Mg and/or Fe deficiencies

[Leisurely]

Not all plants are created equal. It could be something that is inherent in the plant itself.

[AnonYMouse]

Congenital progressive chlorosis? Once the leaf completely turns yellow, the leaf drops. Deficiency is just one possibility and am trying to address that. What else can cause this?

Along with the supplement feedings, I'm giving the CaMg+ foliarly (I don't know if it will takeup the solution that way, but couldn't hurt, right?).

Here is a close up of that same leaf.

[Ray]

No, it will not take those up very well through foliar application - the ions are too polar.

[harleymc]

Iron is not a mobile element therefore Iron deficiency shows on new foliage with no change to old foliage. Contrast this with Nitrogen which can be moved around a plant and gets pumped from old foliage to new if there's a deficiency, so that old foliage yellows while new foliage stays green.

Every nutrient deficiency or toxicity (poisonous excess) has different patterns of expression. Also apart from toxicity an excess of one element can easily interfere with uptake of another element. Funny how these forums keep ignoring the excesses, not everything is a deficiency.

I'd suggest either getting yourself a book by a reputable author on plant nutrients.

In the interim, try different formulation(s) of complete fertalizer on alternate feeds, just so the plant can pickup anything it's not gaining from the brand you're using at the moment. I use 3 different fertalizers on a rotating basis and find that works well across a whole spectrum of different types of orchids.

[Ray]

Don't forget - going back to Keith's first suggestion - that root issues can lead to nutrient uptake issues, that in-turn can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If you changed the medium, the current roots might not be functioning as well as they should be.

"Harley" is right that little discussion is given to "overdosing" of nutrients (I do address that in my talk on nutrients), but I think that a reasonable use of most commercial fertilizers is not likely to lead one down that path. (Folks that overdo trace elements, on the other had, often get out of control.)

[naoki]

Originally Posted by harleymc

I'd suggest either getting yourself a book by a reputable author on plant nutrients.

I have only introductory book, any recommendations?

[Leafmite]

I was doing the same, using up my fertilizer. My plants needed something else so this spring I started adding powdered milk, egg shell/crushed oyster shell, Epsom salts, and crushed Ironite. Wow! My orchids have never had such growth!!!! Most sent off two new growths from every old growth and they were super healthy and nice. I got tired of crushing the Ironite and switched to an MSU formula and some that bloom more than once a year suffered a bit after six weeks so I started adding it once more and all is well. Last fall/winter many of my orchids had a setback from black rot/fungus problems so getting them thriving again has been a top priority.
Egg shells are probably a calcium source in nature. They do take time to break down but they do work.
Here is some info about nutrition:
Nutrition
Ornamental Production
BIL 226 - Lecture 12
http://landresources.montana.edu/NM/Modules/Module9.pdf

Ikisan - Boron in citrus

Spectrum Agronomic Library

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1191

Managing Pests in Gardens: Vegetables: Diseases: Big vein—UC IPM

http://caps.ceris.purdue.edu/webfm_send/526

Fertilizers

Fertilizers

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by harleymc

Every nutrient deficiency or toxicity (poisonous excess) has different patterns of expression. Also apart from toxicity an excess of one element can easily interfere with uptake of another element. Funny how these forums keep ignoring the excesses, not everything is a deficiency.

Good point. I think this is because most of our experience with excess is fertilizer burn, not lightening.

Originally Posted by harleymc

In the interim, try different formulation(s) of complete fertalizer on alternate feeds, just so the plant can pickup anything it's not gaining from the brand you're using at the moment.

I acquired this plant a couple of weeks ago with this condition. It is getting a new regimen now.

Originally Posted by Ray

Don't forget - going back to Keith's first suggestion - that root issues can lead to nutrient uptake issues, that in-turn can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If you changed the medium, the current roots might not be functioning as well as they should be.

As stated earlier, the roots weren't robust.

@ Leafmite: You should create a new thread with your Nutrition Info and have them make it a sticky. It really is "sticky" worthy!

I know I started this with 'deficiencies" and we've discussed nutritional reasons but can something else cause chlorosis? (I cannot see any evidence of pests or rot at x10 magnification).

I'm going to try to be patient. It only been a couple of days since I gave it the CaMg supplement after all.

[Leafmite]

Thanks. I must be the crazy plant lady with all the plants I own. Good luck and hope the info helps. I grow everything from cinnamon to fruit and nut trees so plant nutrition is an important issue for me.

[keithrs]

My personal opinion is that you should ditch the fert. that your using. Most of the N in it is most likely Urea. I give my "yellow" and "red" fert. to a member on here and switched to MSU.(now K-Lite) Best $15 ever spent! Not sure how much you water but 2 lbs last me a year. I use about 15 gals every day. Also, I would start your plants on a kelp diet and test your feed water for pH and TDS.

Just some friendly advice...