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SYMPTOMS OF NUTRIENT ABNORMALITIES

Often nutrient abnormalities show up as DISCOLORATIONS of foliage. Common discoloration symptoms include YELLOWING or CHLOROSIS, and REDDENING. Noting the pattern of yellowing or other discoloration can sometimes provide clues as to the type of abnormality. In this photo of a poinsettia, yellowing has occurred along the margins of the leaf and is due to a lack of molybdenum, a minor plant nutrient. General yellowing of foliage may indicate a lack of nitrogen. If leaf veins remain green, and leaf blades turn yellow, then an iron or manganese deficiency may be the problem. Reddening of foliage may indicate a phosphorus deficiency.