Mg deficiency in Pelargonium

Mg deficiency in Pelargonium

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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 Pelargonium – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis: yellowing between leaf veins while veins remain green, typically starting with older leaves.
  • Leaf curling or marginal scorching in severe cases.
  • Reduced plant vigor and smaller leaves.
  • Flowers may be smaller and less abundant.

Causes

  • Magnesium is a mobile nutrient; deficiency often occurs when uptake is limited.
  • Low magnesium content in growing media or substrate.
  • High potassium or calcium levels that interfere with magnesium uptake.
  • Acidic substrate pH reducing magnesium availability.
  • Excessive leaching from frequent watering.

Correction

  • Apply magnesium-containing fertilizers as substrate drench or foliar spray for rapid correction.
  • Adjust irrigation practices to prevent leaching.
  • Ensure substrate pH is in optimal range (typically 5.5–6.5 for Pelargonium).

Prevention

  • Incorporate magnesium-containing fertilizers during potting or at regular fertilization intervals.
  • Monitor nutrient levels in substrate and correct imbalances promptly.
  • Avoid excessive application of calcium or potassium fertilizers that can compete with magnesium.
  • Maintain proper substrate pH to optimize magnesium availability.

Mg deficiency in Pelargonium

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 Pelargonium

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

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis: yellowing between leaf veins while veins remain green, typically starting with older leaves.
  • Leaf curling or marginal scorching in severe cases.
  • Reduced plant vigor and smaller leaves.
  • Flowers may be smaller and less abundant.

Causes

  • Magnesium is a mobile nutrient; deficiency often occurs when uptake is limited.
  • Low magnesium content in growing media or substrate.
  • High potassium or calcium levels that interfere with magnesium uptake.
  • Acidic substrate pH reducing magnesium availability.
  • Excessive leaching from frequent watering.

Correction

  • Apply magnesium-containing fertilizers as substrate drench or foliar spray for rapid correction.
  • Adjust irrigation practices to prevent leaching.
  • Ensure substrate pH is in optimal range (typically 5.5–6.5 for Pelargonium).

Prevention

  • Incorporate magnesium-containing fertilizers during potting or at regular fertilization intervals.
  • Monitor nutrient levels in substrate and correct imbalances promptly.
  • Avoid excessive application of calcium or potassium fertilizers that can compete with magnesium.
  • Maintain proper substrate pH to optimize magnesium availability.