What Is Nutrient Burn?

Nutrient burn is a condition caused by overfeeding plants, resulting in damaged leaf tips, edges, or overall plant stress.

WHAT IS NUTRIENT BURN?

Nutrient burn happens when a plant absorbs more nutrients than it can handle. Excess salts or nutrients build up in the root zone, disrupting water uptake and causing visible damage to foliage.

It is most common in container grows and systems using concentrated fertilizers.

HOW NUTRIENT BURN AFFECTS CANNABIS GROWS

Growers identify nutrient burn by:
– Yellow or brown leaf tips
– Crispy or curling leaf edges
– Dark green foliage before damage appears
– Slowed growth despite feeding

The condition often appears first on newer growth.

WHY IT MATTERS

Nutrient burn:
– Reduces photosynthesis
– Slows plant growth
– Can lead to nutrient lockout
– Is difficult to reverse once severe

In autoflowers, nutrient burn can permanently reduce yield due to limited recovery time.

LIMITATIONS & NOTES

Mild nutrient burn can sometimes be managed by reducing feed strength or flushing, but severe burn may not fully recover. Organic systems are generally more forgiving than salt-based feeding.