Interactive Plant Doctor

Troubleshoot deficiencies, pests, and environmental stress. Answer a few questions about your symptoms, medium, and pH to get a smart, prioritized diagnosis.

Step 1 of 4

Where are symptoms showing first?

Nutrient mobility determines where symptoms show. Mobile nutrients drain from the bottom; immobile nutrients lock at the top.

How to avoid diagnostic mistakes:

Plants speak in leaf color, but different root issues can cause identical leaf symptoms. For example, overwatering roots stops oxygen absorption, mimicking nitrogen deficiency.pH lockout leaves food in the soil but binds the ions, mimicking a deficiency.

Before pouring more liquid nutrients in, check:

Pot Weight: Lift the container. A heavy container means overwatered; let it dry completely.
Runoff pH: Measure the water coming out of the bottom of the pot. If it is way off, flush with pH-balanced water.
Pests: Many deficiencies look like insect damage. Use a jeweler's loupe to inspect the underside of leaves for microscopic spider mites or thrips.