Many gardeners are mostly upset when they see brown spots on leaves hydroponics. They might have thought they wouldn’t find such problems given their plants’ needs.
They water the plants well, putting them under the sunlight, giving nutrition, and so forth.
The fact is that such excellent efforts might not prevent discoloration on leaves. The cause varies whether owners might have given too many fertilizers or put them too long under sun exposure.
Brown spots on leaves hydroponics might be the nutrient burn signs.
Causes and Symptoms of Brown Spots on Leaves Hydroponics
It is not a hazardous sign. Even professional gardeners face such problems now and then. Fixing things is much easier whenever gardeners do some regular treatments. Such treatments should surely be done right away before things get worse.
The proper growth of any plant needs to balance both macronutrients and micronutrients differently. Getting enough of them is highly required. More than required can cause a nutrient burn shown through brown spots.
Particularly in hydroponic planting systems, brown spots or nutrient burn can occur whenever fertilizer salts are too high. The measurement is visible through electrical conductivity.
Controlling Nutrients on Hydroponic Systems
Gardeners may be hard to control disproportionate nutrients in most hydroponic systems. This is because all plants get a similar nutrient solution. Besides, the nutrient burn may occur if fertilizer levels are too high.
Many gardeners might not realize that some factors cause the plant to suffer from pests or several plant diseases. The problems prevent plants from using all nutrients that they should absorb.
Too Many Nutrients and Less Light Can Also Cause Brown Spots
Many different plant types show burn symptoms in different ways. It depends on the nutrient that causes a problem. Characteristically, a plant with brown spots due to nutrient burn can also develop dead spots along with the tips of the leaf.
This discoloration sometimes reaches the leaf’s edges to the base. This is because the glut of nutrients builds up at the leaf’s ends as they can’t go any further.
Indeed, the accumulation isn’t always showing up as brown spots. They can be caused by too much nitrogen within. When it is left untreated, the plant might die as its fruits drop prematurely.
Another problem that might cause brown spots is the condition of the plant that doesn’t get enough light. But, the leaves tips may get burned whenever the sun exposure is too high.
So, it is best to put the plants under adequate sunlight without exposing them too much to the sun’s heat.
How To Fix Brown Spots due to Nutrient Burn
It is very relieving that it is easier to fix brown spots on leaves hydroponics than many gardeners might have thought before.
The leaves’ margins can turn green again though gardeners should pay attention that the new leaf growth should be treated well to avoid nutrient burn.
How to avoid nutrient burn? Gardeners should pay attention to the proper nutrient ratio. Yet, it is still possible to flush out excessive nutrients by irrigating plants heavily.
Keeping the hydroponic system by applying distilled water is still highly recommended. It can help avoid problems of excessive nutrients.
When brown spots on leaves still occur, it is advised to drain all the water within the reservoirs. Then refill them with clean water. Usually, the process takes place for approximately 24 hours.
What If the Leaves Still Have Brown Spots
Whenever the brown spots disappear, it is time to increase the number of nutrients. It is good to maintain this step until there are no symptoms of brown spots on leaves hydroponics.
Yet, it is still important to have a soil analysis before starting a new crop.
With good soil analysis, gardeners can describe how their crops thrive with the right nutrients and water reservoir. Soil analysis is mostly available at several universities that offer such services. The cost is very low, yet it is very helpful for gardeners.
Keep in mind that different crops require different needs of nutrients. Vegetables like spinach and lettuce need higher nitrogen amounts than those that grow fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.
Meanwhile, hydroponic plants that grow their roots, like carrots and radishes, need potassium in a higher amount.
Mind the Phases
Different development phases of crops require different needs of nutrients. Some plants need nutrients during the vegetative phase, while others need them during the blooming phase.
Pay attention to the crops indoors in which they need different needs of nutrients than the ones that are planted outdoors. In sum, plants with good exposure to sunlight need more nitrogen.
Eventually, brown spots on leaves hydroponics are easy to avoid. Gardeners can use organic fertilizers that work naturally. They deliver their nutrient slower than chemical ones.
Besides, organic fertilizers have very little chance of causing damage to any hydroponic plants.