Plant Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Macronutrients

Calcium (Ca)

• Symptoms: New leaves are distorted or hook shaped. The growing tip may die. Contributes to blossom end rot in tomatoes, tip burn of cabbage and brown/black heart of escarole & celery.
• Sources: Any compound containing the word 'calcium'. Also gypsum.
• Notes: Not often a deficiency problem and too much will inhibit other nutrients.

Nitrogen (N)

• Symptoms: Older leaves, generally at the bottom of the plant, will yellow. Remaining foliage is often light green. Stems may also yellow and may become spindly. Growth slows.
• Sources: Any compound containing the words: 'nitrate', 'ammonium' or 'urea'. Also manure.
• Notes: Many forms of nitrogen are water soluble and wash away.

Magnesium (Mg)

• Symptoms: Slow growth and leaves turn pale yellow, sometimes just on the outer edges. New growth may be yellow with dark spots.
• Sources: Compounds containing the word 'magnesium', such as Epson Salts.

Phosphorus (P)

• Symptoms: Small leaves that may take on a reddish-purple tint. Leaf tips can look burnt and older leaves become almost black. Reduced flowers or seed production.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'phosphate' or 'bone'. Also greensand.
• Notes: Very dependent on pH range.

Potassium (K)

• Symptoms: Older leaves may look scorched around the edges and/or wilted. Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the leaf veins) develops.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'potassium' or 'potash'.

Sulfur (S)

• Symptoms: New growth turns pale yellow, older growth stays green. Stunts growth.
• Sources: Compounds containing the word 'sulfate'.

Micronutrients

Boron (B)

• Symptoms: Poor stem and root growth. Terminal (end) buds may die. Witches brooms sometimes form.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'borax' or 'borate'.

Copper (Cu)

• Symptoms: Stunted growth. Leaves can become limp, curl, or drop. Seed stalks also become limp and bend over.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'copper', 'cupric' or 'cuprous'.

Manganese (Mn)

• Symptoms: Growth slows. Younger leaves turn pale yellow, often starting between veins. May develop dark or dead spots. Leaves and shoots diminished in size. Failure to bloom.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'manganese' or 'manganous'.

Molybdenum (Mo)

• Symptoms: Older leaves yellow, remaining foliage turns light green. Leaves can become narrow and distorted.
• Sources: Compounds containing the words 'molybdate' or 'molybdic'.
• Notes: Sometimes confused with nitrogen deficiency.

Zinc (Zn)

• Symptoms: Yellowing between veins of new growth. Terminal (end) leaves may form a rosette.
• Sources: Compounds containing the word 'zinc'.
• Notes: Can become limited in higher pH.

Added Calcium in my tank

Recently a forumer told me that the Anubias has the symptoms of nutrient deficiency, because the leaves bending too curly. After serched on internet, found out Calcium deficiency is the cause of curly leaves.
I got my-self 1Kg of Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) because of it is easier dissolve in the water instead of Calcium Carbonate. Not too sure about Calcium Nitrate, Calcium Sulphate and etc. Calcium Chloride is harmless to plants.
It can also be used in the planted aquarium hobby for adding bio-available calcium in solution for calcium-using animals such as shrimps and snails.
Test and correct the pH if needed because calcium deficiency is often associated with low pH.