Are You Overwatering or Underwatering Your Cannabis?

Maintaining a cannabis farm requires considering many factors for proper growth. Cannabis plants, for instance, need routine watering schedules to absorb the nutrients in the soil and undergo photosynthesis. Learn to avoid overwatering or underwatering your cannabis plants by reviewing these signs of deteriorating plants that stem from inconsistent watering habits.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Watering

Just like any plant, cannabis plants need water. After all, water acts as a solvent to facilitate nutrient absorption from the soil. When cannabis plants receive the right amount of water, they efficiently absorb these nutrients.

However, inadequate or excessive watering can hinder nutrient absorption, leading to stunted growth or poor health. Promote a successful, healthy yield by giving your cannabis plants enough water to properly absorb nutrients.

In addition to nutrient uptake, water supports photosynthesis. Cannabis plants use water as energy to convert sunlight into nutrients. Give your plants the strength they need to survive by changing your watering patterns when you notice a decrease in health.

Signs You’re Overwatering Your Cannabis Plants

Sometimes, we forget to turn off the sprinkler or accidentally fill the flowerpots until the soil is soaking wet. Overwatering is a common mistake cannabis growers make, especially beginners. If your plant is exhibiting these signs, it’s time to cut back on the H2O.

Leaf Discoloration and Drooping

When cannabis plants receive too much water, their leaves may turn yellow or develop brown spots. This discoloration occurs because the roots suffocate from excess water, preventing the plant from absorbing the necessary oxygen and nutrients.

Along with discoloration, drooping leaves occur because the cannabis plant is unable to absorb water properly. The plant then has a lack of turgor pressure, which causes the leaves to sag.

Root Rot and Fungal Growth

When the soil remains consistently wet, it creates an environment that can develop harmful fungi and bacteria. These fungal growths are dangerous to plants, as they steal the nutrients in the soil, cause diseases, and eat away at the plant.

If fungal growth continues to expand in the soil, these pathogens can attack the roots directly. This causes the roots to rot, which will potentially kill the plant. If you suspect your cannabis plants are suffering from root rot, treat the soil with fungicide and reduce the frequency of watering to dry out the soil between waterings.

Slow Growth and Wilting

While it may seem counterintuitive, overwatered plants can experience wilting due to their inability to absorb water effectively. Excess moisture impairs the roots from functioning properly. Rather than letting the plant absorb water, the pool of water damages the roots and stunts their growth.

Monitor your plant’s growth and look for signs of wilting during your watering routine. Properly drain the plant if you notice a pool of water in the soil.

Signs You’re Underwatering Your Cannabis Plants

Are you underwatering your cannabis plant? This bad habit can be just as detrimental as overwatering. Unwatering dries out the soil and makes it difficult for the plant to absorb the nutrients it needs to survive.

Look out for these symptoms of underwatering so you can adjust your watering frequency and amount.

Dry, Brittle Leaves

When cannabis plants don’t receive enough water, their leaves may appear crispy and dry to the touch. When your cannabis leaves are brittle, they can be difficult to harvest effectively.

This unpleasant change occurs because the plant is unable to transport water to the leaves. Dehydration in your cannabis plant could lead to irreversible cell damage. Strengthen your plant structure by rejuvenating those dry leaves.

Stunted Growth and Leaf Curling

Smaller, weaker cannabis plants could be the result of underwatering. When plants lack sufficient water, their growth slows substantially compared to healthier plants. This means you could be waiting longer for a healthy harvest from your cannabis garden.

Also, the leaves may curl upward or downward as the plant struggles to conserve moisture. Curled leaves can reduce the surface area available for photosynthesis and cause your cannabis plant to deteriorate in health. Treat your plants with care to reverse the effects of curling leaves.

Wilting and Drooping

Much like overwatering, underwatering can also cause wilting and drooping in cannabis plants. Limping, saggy foliage is a sign your plant is losing its turgor pressure and not absorbing water properly.

The difference between drooping from underwatering versus overwatering is that the soil is typically drier when the plant lacks moisture. This noticeable sign will help you understand how you can change your watering cycle to benefit your plants.

Tools for Maintaining a Consistent Watering Schedule

Fortunately, you can rely on plenty of useful monitoring tools to keep your cannabis plants properly hydrated. These tools keep track of when and how much water your plants should receive so you can avoid overwatering or underwatering. Try implementing these tools in your garden.

Moisture Meters

Moisture meters insert into the soil and provide a reading of the moisture content. Growers can then determine when their plants need water. Moisture meters help you avoid the guesswork involved in watering while reducing the chances of overwatering or underwatering your cannabis plants.

Automatic Watering Systems

Automatic watering systems are another excellent option for maintaining a consistent watering schedule. Program these systems to deliver the right amount of water at specific intervals and provide your cannabis plants with consistent hydration. Automatic systems range from simple drip irrigation setups to more complex programmable timers.

Hydroponic Farming System

Integrate a hydroponic farming system to provide the right amount of water for your plants without worrying about excess moisture in the soil. These systems provide nutrient-rich water for plants so they can receive the proper nutrients. Browse your local hydroponic supplies store to find the right equipment that will improve your watering habits.

If your cannabis plants are deteriorating, look out for signs that your plants could be dehydrated or overwatered. Implement tools that will help you monitor moisture levels so you can create a consistent hydration schedule. Once you maintain proper watering, you’ll be able to reap a bountiful harvest from your cannabis plants.