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Mg deficiency in Cham. laws. 'Ellwoodii'

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Scientific Name
Magnesium (Mg)
Atomic Number
12
Atomic Weight u
24.305
Elemental Group
Meso elements (Ca, Mg, S ) | Secondary macronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Magnesium (Mg) for use in Container Nursery Stock

  • Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) – highly soluble, quick foliar or substrate correction.
  • Magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄·H₂O) – more concentrated, soluble form of magnesium sulfate.
  • Magnesium oxide (MgO) – slow-release, less soluble; suitable for incorporation into media.
  • Dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) – supplies both calcium and magnesium; raises substrate pH slightly.
  • Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) – slowly soluble, provides magnesium gradually over time.
  • Magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) – highly soluble, supplies both Mg and N; suitable for fertigation.
  • Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂·6H₂O) – soluble, sometimes used in foliar sprays or hydroponics.

Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency in Cham. laws. 'Ellwoodii' – Container Nursery Stock

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) on older leaves first.
  • Leaves may become mottled with green veins contrasting with yellow tissue.
  • Premature leaf drop in severe cases.
  • Stunted growth and reduced overall plant vigor.

Causes

  • Low magnesium availability in the growing substrate, often due to:
  • Acidic media with low cation exchange capacity.
  • Excess potassium (K) or calcium (Ca) competing with Mg uptake.
  • Heavy leaching from frequent irrigation.
  • Use of magnesium-deficient water or fertilizers.

Correction

  • Foliar application of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) for rapid symptom relief.
  • Incorporate slow-release magnesium sources like dolomitic lime or magnesium oxide into the substrate.
  • Adjust fertilization to ensure balanced K:Mg and Ca:Mg ratios.

Prevention

  • Test growing media and irrigation water for Mg content before planting.
  • Maintain balanced nutrient programs, avoiding excessive K or Ca.
  • Use Mg-containing fertilizers as part of routine fertilization, especially for long-term container crops.
  • Monitor plants regularly for early signs of interveinal chlorosis.

Mg deficiency in Cham. laws. 'Ellwoodii'

Scientific Name
Magnesium (Mg)
Atomic Number
12
Atomic Weight u
24.305
Elemental Group
Meso elements (Ca, Mg, S ) | Secondary macronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Magnesium (Mg) for use in Container Nursery Stock

  • Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) – highly soluble, quick foliar or substrate correction.
  • Magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄·H₂O) – more concentrated, soluble form of magnesium sulfate.
  • Magnesium oxide (MgO) – slow-release, less soluble; suitable for incorporation into media.
  • Dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) – supplies both calcium and magnesium; raises substrate pH slightly.
  • Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) – slowly soluble, provides magnesium gradually over time.
  • Magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) – highly soluble, supplies both Mg and N; suitable for fertigation.
  • Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂·6H₂O) – soluble, sometimes used in foliar sprays or hydroponics.

Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency in Cham. laws. 'Ellwoodii' – Container Nursery Stock

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) on older leaves first.
  • Leaves may become mottled with green veins contrasting with yellow tissue.
  • Premature leaf drop in severe cases.
  • Stunted growth and reduced overall plant vigor.

Causes

  • Low magnesium availability in the growing substrate, often due to:
  • Acidic media with low cation exchange capacity.
  • Excess potassium (K) or calcium (Ca) competing with Mg uptake.
  • Heavy leaching from frequent irrigation.
  • Use of magnesium-deficient water or fertilizers.

Correction

  • Foliar application of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) for rapid symptom relief.
  • Incorporate slow-release magnesium sources like dolomitic lime or magnesium oxide into the substrate.
  • Adjust fertilization to ensure balanced K:Mg and Ca:Mg ratios.

Prevention

  • Test growing media and irrigation water for Mg content before planting.
  • Maintain balanced nutrient programs, avoiding excessive K or Ca.
  • Use Mg-containing fertilizers as part of routine fertilization, especially for long-term container crops.
  • Monitor plants regularly for early signs of interveinal chlorosis.