<p>Improving functional Fe status through the application of Fe with synthetic organic ligands is a strategy to overcome the Fe-deficiency problem. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different selected synthetic organic ligands (Fe-EDTA, Fe-EDDHA, Fe-Citrate) in terms of improving the functional Fe status of wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>) plants grown under a hydroponic culture system. Fe was supplied as either FeCl₃ or in complex with organic ligands, viz<i>.</i>, EDTA, EDDHA, and citrate. Wheat plants exhibited improved functional Fe status, as indicated by high chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations, lipid peroxidation, and ferric chelate reducing capacity in Fe-EDTA and Fe-Citrate-supplied plants. Interveinal chlorosis along with mildly enhanced superoxide dismutase activity was observed in FeCl₃, and Fe-EDDHA-supplied plants. Chlorotic leaves of Fe-EDDHA show a decrease in lipid peroxidation, highlighting the essentiality of Fe in chlorophyll biosynthesis and lipid peroxidation in wheat plants. Fe-EDDHA was found to be an inefficient Fe supplier for wheat, as indicated by decreased growth with a low shoot Fe concentration. Fe-EDTA and Fe-Citrate have been proven to be effective Fe-suppliers in comparison to Fe-EDDHA and FeCl₃ in wheat plants. Fe-EDDHA is a poor Fe supplier in hydroponic systems, as EDDHA forms a strong complex with Fe and its aromatic and hydrophobic nature.</p>