One of the most disheartening things a gardener can witness is a plant struggling to grow well, especially after putting in a lot of effort to provide the optimal growing conditions. Nutrients often have something to do with this struggle, as these are what plants rely on for healthy growth. If your foliage is looking a reddish, purple color, it could be a sign that you're facing a phosphorus deficiency in plants.
There are 17 essential plant nutrients for growth, and phosphorus is one of the macronutrients plants need plenty of. While phosphorus is largely available in soil, many gardeners opt to give their plants a phosphorus boost with fertilizers. It can be tricky to determine whether it is a phosphorus deficiency you're dealing with, but experts say there are a few signs to look out for.
