🧪Nutrient deficienciesModerate

Iron Chlorosis

This problem spreads through handling, insects or soil rather than the weather, so there is no live forecast risk — focus on prevention below.

When it strikes

Temperature
Humidity
Leaf wetness
Not needed
Season
Spring, Summer

About

Iron chlorosis is a common deficiency in high-pH (alkaline) and waterlogged soils, where iron becomes unavailable even when present, affecting blueberries, rhododendrons, citrus and many ornamentals.

Symptoms

Yellowing between the veins of the youngest leaves while the veins stay green (interveinal chlorosis); in severe cases new leaves turn nearly white with browning margins.

Organic Treatment

Apply chelated iron as a foliar spray for quick correction, acidify soil with elemental sulfur or compost, and improve drainage. Avoid over-liming.

Chemical Treatment

Soil-applied iron chelate (EDDHA form for high-pH soils) and pH-lowering fertilisers for persistent cases.

Prevention

Match plants to soil pH, lower pH for acid-loving plants, improve drainage, and avoid waterlogging and excessive phosphorus.

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