How to Fix Iron Chlorosis: A Common Garden Problem

Iron chlorosis is one of the most common issues we encounter at the garden center, and if you've noticed your plants' leaves turning yellow, you may be dealing with it too. But what exactly is iron chlorosis?

What is Iron Chlorosis?

Iron chlorosis happens when plants don't have enough iron to produce chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Without it, the plant struggles to obtain the necessary nutrients, causing the leaves to turn yellow. It's common, but thankfully, it's easy to address!

How Can You Fix It?

There are two main ways to fix iron chlorosis:

1) Provide Supplemental Iron

The first step is to give your plant the iron it's missing. The easiest way to achieve this is with chelated iron products, which are available in liquid or granular forms. You can apply it directly to the soil or onto the plant's foliage.

• Foliar applications (spraying the plant's leaves) work faster, but they only provide a quick fix.
• Soil applications take a bit longer to show results, but they help nourish the plant for an extended period.

2) Lower the Soil pH

Iron is more available to plants in slightly acidic soils, so lowering your soil's pH can help make iron more accessible. You can acidify your soil in a few ways:

• Organic matter: Adding mulch, compost, or other organic matter introduces beneficial microbes that naturally produce organic acids and will help lower the soil's pH over time.

• Elemental sulfur: When sulfur interacts with water, it creates sulfuric acid, which lowers the pH. A simple application of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet should do the trick.

By adjusting the pH and adding iron, you can help your plants regain their healthy, green appearance!

If you're dealing with iron chlorosis, we recommend FerriPlus Chelated Iron 1 lb. It's an effective solution to restore iron levels in your soil and help your plants bounce back to vibrant green! Simply apply it to the soil or as a foliar spray for quick results.