ABSTRACT The relationship between nutrients and plant growth requires in-depth studies and the application of statistical analysis capable of explaining these interactions. An experiment was prepared with N, P2O5 and K2O doses. Effects on the correlations between growth and nutrients in Tectona grandis seedlings were based on the canonical correlation analysis. Seedlings were submitted to doses of N = 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 kg m–3 with urea, P2O5 = 0, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 kg m–3 with common superphosphate, and K2O = 0, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 kg m–3 with potassium chloride, in a completely randomized design. Canonical correlations showed that biomass was the most salient morphological characteristic in relation to the growth of T. grandis seedlings. Height and diameter were also underscored by interactions between macro- and micronutrients in the substrate, after fertilization. Results show that N, Mn and Cu were the most important nutrients for the increment of these characteristics.