Fertilizer burn

An excess of these nutrients can damage the plant's ability to photosynthesize and cellularly respire, causing visible burns.

[1] Fertilizers contain nutrients that increase plant growth by increasing the rate of photosynthesis (the process in which plants uptake water and nutrients to create sugar) and cellular respiration (the process in which carbon dioxide and sugar is broken down to be used as energy, releasing oxygen).

The salt index of fertilizer can change the osmotic pressure, allowing the plant to absorb more or less water and nutrients.

A correct salt index (in terms of the given plant and fertilizer) will result in high osmotic pressure.

The incorrect salt concentration will result in low osmotic pressure, which can cause a fertilizer burn.

Water may even leave the root system in an attempt to equalize the concentration of salts in the soil.

[1] Fertilizer burns are caused by adding too much salt and or nutrients to the soil surrounding a plant.

[7][10] The beginning signs of fertilizer burn include white salt marks and crust in the plant container and/or around the roots.