. |
Yellow or burnt leaf edges, weak stems, and reduced flower production. |
Supplement with potassium sulfate or kelp-based fertilizers. |
| Nutrient |
Role |
Deficiency Symptoms |
Solutions |
| Calcium (Ca) |
Strengthens cell walls and supports enzyme activity. |
Deformed new growth, weak stems, and blossom-end rot. |
Add calcium supplements like Cal-Mag or lime for soil grows. |
| Magnesium (Mg) |
Central to chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. |
Interveinal yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves. |
Use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to correct deficiency. |
| Iron (Fe) |
Vital for chlorophyll synthesis and respiration. |
Yellowing of young leaves, while veins remain green. |
Apply chelated iron or adjust pH to improve iron availability. |