Macro and Micronutrients - how to ensure balanced nutrition for plants?
Why do plants need more than just sun and water?
Anyone who has tried to grow plants knows that healthy growth requires much more than basic elements like sunlight and water. Balanced plant nutrition is the key to bountiful harvests, healthy blooms, and delicious fruit.
When you know which nutrients are needed and when to apply them, you can significantly improve your growing results.
Main groups of plant nutrients
Primary macronutrients (NPK)
Nitrogen (N) - The engine of growth! Nitrogen is the main element for vegetative development. It stimulates the formation of green leaves, strong stems and rapid growth. Plants with a nitrogen deficiency show yellowing of the leaves and delayed development.
Recommended products: You can get a rich nitrogen content in all fertilizers that are intended for the growth phase. For example:
- VGN 5-2-2 - 100% organic option, suitable for a wide range of plants.
- Alga Grow - also 100% organic fertilizer. From Plagron
- Terra Grow - bio-mineral fertilizer from Plagron
Phosphorus (P) - The basis of roots and flowering! Phosphorus stimulates the development of the root system, flowering and fruit ripening. It is especially important in the early stages of cultivation and during the transition to flowering.
Recommended products:
- ATA Rootfast is ideal for providing phosphorus during rooting
- Boosters like Bloombastic or Green Sensation are rich in both Phosphorus and Potassium and are suitable for the flowering phase.
- ATA PK 13-14 is also an excellent supplement for improving flowering.
Potassium (K) - The protector of plants! Potassium improves plant resistance to stress, regulates water balance and improves fruit quality - taste, size and aroma. It also strengthens stems and helps activate enzymes.
Recommended products:
- Rokzbastic or B'cuzz Blossom Builder to provide potassium during flowering
Secondary Macronutrients - The Hidden Heroes
Calcium (Ca) - The Builder of Cell Walls Calcium is essential for the formation of cell walls and the maintenance of plant structure. Its deficiency can cause necrosis of young plants or deformation of fruits.
Magnesium (Mg) - The Generator of Photosynthesis Magnesium is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, making it indispensable for photosynthesis. Its deficiency manifests itself as chlorosis (yellowing) between the veins of the leaves.
Sulfur (S) - Contrary to expectations - a flavor enhancer Sulfur is involved in the production of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes. It also improves the aroma and flavor of some plants.
Recommended products:
- ATA Calmag (with calcium, magnesium and iron) and VGN Calmag (100% organic and nitrogen-free) provide these important elements in the right proportions
- Fish Force by Plagron contains high amounts of Sulfur
Micronutrients - Small amounts, big importance
Iron (Fe) - Basis of Chlorophyll Iron is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and cellular respiration. Its deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis, especially in new leaves.
Boron (B) - The Flowering Helper Boron supports pollen formation, new tissue growth, and sugar transport. Its deficiency can affect flowering and cause malformations.
Other trace elements such as copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum and nickel also contribute to plant metabolism and overall balance.
Recommended products:
- ATA Calmag and B'cuzz Blossom Builder contain chelated iron that is available to plants.
- Bloombastic andRokzbastic are also rich in trace elements
You can also find many of these elements in an isolated version offered by Canna in their Mono series .
How to recognize nutrient deficiencies?
Visual signs of deficiency:
- Yellowing of leaves - usually a nitrogen or iron deficiency
- Necrosis of the extremities - often calcium or potassium deficiency
- Slow growth - may indicate phosphorus deficiency
- Chlorosis between veins - usually magnesium or iron deficiency
Nutrient deficiencies often lead to diseases and lower the plant's defenses against insects. You can read more in our article on Disease Protection Products and Pest Protection Products .
Practical tips for balanced plant nutrition
- Use quality base fertilizers - the ATA series or the B'cuzz range include all the essential nutrients. Organic fertilizers are gentler, while mineral fertilizers come with stronger effects, but also greater risk if used incorrectly.
- Follow the fertilization tables - they are designed to provide everything you need. In the details section of our products you will find fertilization schedules. You can also contact us for advice by phone or on site.
- Observe your plants - they will show you what they need
