Mo deficiency in Kalanchoë

Mo deficiency in Kalanchoë

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Scientific Name
Molybdenum (Mo)
Atomic Number
42
Atomic Weight u
95.95
Elemental Group
Micro elements (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) | Micronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Molybdenum (Mo) for use in Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Ammonium molybdate ((NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4H₂O) – highly soluble, commonly used in foliar sprays and fertigation.
  • Sodium molybdate (Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O) – soluble, provides Mo for substrate or foliar application.
  • Potassium molybdate (K₂MoO₄) – soluble, less common, supplies both K and Mo.
  • Chelated molybdenum (Mo-EDTA) – stable in solution, used in fertigation systems.
  • Mo-enriched micronutrient mixes – controlled-release formulations supplying Mo along with other trace elements.

Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency in Kalanchoë – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • General chlorosis of older leaves, with yellowing starting at leaf tips and margins.
  • Leaf deformation, including curling and crinkling.
  • Poor flowering and reduced fruit set.
  • Stunted growth and short internodes.
  • In severe cases, necrotic spots may appear on older leaves.

Causes

  • Low availability of molybdenum in acidic soils or soilless substrates.
  • Overuse of nitrogen fertilizers, especially ammonium-based, which can reduce Mo uptake.
  • Waterlogged or poorly drained conditions reducing Mo mobility.

Correction

  • Apply molybdenum via foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Incorporate Mo-containing fertilizers into the substrate at low rates to prevent deficiencies.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7), as Mo availability decreases in very acidic conditions.
  • Avoid excessive ammonium fertilization which can exacerbate Mo deficiency.

Prevention

  • Apply molybdenum via foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Incorporate Mo-containing fertilizers into the substrate at low rates to prevent deficiencies.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7), as Mo availability decreases in very acidic conditions.
  • Avoid excessive ammonium fertilization which can exacerbate Mo deficiency.

Mo deficiency in Kalanchoë

Molybdenum (Mo)
Scientific Name
Molybdenum (Mo)
Atomic Number
42
Atomic Weight u
95.95
Elemental Group
Micro elements (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) | Micronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Molybdenum (Mo) for use in Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Ammonium molybdate ((NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4H₂O) – highly soluble, commonly used in foliar sprays and fertigation.
  • Sodium molybdate (Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O) – soluble, provides Mo for substrate or foliar application.
  • Potassium molybdate (K₂MoO₄) – soluble, less common, supplies both K and Mo.
  • Chelated molybdenum (Mo-EDTA) – stable in solution, used in fertigation systems.
  • Mo-enriched micronutrient mixes – controlled-release formulations supplying Mo along with other trace elements.
Mo deficiency in Kalanchoë
Image Source: WUR Glastuinbouw, Bleiswijk (NL), care of ICL

Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency in Kalanchoë – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • General chlorosis of older leaves, with yellowing starting at leaf tips and margins.
  • Leaf deformation, including curling and crinkling.
  • Poor flowering and reduced fruit set.
  • Stunted growth and short internodes.
  • In severe cases, necrotic spots may appear on older leaves.

Causes

  • Low availability of molybdenum in acidic soils or soilless substrates.
  • Overuse of nitrogen fertilizers, especially ammonium-based, which can reduce Mo uptake.
  • Waterlogged or poorly drained conditions reducing Mo mobility.

Correction

  • Apply molybdenum via foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Incorporate Mo-containing fertilizers into the substrate at low rates to prevent deficiencies.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7), as Mo availability decreases in very acidic conditions.
  • Avoid excessive ammonium fertilization which can exacerbate Mo deficiency.

Prevention

  • Apply molybdenum via foliar sprays for rapid correction.
  • Incorporate Mo-containing fertilizers into the substrate at low rates to prevent deficiencies.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7), as Mo availability decreases in very acidic conditions.
  • Avoid excessive ammonium fertilization which can exacerbate Mo deficiency.