The Grower's Almanac
← All symptoms

Brown spots

Usually a sign of nutrient burn or a localized deficiency rather than disease, though pattern matters.

Causes, how to tell, and fixes

  1. 1

    Nutrient burn

    too much feeding

    How to tell

    Brown, crispy spots concentrated at leaf tips and edges, often on the newest growth

    Fix

    Flush with plain water and reduce nutrient concentration on the next feeding

  2. 2

    Calcium or magnesium deficiency

    How to tell

    Spots scattered across the leaf surface rather than just the edges, sometimes with a rust-colored tint

    Fix

    A cal-mag supplement is the standard fix, especially common in soilless or coco-based grows

  3. 3

    Leaf septoria or other fungal spotting

    How to tell

    Circular spots with defined edges, often starting on lower/older leaves in humid conditions

    Fix

    Improve airflow and reduce humidity; remove affected leaves so it doesn't spread

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