My neighborhood has sandy silt loam soils with near neutral pH around 6.8. I see symptoms of Mg deficiency on some weeds by the roadside. When starting my garden long ago, I added a lot of peat and dolomite limestone. The resulting pH was 6.5, and the dolomite provided a long-lasting source of Mg. Over time, as the original OM decayed, the pH rose to 6.8 and occasional iron deficiency symptoms appeared. Perhaps the Mg I added has been used up over the years. I don't want to add more dolomite because it would make the pH too high. It seems there is a simple, natural shortage of Mg in the local soil, and probably in my leaf compost as well. Routine application of epsom salt seems like the appropriate treatment. I would not recommend using epsom salt unless there is a known deficiency of magnesium. I had my amended soil tested long ago, and everything was fine at that time. It does have a low CEC (nutrient retention) caused by the low proportion of clay. Lately I have been adding clay (plain kitty litter) when replanting. I wish I had known to do that sooner.

Hi again Daniel (and ethnobothany)! Actually relieved that I can lower my guards for a second LOL. It is with great pleasure I realise that we are indeed at the same page and that consensus is more likely to be produced among "objective subjects" than with opponents. ;-) Let me just add one more thing about the precision of the described empirical method to determine conductivity coefficients for nutrients. Of course that the precision is still limited and that sources of error aren't excluded (btw: you didn't mention the interaction of pH and EC reading in the context). But then again the conditions and the toolsets-, actually the precision that will be used in real life when putting the results to practice, aren't any better or more precise. The error quote in practice will most likely be much higher, due to individual variables and imprecision of less precise equipment in use. This doesn't mean that you wouldn't aim for best precision with any method, but that the precision that is used eventually when using it in real life, will determine the actual precision and outcome anyway. That was actually an argument I used to defend the relative "imperfection" of my method formerly - and yet it was generously ignored with all other then. I'm not defensive here, but merely expressing my disappointment about how "not-invented-here" alternatives typically end up in rejection and denial. Not so with you Daniel, - you are smarter, as you manage to reshape, enhance- actually give it a scientific touch and use the idea for your own purposes and ends. How smart indeed LOL ;-) About solving or diagnosing a plant deficiency problem; of course that without complete information it is rather difficult to achieve. But a good pirate isn't afraid to even sail unknown waters (including the Red Sea as they say). And a good physician also needs to treat comatose patients, even-though they are hardly able to tell their medical history or describe any acute symptoms. I know, analogies suck, as they never actually describe the real thing - but they're fun to elaborate and are pretty illustrative then and now... ;-) In other words, I am used to working something out from the guts with what I've got. And yet my quote is actually pretty good over time. This part I'd like to quote: >>I believe you have become a little bit defensive from your previous forum discussions :o)That's what happens if you make concessions, - they do not result in mutual concessions, but get used against you eventually LOL. Aren't you stating the obvious here, while using what I confessed earlier!? I know you're kidding, as I am - and yet! Hahahaha... In fact, the term "defensive" in such or similar context has become quite a clichand is often used in a rather inflationary way. Having a closer look at the thing-in-itself, you discover that in fact it's the hell of a paradox as the term is often used in a defensive way! Hence telling someone they are defensive- means actually acting defensively ;-) One more analogy about colloquial abuse of terminology, for the fun of it? Imagine a top ten rated "public enemy" chased around the world for nearly a decade. Finally tracked by joined forces of C.I.A, N.S.A and Interpol, plus Mossad to top it of. Eventually trapped somewhere out in the sticks by a sniper team where no escape is possible. The shooter that has got the guy in his cross-hairs for some time already, awaiting the "go" for the take down coming in from some dubious chain of command any second,- thinking out loud: "can't you hold still for a nanosecond you paranoid brat"?! LOL Btw: You may prefer using a distinct personal charm mixed up with a pinch of America Del Sur soft soap at your end Daniel, to avoid any conflict in the first place - which is actually smarter. That's just fine with me and I promise I will not call it silky or hypocritical nor blame you for that, ever ;-) My most sincere apologies for getting that "offensively defensive", and bit rude again- far off topic also! ;-) Really nothing personal involved or intended here, apparently I just can't prevent myself from thinking out loud! Cheers and regards, Lucas

Steve- I'll try to pull the rest of the granules away from the base of the plant. Jim- I have definitely been watering more due to browning tips(I figured the original cause of the problem was keeping them too dry) but yes, I have been using a lot of tap water, but no more than I've been using with any of my other plants. They're planted under an overhang, so they get very little natural rain water, which adds to their winter hardiness, but could also be their downfall with yellowing/browning tips. Do you have any suggestions if it is actually the tap water causing this problem?

Nothing to do with magnesium deficiency. Mg def is interveinal chlorosis. Curling and Mg aren't related. Many things can cause leaves to curl/roll. As Jean said herbicide use is a common one - especially if it is primarily on new top growth. Any sign of pests - esp. aphids? Is it only this one plant? Dave