Plant problems · Nutrients · Any stage · Usually mild
Zinc deficiency
What you see
- New leaves are small, narrow and wrinkled
- Yellowing between veins on new growth
- Short gaps between leaf sets at the top; in flower, buds twist
Why it happens
Zinc is a micronutrient taken up poorly at high pH, and too much phosphorus competes with it.
What to do
- Correct the pH
- Do not overdose bloom boosters
- Use a micronutrient supplement only if pH is right
Next time
- Keep pH in range and feed a complete nutrient
Easy to confuse with
- Iron deficiency: The newest leaves turn pale yellow while their veins stay green
- Manganese deficiency: Yellowing between veins on new and middle leaves with a thin green border along the veins
Not sure?
Take a photo of the newest growth, close up and ask the Grow Doctor, or send it to the grow companion on Telegram.