How can you identify and treat indoor plant nutrient deficiencies?

Indoor plants require a balanced supply of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. A nutrient deficiency can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor flowering. Here's how you can identify and treat nutrient deficiencies in indoor plants:

• Nitrogen deficiency: Yellowing of leaves, especially lower leaves, is a sign of nitrogen deficiency. To treat, use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content.
• Phosphorus deficiency: Stunted growth, weak stems, and small leaves are signs of phosphorus deficiency. To treat, use a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.
• Potassium deficiency: Yellowing and browning of leaf edges, and weak stems are signs of potassium deficiency. To treat, use a fertilizer with a high potassium content.
• Magnesium deficiency: Yellowing between leaf veins is a sign of magnesium deficiency. To treat, use a fertilizer with a high magnesium content.
• Calcium deficiency: Curling of new leaves and distorted growth are signs of calcium deficiency. To treat, use a fertilizer with a high calcium content.

It's important to identify the nutrient deficiency correctly before treating the plant. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 3:1:2(NPK) can provide adequate nutrients to indoor plants. Regular watering, appropriate light, and suitable pot size are also important for healthy plant growth.