Iron Chlorosis: Causes, Diagnosis & Fast Fixes

Recognizing Iron Chlorosis

Iron chlorosis shows as yellowing leaves with green veins—new leaves are affected first, and yellowing progresses from leaf edges inward. While several factors cause yellowing, this distinct pattern points to iron deficiency.

Why Iron Becomes Unavailable

Often the soil contains adequate iron, but plants can’t absorb it. Common culprits:

• Alkaline soil (high pH) – makes iron insoluble in water.
• Poor drainage / soggy soil – slows iron release from minerals.

Remedies

1. Test soil pH and drainage; amend as needed (e.g., add sulfur to lower pH, improve drainage with organic matter).
2. For quick relief, apply chelated iron to the soil or as a foliar spray—this form is immediately available to plants.

Addressing the root cause (pH or drainage) prevents recurrence, while chelated iron gives your plants a rapid green‑up.