Cannabis growers, especially those venturing into the business for the first time, will run into cannabis plant problems as they mature.
The trick is to find the most effective solutions to the cannabis plant problems because these are largely unavoidable.
Cannabis plants, fortunately, are native to the wild and can withstand the most extreme environments; thus, the name “weed.” Farmers benefit from this since it allows them more time to figure out what’s wrong and develop a solution.
It may appear frightening, but it isn’t. When you notice something unusual about your plant, take the time to examine the signs and symptoms and compare them to those found in research books or on the internet.
If you find a trend or a similarity, do more research and follow the directions to solve the cannabis plant problems. However, there’s a problem with cannabis that’s tricky. You will notice evidence of recovery within a short period.
Table of Contents
Light burn
Light burn happens when plants go too close to the grow lights. The leaves frequently become yellow and burn as a result.
Inspecting leaves close to the grow lights is the most straightforward and most effective technique for discovering the cannabis plant problems. But unfortunately, they will be the first to turn yellow, and the disease will spread throughout the plant.
The remedy to this cannabis plant problem is to raise the lights a few inches or afoot when you notice this issue. The intensity of the growth lights and the stage of development of the plants govern the distance between growth lights.
Nutrient burn
Nutrient burn is one of the common cannabis plant problems that amateur marijuana producers face.
Nutrient burn is due to the overzealous feeding of their newborn cannabis plants. However, it is prudent to remember that little is more when nutrition.
Nutrient burn occurs when you expose your cannabis plant to a combination that is too powerful and applied too frequently over time.
Nutrient burn causes the edges of the leaves to brown and seems crispy and charred, almost as if they have been burned. Nutrient depletion also inhibits growth significantly.
The effects of nutrient burn always begin at the leaf’s apex. As a result, it’s easy to spot. First, cut off the fertilizer supply for a fortnight or so; if your plant displays signs of this form of burn, then resume. This time frame is sufficient for the plant to flush off any surplus nutrients.
Under Watering & Over Watering
Many producers who are new to producing cannabis are familiar with the cannabis plant problems of underwatering and overwatering.
Underwatering and overwatering are, however, the most straightforward to correct. When a plant’s leaves sag and look to be hanging, you know you’re underwatering it. When you don’t supply the weed with adequate water, their growth is known to slow.
If this happens to your marijuana plants, the cure is to water them more frequently and thoroughly.
You can set up an auto watering system in your grow chamber or a watering schedule for outside growing if it’s too complicated. After 30 minutes, the plant should be back up and looking more lively.
When a cannabis plant is overwatered, the leaves curl downwards and appear heavy and rigid due to the excess water. Overwatering is known to stifle growth and, if left unchecked, can result in root rot.
You should water less frequently to avoid overwatering. By checking the moisture content of the soil, you can identify if plants require water. It’s time to sprinkle if the soil is dry and deep.
Wait a few minutes if the soil is still wet. If a plant you have overwatered, you must allow it to dry out for a few days before you resume watering.
Incorrect ph. range
For weed farmers, particularly newcomers, incorrect pH range is one of the common cannabis plant problems. Because it impacts how the plant absorbs the nutrients and water accessible to it, it is vital to mix the watering and fertilizers at a desirable ph.
When you grow cannabis plants in soil with an unfavorable pH range, they can enter a nutritional lock, which means they cease absorbing essential nutrients. So when farmers experience problems with their plants, it’s usually because of an incorrect ph.
Nitrogen deficiency
Nitrogen is one of the three macronutrients required for cannabis plants to thrive. As a result, you need nitrogen while feeding nutrients to cannabis plants.
The most significant macronutrients for cannabis plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The leaves become a bright yellow color and eventually die when there is inadequate potassium in the soil. However, you can solve that by determining which nutrients are deficient and adding them to the soil.
When you feed the marijuana plants too much nitrogen, it results in nitrogen toxicity. The claw is the most common name for it. It is because the leaves will curl and claw downwards as a symptom.
As a result, the leaves turn a dark green color. Farmers can correct this by reducing the nitrogen they feed their plants.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are less common of the cannabis plant problems than we mentioned above. However, on the other hand, this pest is one of the most damaging and life-threatening to the cannabis plant.
It’s also challenging to deal with Spider Mites because it’s obstinate. It’s pretty impossible to get rid of all of them if they aren’t caught early.
It is critical to inspect your plants regularly to catch these cannabis plant problems early on.
Like all other cannabis pests, Spider mites hide under the underside of the leaves. So this is the section to keep an eye on regularly.
These are, however, difficult to see with the naked eye. To examine trichomes more closely, you can use a magnifying glass or other equipment. These spider mites have the appearance of spiders and can be observed scurrying about and devouring plants.
Numerous spots on tightly packed leaves are the first indicators of spider mites. If left alone, webs begin to form, like tiny spider webs. Then, they completely round the leaves and plants. It’s almost too late, but catching them early allows you to deal with them.
Using live ladybugs as a treatment is a viable option. These aren’t harmful to cannabis plants, but they will consume the mites that havoc on your plants.
Because spider mites overgrow, you must guarantee that you destroy every one of them; otherwise, they will increase again.
Aphids
As with the Spider Mites, you can find Aphids hiding under the fan leaves of marijuana plants. They are, however, green in color and have long legs, giving them a grasshopper-like appearance.
They’re also relatively small, so you’ll need a magnifying glass to view them. Aphids rob plants of their water and nutrients, causing them to wilt and perish.
Aphid-eating ladybugs can solve these cannabis plant problems. However, it’s best to deal with Aphids as soon as possible because they kill plants rapidly, resulting in lower yields.
Alternatively, you can eliminate this cannabis plant problem by spraying a neem oil mixture on your plants. However, if the plant is blossoming, this is not recommended because it will cause mold and rot.
Aphids also exude large amounts of a sweet liquid called honeydew as a protection strategy against predators. Drops of this liquid or substance attract a mold, which grows on honeydew deposits on leaves and branches and turns them black.
Because ants are drawn to the sugary material discussed above, ants surrounding the base of your cannabis plant could indicate an aphid infestation.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a typical fungus infection, one of those common cannabis plant problems that farmers encounter in their gardens.
Excess humidity in the growth environment is frequently the cause. On the other hand, low or no airflow is a contributing factor. As a result, a powdery substance forms on the plants and spreads, causing further Mildew and eventually consuming the cannabis plants.
To combat this, apply a mildew-killing spray or, better yet, reduce humidity and boost airflow in the grow chamber. It will help to lessen the effects of the dew.
Bud Rot
Bud Rot(mold) is also among the common cannabis plant problems induced by high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
Overwatering can also be a factor. Excess moisture in the grow chamber, or the growing medium is usually the culprit. The baby cannabis buds are rotting as a result of the outcomes.
Bud rot begins on the inside and gradually spreads to the outside. The buds will soon become brown and rotten, eventually wasting the entire bud.
To address molds, growers must maintain good ventilation in the grow room or grow area. Humidity should also be reduced and continuously monitored using a hygrometer.
Chop off all infected buds to prevent infecting others. It may be arduous work, but keep in mind that decaying buds are useless and make users sick when smoked or consumed.
After that, keep an eye on the buds to ensure there isn’t any rot. However, if the conditions are favorable, you will not have to cope with this.
Heat Stress
Heat Stress is one of the significant cannabis plant problems, and it is the most vital for pot farmers. They are aware of it.
As the term implies, heat stress results from excessively high temperatures in the grow room or region.
At all times, the ideal temperature for a farm area or room is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, plant development slows dramatically. As the temperature rises, plant growth slows even more. As a result, the long sides of the leaves fold up.
As a result, this is the simplest way to identify if your plant is suffering from heat stress. Lowering the temperature in the grow room to more pleasant and accommodating settings is the remedy to this flaw.
Thrips
Thrips are common cannabis plant problems among indoor gardeners.
Thrips prefer and are prevalent in indoor grow rooms because it is difficult for them to increase or reproduce in significant numbers outside.
They’re tiny insects that come in a variety of colors. They are, however, generally black, yellow, or transparent in appearance. Adults have wings, while the smaller ones have not. They frequently roam in herds.
Adults hide behind bright silver areas where leaves have been eaten, and females punch holes in leaves to lay their eggs. They also thrive and multiply inside buds. Their devastation is similar to dried spit. They deplete the chlorophyll of cannabis plants, causing the leaves to turn a black brown before crumbling completely.
Neem oil or Spinosad can treat thrips. Occasionally, shaking the branches of cannabis plants will frighten them away, but this is not a long-term solution.
In conclusion
If you follow the steps outlined above to identify the most common cannabis plant problems that novice growers face and how to handle or mitigate them, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Also, keep in mind that the issue with most leaf and nutrient shortage issues is always pH levels. As a result, always double-check this before adding or lowering nutrients.
Always make sure that the temperature and humidity are at a comfortable level. Pests from the outside should not be able to enter your grow space. If you follow these basic procedures, you’ll be able to reap more benefits while minimizing the majority of these issues.
Naturally, when growing marijuana, various issues can develop that must be addressed swiftly. Weed plants are semi-responsive, which means they will display signs of distress if they aren’t getting enough nutrients, have a bug infestation, or suffer from another problem.
It’s a good idea to inspect your cannabis plant for problems frequently. Because it is a close-up situation, the optimal time is during pruning. Keep your eyes peeled for the main stalk branches and leaves.
A problem with the roots is frequently the cause of stunted growth. Examine a plant’s root system if it is smaller than others of the same age. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves, as well as fading branches. Keep an eye out for bud rot and mold throughout blossoming.
Examine the leaves, particularly the undersides. Many bugs, especially spider mites, prefer to reside there. Pay special attention to the stem section that emerges from the dirt, as this is where certain pests live. Cannabis plants and leaves should be dark, vibrant green in color. Anything that deviates from that is a red flag.
Finally, make sure your grow room is clean and well-ventilated because this can help reduce most cannabis plant problems