Mg deficiency in Guzmania

Mg deficiency in Guzmania

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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 Guzmania – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis).
  • Leaf tips may curl and older leaves may die prematurely.
  • Plant growth slows, and overall vigor declines.

Causes

  • Low magnesium levels in the substrate or growing medium.
  • Acidic or sandy soils that reduce Mg availability.
  • Excessive potassium (K) or calcium (Ca) in the substrate, which can antagonize Mg uptake.
  • Overwatering, leading to leaching of Mg from the potting mix.

Correction

  • Apply soluble magnesium fertilizers such as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) via fertigation or foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Use magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] for combined Mg and N supply if appropriate.
  • Adjust substrate pH if necessary to improve magnesium availability.

Prevention

  • Ensure the potting mix contains adequate magnesium at planting.
  • Monitor and maintain appropriate nutrient balance, avoiding excessive K or Ca.
  • Regularly apply slow-release magnesium sources, such as dolomitic lime or Mg-containing fertilizers, according to substrate analysis.
  • Avoid excessive leaching through overwatering.

Mg deficiency in Guzmania

Magnesium (Mg)
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 Guzmania
Image Source: Corn. Bak B.V. (NL), care of ICL

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

Symptoms

  • Yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis).
  • Leaf tips may curl and older leaves may die prematurely.
  • Plant growth slows, and overall vigor declines.

Causes

  • Low magnesium levels in the substrate or growing medium.
  • Acidic or sandy soils that reduce Mg availability.
  • Excessive potassium (K) or calcium (Ca) in the substrate, which can antagonize Mg uptake.
  • Overwatering, leading to leaching of Mg from the potting mix.

Correction

  • Apply soluble magnesium fertilizers such as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) via fertigation or foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Use magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O] for combined Mg and N supply if appropriate.
  • Adjust substrate pH if necessary to improve magnesium availability.

Prevention

  • Ensure the potting mix contains adequate magnesium at planting.
  • Monitor and maintain appropriate nutrient balance, avoiding excessive K or Ca.
  • Regularly apply slow-release magnesium sources, such as dolomitic lime or Mg-containing fertilizers, according to substrate analysis.
  • Avoid excessive leaching through overwatering.