African Milk Tree with Manganese Deficiency? Rare but Treatable
Euphorbia trigona
Manganese deficiency is a nutritional disorder that causes interveinal chlorosis in younger leaves, creating a distinctive chequered pattern. Unlike magnesium deficiency which affects older leaves first, manganese deficiency appears in new growth at the top of the plant. It is most common in poorly drained soils, high organic matter conditions, and soils with pH above 6.5.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Interveinal chlorosis with smallest veins remaining green (chequered pattern)
- âĒ Yellowing starts in younger leaves at top of plant
- âĒ Brown spots may appear on leaf surfaces
- âĒ Severely affected leaves turn brown and wither
- âĒ Leaf curling in severe cases
- âĒ Stunted growth
- âĒ Small necrotic spots if deficiency persists
â Possible Causes
- â Soil pH above 6.5 (alkaline conditions)
- â Poorly drained or waterlogged soils
- â High organic matter levels
- â Coarse soil texture
- â Cold soil temperatures
- â Excessive phosphorus or iron in soil
- â Sandy soils with low manganese content
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Step 1
Apply manganese sulfate (MnSO4) as foliar spray at 0.5-1% solution
Step 2
Spray early morning or late evening to prevent leaf burn
Step 3
Repeat foliar application every 7-10 days for 3 weeks
Step 4
Apply chelated manganese (Mn-EDTA) to soil around root zone
Step 5
Water thoroughly after soil application
Organic Treatment
Step 1
Apply organic manganese sources like composted manure or kelp meal to soil
Step 2
Use manganese-rich amendments such as greensand (0.2% Mn) or granite dust
Step 3
Apply organic foliar spray with diluted kelp extract weekly for 3-4 weeks
Step 4
Incorporate well-aged compost with manganese-accumulating plants
Step 5
Adjust soil pH naturally using elemental sulfur if needed (target 5.5-6.5)
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Maintain soil pH between 5.5-6.5 for optimal manganese availability
- â Improve soil drainage to prevent waterlogging
- â Avoid over-liming soils
- â Regular soil testing to monitor manganese levels
- â Use balanced fertilizers containing micronutrients
- â Improve soil structure with appropriate organic amendments
- â Monitor younger leaves regularly for early detection
ðą Care Guide: African Milk Tree
ð§ How to Water
Water only when soil is completely dry, typically every 3-4 weeks. Reduce watering in winter. Wrinkled leaves indicate thirst. Yellowing or browning may signal overwatering and root rot.
âïļ Lighting
Prefers bright indirect light to direct sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning or afternoon sun. Avoid harsh midday sun which may cause scorching. Also adapts to medium light conditions.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining sandy or cactus mix. A 2:1:1 blend of cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.