Leaf Burn vs Nutrient Burn: What’s Causing It?

Few things worry growers more than seeing scorched or discolored leaves on their plants. At first glance, leaf burn and nutrient burn look almost identical — crispy edges, brown spots, or yellowing tips. But the cause behind each problem is very different, and so is the solution.

Misdiagnosing the issue can lead to wasted time, reduced yields, or even long-term plant damage. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between leaf burn vs nutrient burn, show you how to spot each one with confidence, and give you actionable steps to prevent and fix them.

What is Leaf Burn?

Leaf burn refers to visible damage on leaves caused by external stressors, most commonly:

• Excessive light intensity or direct sun exposure
  

• Low humidity and dry airflow
  

• Heat stress from grow lights or outdoor temperature spikes
  

Symptoms often show up as:

• Brown, crispy edges starting at the leaf tips
  

• Bleached or faded patches on leaves closest to the light source
  

• Dry, papery texture when touched
  

Unlike nutrient burn, leaf burn typically relates to environmental factors, not feeding practices.

What is Nutrient Burn?

Nutrient burn (also called “nute burn”) happens when plants receive too much fertilizer or concentrated nutrients. This overwhelms the roots and disrupts proper water uptake.

Key symptoms include:

• Bright yellow or brown tips that look “burned”
  

• Curling or clawing of the leaves
  

• Shiny, almost wet-looking leaf surfaces before drying out
  

Nutrient burn usually starts at the bottom leaves first and gradually moves upward, while leaf burn is often seen on leaves closest to lights or heat sources. 

Key Differences Between Leaf Burn and Nutrient Burn

Causes of Leaf Burn

1. Light Stress – Grow lights too close or plants left in direct sunlight for too long.
   

2. Heat Stress – Air temperatures above plant tolerance, especially indoors.
   

3. Low Humidity – Dry conditions accelerate transpiration and stress leaves.
   

4. Improper Airflow – Fans blowing directly on leaves can cause localized dry spots.
   

Causes of Nutrient Burn

1. Overfeeding Fertilizers – Exceeding recommended feed chart dosages.
   

2. Salt Build-Up – Incomplete flush cycles leading to accumulation in soil or coco.
   

3. Incorrect EC/PPM Levels – Ignoring benchmarks for each growth phase.
   

4. Water Quality Issues – Hard water compounding nutrient concentrations.
   

For accurate feeding, check our guide on PPM & EC Benchmarks for Each Grow Phase.

How to Diagnose the Problem

When you notice burn symptoms:

1. Check Location of Damage – Upper canopy suggests leaf burn, lower canopy points to nutrient burn.
   

2. Feel the Texture – Papery and brittle = leaf burn. Shiny, wet-looking = nutrient burn.
   

3. Review Your Setup
   

• Lights: Are they too close?
  

• Feeding: Did you recently increase dosage?
  

• Climate: Is humidity stable?
  

How to Fix Leaf Burn

1. Adjust Lighting Distance – Follow manufacturer guidelines for grow light height.
   

2. Improve Ventilation – Ensure airflow is indirect and not dehydrating leaves.
   

3. Stabilize Humidity – Use humidifiers or trays of water to raise RH levels.
   

4. Prune Damaged Leaves – Remove dead tissue to redirect energy to healthy growth.
   

How to Fix Nutrient Burn

1. Flush the Growing Medium – Rinse soil, coco, or hydro with pH-balanced water to remove excess salts.
   

2. Adjust Feeding Schedule – Use half-strength nutrients until plants recover.
   

3. Monitor EC/PPM Closely – Stay within safe ranges for your plant’s stage.
   

4. Reinforce with Supplements – Products like Golden Tree and Plant Enzymes help reduce stress and restore root health.
   

How to Prevent Burn Issues

• Always follow a tested feeding schedule (never guess).
  

• Use clean, filtered water whenever possible.
  

• Keep grow lights at the right distance.
  

• Track EC/PPM weekly to avoid creeping salt build-up.
  

• Maintain stable environmental conditions (temperature + humidity).
  

Knowing how to spot the difference between leaf burn vs nutrient burn is one of the most valuable skills a grower can develop.

Correct diagnosis prevents wasted time and ensures your plants get exactly what they need — no more, no less.

The good news is that both issues are avoidable with the right nutrient management and environmental control.

Explore our full range of plant nutrients and supplements to keep your plants thriving through every growth stage.