How To Use Epsom Salts To Help Green Up Foliage

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Some soils are deficient in magnesium. Testing of magnesium levels is simple and can be done by carrying out a simple soil test. Most of these soils are old and weathered and have low PH or PH above 7.

The magnesium levels have been used to up in the soil, which is important for keeping green or dark green foliage.

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Yellowing of formerly green leaves is very common in many plants, whether potted in the lawn or the garden. Many people don’t know that yellowing is brought about by the lack of magnesium.

Magnesium in Epsom salt plays a very crucial role in photosynthesis which is used by plants to convert sunlight into food. 

The photosynthesis process creates chlorophyll which is the pigment that gives green plants and algae their color.



Magnesium tends to develop on old leaves; if older leaves grow yellow, but the young leaves remain green, magnesium is the key suspect. 

Leaf spot disease and other ailments can affect leaves with telltale discoloration. Yellow, spreading blotchy patches can indicate a viral infection – unfortunately, the viral disease is usually incurable and requires the safe disposal of infected plants. 

If you see your plant’s roots creeping along the top of the pot or through the drainage holes, it’s time to replant it. 

Magnesium is also believed to bring more flowers and fruit, thus creating more green or dark green leaves and increasing yields on crops like tomatoes.

Epsom salt is mostly applied as foliar feeding spray when growing roses, tomato production, peppers, and many other flowering tree or plants.  

For this reason, all plants, especially annuals, and vegetables, need regular nitrogen feeding throughout the growing season.  

However, carnivorous plants don’t like Epsom salt because they rely on insects for survival, and Epsom salts kill insects such as bugs, aphids, and spider mites. 

In addition, move them closer to a sun-facing window to prevent brown leaves on indoor plants because they also need indirect light to thrive. 

One reason for Epsom salts’ common use in the garden is because of their foliage greening properties.

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Using Epsom Salt Foliar Spray

Below are some tips for using Epsom salt foliar spray:

1. Spray the foliage with a solution of 1 gallon of tap water mixed with one tablespoon of Epsom salt. Application of this solution is expected to be done during late spring whenever new leaves are almost opening.

2. Use one gallon of this solution for every 12″ inches of plant height.

3. Spray the plants on overcast days. During sunny days of summer, spraying is preferably done in the morning or late in the evening.

4. Re-spray the plants with one tablespoon of Epsom salt and one gallon of water whenever the plants start flowering.

Commercially, we have long used Epsom salts at the above rate for greening up potted palms by spraying the foliage and drenching the soil.

However, bright indirect light is the best option, as direct sunlight can cause leaves to wilt. Fertilization and adequate watering can also contribute to lush, dark green leaves. 

How to Turn the Yellow Leaves into Green Leaves

1. Water Your Plants

Water your plants regularly and deeply, especially during hot or dry weather, because one of the most common reasons for houseplants to lose their green color is lack of water. Plants may have yellow leaves due to underwatering or overwatering. 

Moreover, water can help to control pests and diseases by keeping the foliage dry and maintaining a healthy environment for beneficial organisms. This moisture at the bottom of the plant can actually take the water out of the plant.  

Obviously, you have to take care of them, but only to the right extent. If they are watered or over-fertilized, their roots will not support it. 

Thus, It is highly advisable to check the humidity of the soil before watering and fertilizing according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that they are beautiful.

2. Check the Soil

Ensure that the soil of your indoor plants is well-draining and rich in nutrients. Poor drainage can cause root rot in plants, and yellow leaves can be a sign that they’re not getting enough of certain nutrients. 

If the soil is compacted or lacking in nutrients, consider adding compost or fertilizer to make plants greener.

3. Adjust the Lighting

Make sure to place your plants where they will receive the right light. Plants need the proper amount of light to thrive. 

If your plants get too much or too little light, they may lose their green color, which causes the plant’s leaves to turn yellow.

4. Prune and Shape Your Plants

Regularly pruning and shaping your plants can help them grow more vigorously and maintain their green color. 

Keeping them in shape is what makes plants green. Remove dead or diseased branches, and trim back any overgrown or leggy growth. This can also regenerate your dying plant. 

Proper pruning and shaping can encourage new growth, promote fruiting and flowering, improve shape and structure, enhance beauty, improve light penetration, increase air circulation, reduce maintenance, and prevent overgrowth.

5. Consider Using a Plant Tonic

Plant tonics are specially formulated liquids that can add nutrients to the plants they need to thrive. Nutrient deficiencies can cause pale leaves or stunted growth in plants. 

Plant tonics can be found at most garden centers or online. These solutions or mixtures are applied to plants to improve their health and growth.

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