Re: Graphic Designer needs ADVICE Please.

From: "Derek Burch" derek at horticulturist.com> on 2001.12.16 at 04:24:50(7921) Jill, stealing from the old leaves means one of the mobile elements. The very most likely is magnesium, with potassium a close second. Magnesium tends to show as yellowing around the edge of the leaf, often leaving a normal green center in an inverted V shape. Potassium is less uniform in its effects - it may be a yellowing, may be an orange cast, or may be speckling of the older leaves as the element is moved to meet the needs of new foliage. The easiest source of magnesium to obtain and to apply is epsom salts, magnesium sulphate. You can water with a solution or sprinkle it on the soil. It is hard to overdose, but to be sure not to cause an imbalance with potassium, try to find a source of potassium to give at the same time. Potassium nitrate is a great material which gives a little bit of nitrogen to the leaves and also lots of potassium to meet the need for that. Unfortunately, potassium nitrate is a prime bomb-making materail, so take some good i.d. with you when you shop for it. Don't cut off the yellowing leaves until you can't stand them any more. The plant will be taking some materials from them, as well as using the supplements that you are supplying. Good luck with stopping this yellowing. Don't look for the old leaves to green up necessarily, but expect the new ones to stay green. Derek

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