By: Zarith Sofea Ibrahim
SERDANG, 30 July– The use of Epsom salt among home gardeners has grown in popularity, with many believing it can enhance plant growth and stimulate flowering and fruit production. However, its application should be approached with caution, as it is not a universal solution for all plants.
Agricultural Officer at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Saiful Anuar A. Rahman, said Epsom salt only benefits plants suffering from magnesium and sulphur deficiencies and should not be routinely applied to every crop.
He explained that Epsom salt serves as a supplementary nutrient to address specific deficiencies, rather than replacing the essential fertilisers required for healthy plant growth.
“If the soil already contains sufficient magnesium and sulphur, applying Epsom salt will have little to no noticeable effect on plant development.
“Instead, it is primarily used to correct nutrient deficiency symptoms, such as leaf yellowing caused by inadequate magnesium,” he said.
Saiful noted that Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulphur, both of which play vital roles in photosynthesis and help plants absorb other nutrients more efficiently.
“Unlike NPK fertilisers, which supply the primary nutrients required for plant growth, Epsom salt is better regarded as a supplementary treatment that enhances plant performance when nutrient deficiencies are present,” he added.
Addressing claims that Epsom salt produces healthier and more vigorous plants, Saiful said several scientific studies have shown that magnesium improves photosynthesis, enabling plants to grow more robustly while supporting better flowering and fruit production.
He added that Epsom salt can help maximise a plant’s growth potential, particularly in soils that have been neglected for long periods or are naturally low in nutrients.
“However, Epsom salt is not the sole factor determining plant health. Proper fertilisation schedules, adequate watering and good crop management practices remain equally important,” he said.
Saiful also highlighted that certain crops have higher magnesium requirements than others.
“Plants such as chilli, tomato, eggplant and cili solok tend to respond well to additional magnesium. Yellowing between the leaf veins may indicate that the plant is experiencing a magnesium deficiency,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned against excessive use of Epsom salt, warning that overapplication may interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb other essential nutrients.
“The most common mistake is applying too much Epsom salt. Excessive magnesium can prevent plant roots from absorbing calcium and other nutrients required for healthy growth.
“As a result, crops may develop physiological disorders such as blossom-end rot in tomatoes,” he said.
As a general guideline, Saiful recommended dissolving one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt in four litres of water and applying the solution once every two weeks, either as a foliar spray or a soil drench.
If excessive application has occurred, he advised restoring soil balance through leaching by watering the soil thoroughly over an extended period to flush excess salts then replenishing calcium with crushed eggshells or agricultural lime.
Saiful said that using Epsom salt according to actual plant requirements could contribute to more sustainable agricultural productivity while supporting the nation’s food security agenda.
“At UPM’s Faculty of Agriculture, we focus not only on fertiliser use but also on food security, soil health and environmental sustainability.
“Use Epsom salt only when necessary and at the recommended rates to ensure that plants, soils and agricultural produce remain healthy, safe and sustainable,” he said.
