All plants require certain mineral elements to develop and mature in a healthy state.

Macronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium are required in substantial quantities, while micronutrients or trace elements such as boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and molybdenum are needed in much smaller quantities. A micronutrient deficiency (or trace mineral deficiency) is a physiological plant disorder which occurs when a micronutrient is deficient in the soil in which a plant grows. Micronutrients are distinguished from macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) by the relatively low quantities needed by the plant. A number of elements are known to be needed in these small amounts for proper plant growth and development.[1] Nutrient deficiencies in these areas can adversely affect plant growth and development. Some of the best known trace mineral deficiencies include: boron deficiency, calcium deficiency, iron deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and manganese deficiency. Plants may develop mineral deficiencies when not fed properly. This has a negative effect on plant health. Mineral deficiencies can be identified by looking at symptoms. Many of these symptoms may occur through the use of chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers eventually cause an imbalance in the soil. Organic feedings at regular times will result in almost disease free container plants. Healthy plants are not easily infected. Increase your plants resistance to disease by feeding the well on a balanced diet. Plants use minerals from the soil to build the complex molecules they need to survive and grow. Poor plant growth may be due to a deficiency of one or more minerals. Tests can be done to establish which mineral is deficient or a general purpose NPK fertiliser added. Plants and minerals Plants need to build the complex molecules they need from minerals (elements and simple compounds), which they get from the soil. Animals on the other hand get their complex molecules ready made from their food they need very few minerals to supplement their diet.If a plant shows poor growth it may be due to a lack of one or more minerals in the soil. It's possible to do chemical tests to find out which minerals are deficient, but it's often more convenient to add a general fertiliser. This is sometimes called NPK fertiliser because it contains the elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These elements, plus magnesium (Mg), are the minerals that plants need in the greatest quantities.