Reference photo — compare a fertilizer-burn pattern on leaf tissueNutrition · Plant health field guide
Fertilizer or salt burn
Excess soluble salts can injure roots and leaf margins.
WatchPossible cause—not a diagnosis. Compare the visible signs, plant identity, and growing conditions before treating.
Signs you may notice
- brown tips
- scorched margins
- white crust
- root damage
Safe first checks
- Review product strength, application date, water quality, and visible crust on the pot or medium.
- Photograph the affected area in clear natural light.
- Review recent changes in light, temperature, water, feeding, or location.
- Change one likely cause at a time and record the result.
Can look similar to
Overlapping symptoms are common. Compare these alternatives before choosing a treatment.
- low humidity
- underwatering
- sunburn
What to avoid
Do not make several care changes at once; that makes the response harder to interpret.
Record and follow up
Photograph the same area again and record one change at a time. Compare new growth and whether the symptom spreads, stabilizes, or improves.
Seek qualified local help when damage is severe, rapidly spreading, or may involve a regulated pest or disease.
Compare nearby possibilities
