Plant Doctor

Diagnose and fix common hydroponic plant problems. No guesswork.

How It Works

Answer a few questions about what you are seeing and we will help you identify the problem and fix it. Click an option to move forward, or click any step in the trail above to go back.

Step 1
Common

Nutrient Burn (EC Too High)

Symptoms

Brown, crispy tips and edges on leaves, often with a dark brown or burnt appearance. Progresses inward from the leaf margins. Leaves may look shiny or waxy before the burn appears. Can affect all leaves at once.

Cause

The nutrient concentration (EC/PPM) is too high for your plants. This causes excess salt buildup that damages leaf tissue. Very common when topping off with nutrient solution instead of plain water, or when following mixing directions designed for a different crop.

How to Fix
  1. Drain the reservoir and replace with fresh nutrient solution at a lower EC
  2. If you cannot change the solution immediately, dilute it by adding plain, pH-adjusted water
  3. Start at 50-75% of the recommended nutrient strength and increase gradually
  4. Remove severely damaged leaves, as they will not recover
Prevention

Always check EC/PPM before and after adding nutrients. Top off with plain, pH-adjusted water between full solution changes. Use the Nutrient Calculator for accurate mixing amounts.

Open the Nutrient Calculator to get the right mixing amounts for your crop
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Common Problems

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Prevention Tips

  • Check pH every 1-2 days. Keep it between 5.5 and 6.5.
  • Change nutrient solution completely every 1-2 weeks.
  • Keep nutrient solution temperature between 65-72F (18-22C).
  • Use adequate aeration. Size your air pump to at least 1 watt per gallon.
  • Maintain good airflow around plants with fans.
  • Clean and sanitize your system between crops.
  • Inspect plants daily for early signs of problems.
  • Top off with plain, pH-adjusted water between solution changes.

Nutrient Calculator

Get exact nutrient mixing amounts for your crop, growth stage, and brand.

Open Calculator

Planting Calendar

See what crops to start, grow, and harvest each month in your hydroponic system.

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