When it comes to growing cannabis, a certain balance needs to be maintained in order for the plant to reach its full potential. However, there is a list mile-long of things that can impact that balance and have an effect on your cannabis plant’s growth. If even just one of these items is out of balance, it can have a negative effect.
The balance of your pH levels can have a lot of impact on your cannabis plants. According to information from Oregon State University, “Soil pH is a measurement of acidity or alkalinity and measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Lower numbers equal a more acidic or sour soil and higher numbers more alkaline or sweet.”
Many growers will try to maintain a neutral pH to keep their cannabis plants healthy and happy. When the pH is too alkaline or too acidic, it can stunt the growth of the cannabis plant. Oftentimes in a commercial grow setting where multiple plants are on the same feeding regime, this can mean dozens if not hundreds of plants are impacted.
Cannabis plants require nutrients to thrive, but an imbalance of even one nutrient can have a massive impact on the plant’s height. If a plant has an excess or deficiency of nutrients, then the plant’s growth could be slowed. Deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium are perfect examples of nutrients that can cause stunted growth in cannabis plants when not given enough.
The topic of nutrient imbalances can take hours to cover. To learn more about nutrient deficiencies and excesses, please visit the Verne Bio Knowledge Center.
All plants need light, but the height and intensity of your lighting system can impact the height of your cannabis crop. The further away the light, the weaker the intensity, causing cannabis plants to stretch in order to reach the light they crave. According to the University of Missouri’s Extension office, “The intensity of light drops rapidly as the distance from the light bulbs or tubes increases.”
Like us, plants do not like to be too hot or too cold. Depending on the strain, cannabis plants will prefer a range of 68 – 77℉, however, this can differ depending on factors like humidity and growing method. If a plant becomes too cold, plant growth will slow or in some cases even stop altogether.
Some growers will utilize the temperature of their rooms to help keep their plants shorter as a way to boost their yield. However, if done improperly can stunt plant yield or stress the plant into producing herms. It is vital to keep a close eye on the cannabis crop if this method is attempted.
When cannabis plants are stressed or unhealthy, it can impact their growth. Instead of focusing on growth, the plant will place its resources on repairing the damaged parts of itself, whether it is the leaves, roots, or stems. This can happen at any stage of the plant’s life cycle, including flowering.
Viruses, viroids, and pests can all enter a grow in different ways. In some cases, it can come in with soil or other supplies from an outside source. In other cases, new plants brought into the grow can contain an unwanted surprise. Even people and animals can carry in pests, viruses, and other things that can harm a cannabis crop.
The best way to tackle these items is to perform routine testing and implement standards of practice when it comes to cleaning and quarantining outside plants. Testing can be done using the Verne Bio I-Test or WE-Test platforms. To learn more about these testing kits, please visit our information on the I-Test and WE-Test Testing kits.
One way to increase the harvest’s yield is by maintaining shorter plants. When a cannabis plant stretches (like when trying to reach the lighting), the yield is typically lower than what it could be if the plant had remained shorter. Topping or trimming can begin when a plant is still in the vegetative stage, which helps set the foundation for how the flowering stage will turn out.
Knowing which branches to remove and where to top the plant takes time and patience to learn. However, this cultivation method has become popular due to its results. Depending on the strain, nutrients fed, and other factors, harvest yields could be increased compared to allowing the plant to grow naturally.
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Works Cited
Díaz, Raúl. “Cannabis Nutrient Deficiencies and Excesses.” LoudClouds, 2 October 2022, https://loudclouds.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/marijuana-deficiency-chart-jorge-cervantes.jpg. Accessed 30 October 2023.
KC Vents. “What is the right temperature and humidity for the cannabis crop?” KCvents, N/A, https://www.kcvents.com/1632.html. Accessed 30 October 2023.
Pokorny, Kym. “Keeping pH in the right range is essential.” Oregon State University, 23 July 2021, https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/keeping-ph-right-range-essential. Accessed 30 October 2023.
Trinklein, David H. “Lighting Indoor Houseplants | MU Extension.” University of Missouri Extension, 2016, https://extension.missouri.edu/g6515#place. Accessed 30 October 2023.
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