Mg deficiency in Ficus

Mg deficiency in Ficus

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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 Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) – highly soluble, fast-acting for foliar or substrate application.
  • Magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄·H₂O) – more concentrated soluble form of magnesium sulfate.
  • Magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] – supplies both magnesium and nitrogen; soluble and suitable for fertigation.
  • Dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) – slow-release, also corrects substrate acidity, used in soil mixes.
  • Magnesium oxide (MgO) – less soluble, slower-release form, often used in granular fertilizers.
  • Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) – moderately soluble, used in slow-release or blended fertilizers.
  • Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) – slow-release, typically used in specialty substrates or controlled-release formulations.

Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency in Ficus – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis on older leaves; veins remain green while the tissue between turns yellow.
  • Leaves may curl slightly and show necrotic spots as deficiency progresses.
  • Reduced growth, smaller leaves, and overall plant vigor decline.
  • Leaf drop may occur in severe cases, starting with older foliage.

Causes

  • Magnesium is mobile in the plant; deficiency often occurs in acidic or sandy substrates that leach Mg easily.
  • Over-fertilization with potassium or calcium can antagonize Mg uptake.
  • Low magnesium levels in the water supply or growth medium.
  • Excessive irrigation causing nutrient leaching.

Correction

  • Apply magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) via fertigation or foliar spray for rapid correction.
  • Magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] can supply both Mg and N for dual correction.
  • Adjust irrigation and fertilization practices to prevent leaching of magnesium.

Prevention

  • Regular soil or substrate testing to monitor Mg levels.
  • Use balanced fertilizers that include magnesium.
  • Incorporate slow-release magnesium sources such as dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) if substrate is acidic.
  • Avoid overuse of potassium- or calcium-heavy fertilizers that may reduce Mg uptake.

Mg deficiency in Ficus

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 Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) – highly soluble, fast-acting for foliar or substrate application.
  • Magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄·H₂O) – more concentrated soluble form of magnesium sulfate.
  • Magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] – supplies both magnesium and nitrogen; soluble and suitable for fertigation.
  • Dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) – slow-release, also corrects substrate acidity, used in soil mixes.
  • Magnesium oxide (MgO) – less soluble, slower-release form, often used in granular fertilizers.
  • Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) – moderately soluble, used in slow-release or blended fertilizers.
  • Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) – slow-release, typically used in specialty substrates or controlled-release formulations.
Mg deficiency in Ficus

Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency in Ficus – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis on older leaves; veins remain green while the tissue between turns yellow.
  • Leaves may curl slightly and show necrotic spots as deficiency progresses.
  • Reduced growth, smaller leaves, and overall plant vigor decline.
  • Leaf drop may occur in severe cases, starting with older foliage.

Causes

  • Magnesium is mobile in the plant; deficiency often occurs in acidic or sandy substrates that leach Mg easily.
  • Over-fertilization with potassium or calcium can antagonize Mg uptake.
  • Low magnesium levels in the water supply or growth medium.
  • Excessive irrigation causing nutrient leaching.

Correction

  • Apply magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O, “Epsom salt”) via fertigation or foliar spray for rapid correction.
  • Magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] can supply both Mg and N for dual correction.
  • Adjust irrigation and fertilization practices to prevent leaching of magnesium.

Prevention

  • Regular soil or substrate testing to monitor Mg levels.
  • Use balanced fertilizers that include magnesium.
  • Incorporate slow-release magnesium sources such as dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO₃)₂) if substrate is acidic.
  • Avoid overuse of potassium- or calcium-heavy fertilizers that may reduce Mg uptake.