Symptoms of Rose Nutrient Deficiency
It is important to note that many symptoms of a nutrient deficiency are problems with availability rather than supply. The nutrients may be present in the soil but are unavailable because of a pH that is too high or too low. There may also be a nutrient imbalance that prevents absorption of one nutrient thus causing symptoms of deficiency. Many symptoms are similar. Generally, micronutrient deficiencies are rarely seen. The most common deficiencies are nitrogen, iron, oxygen, plus heat stress. See the Color Plate of Common Rose Deficiencies at the end of this chapter.
1.    Mature Leaves Affected First

• Older leaves turn chlorotic, pale light green to completely yellow on the entire leaf but remains on the plant. Reduced growth with reduced leaf size. Stems weak and spindly, small flowers, lighter in color. – Nitrogen Deficiency
• Do not mistake oxygen deficiency with a nitrogen deficiency. Though the symptoms look alike, no amount of nitrogen will correct the symptoms.
• The first symptom is a reduction of leaf size. Entire leaf is chlorotic with yellow between veins. Plants are stunted with large, necrotic white areas symmetrically distributed on both sides of the leaflet between larger lateral veins of the older leaves. Leaf edges of older leaves cup down. Some varieties may develop dark brown or purplish blotches scattered randomly across the leaflet. – Magnesium Deficiency
• Older foliage drops without turning yellow. Leaves are dull gray-green in color. Buds slow to develop, leaf edges of older leaves may cup down. – Phosphorus Deficiency
• Margins of leaf are affected first. Margins become yellow then turn brown, leaves sometimes become purple. Young shoots become hardened and stunted. Flower buds may be distorted. – Potassium Deficiency

2.   Younger Plant Parts Affected First

• Chlorosis of young leaves.  A general lightening of the green of the leaves.   Interveinal areas yellow. – Iron Deficiency
• Interveinal areas yellow but smallest veins remain green, more of a netted appearance. – Manganese Deficiency
• Shoots often die or are hard. New growth ceases or withers. Leaves do not develop or are distorted. • Flower petals become shortened and bullheaded flowers may be numerous with petals rolled inward. – Boron Deficiency
• Young leaves develop light edges, apical stem dies resulting in development of many small side branches. Possible to confuse with magnesium deficiency. – Copper Deficiency
• New growth dies without development. In severe cases, plants become defoliated. Many dead roots. • Older leaf edges may cup down. – Calcium Deficiency

NOTE: There is a close relation between calcium and boron. Calcium deficiency symptoms may be only a reflection of a calcium-boron imbalance. There must be ample quantities of both, but they must be present in proper balance. Often low pH, high phosphorus and high nitrogen levels, high soluble salts and heat stress create conditions which limit calcium uptake.

• New shoot growth aborted, distorted leaves. Older leaves do not cup down. – Zinc Deficiency
• Symptoms are similar to moisture stress with youngest growth displaying some wilting. Weak flower stems and leaves drying from the tips and edges are also noticed. – Molybdenum Deficiency