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Question on Epsom salts

15 years ago

Hi All,

When I recently posted pictures of yellowing leaves on some of my plants, I was told (thanks Bill and Jack) that they are lacking Potassium and Magnesium(?). I bought some Epsom salts from a large nursery here in the San Gabriel Valley and they pointed me towards a product called "Sul Po Mag"(0-0-20) for the potassium. Can someone tell me what the proper way of applying the Epsom salts is? Do I dilute it in a watering can and water the plants or do I sprinkle it around the base of the plant like granules? I've never used it before. Also, has any one used "Sul Po Mag"? The box says to apply about a tsp. or so around the base of the plant. I guess it's time release granules.

I hope it's not to late in the season to start with this feeding.

Bill (tdogdad), thanks for the bamboo fence idea. I like the idea of the poles to hold the fence up. I also moved some of my younger plants where they will not get as much of the afternoon sun. Maybe, by moving these plants and the addition of the Potassium and Mag, my plants will look a little healthier.

Thanks everyone for your help,

Rick

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Comments (5)

bri_fl
15 years ago
I was told that you can dilute a tsp in a gallon of water and then feed but I just used regular old epsom salts from the pharm. Not too sure about your product but I'm sure you'll get some advise soon.
tdogdad
15 years ago
I have used both sul po mag and epsoms just sprinkled around the plant and worked into the soil. Now is a good time to give your plant strength for the winter as nitrogen is not wanted after August. I think Jack has a more scientific approach to his plants. I would rather surf than work so I often go easy in the garden. When I looked again at that picture taken in June I realized the plant had grown a foot as it now is taller than the fence. Bill
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Just reinforcing wirosarian's point that, if your soil is already high in magnesium, applying substantial amounts of epsom salts is actively harmful. If your soil is low in magnesium, it is helpful. If you have used dolomite lime (the most common kind) to raise the pH of acid soil, that is a long-lasting source of Mg. Epsom salts would be the preferred source of Mg if a soil test shows both low magnesium and a pH above, say, 6.2. Plants use Mg in the chlorophyll molecule. The symptom of Mg deficiency is paleness at the leaf margins with wide bands of normal green along the central vein and several of the large lateral veins. The normal green forms a shape like a stylized drawing of a Christmas tree. The shortage of chlorophyll can reduce overall vigor. I doubt that extra magnesium would cause extra basal breaks. If a soil test or leaf symptoms show Mg deficiency, an appropriate dose would be 2-4 TB of epsom salt every few months.
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Hey ruthann, I didn't know what a Desert Rose was, thought I had a plumeria, untill I posted a picture of it on here. Then I found out what I really had. Someone said it is a very close relative to the plumeria. I've had it for six years and this year is the first time it has bloomed, don't think I've had it in the sun untill now. I am so happy with it. And I see it has a few more buds ready to bloom. On epsom salts...So we wait untill spring and then put a touch in the water for our plummies? What does it do? Now if I can remember that long from now. Lauri
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plumcr8zy
Original Author
15 years ago
bri fl and Bill,
Thanks for the info. I guess diluting or sprinkling the epsom salts is acceptable. I know one thing for sure, with the "Sul Po Mag", Epsom salts, and "Hawaiian Bud and Bloom", I'll be ready with my feeding regimen next year!
Thanks to you both,
Rick
houstonpat
15 years ago
I am a strong advocate for Magnesium sulfate on all plants. Palms really seem to green up very well when generously applied. I dump a pound at the base of my large, planted palms and let it be carried to the roots as I water. I use it on everything.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
15 years ago
Just to follow-up. Based upon the photo you posted in your post of a few days previous, I think you should rule out spider mites first.

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