Why stress damages your cannabis plants
Cannabis plants are robust, but sensitive to stress. Stress can lead to slower growth, lower yields and even hermaphroditism. But what exactly stresses your plants? Here you can find out how to avoid typical mistakes.
7 common stress factors and how to avoid them
1. incorrect irrigation (over- or underwater)
Many growers believe that more water = better growth. Wrong! Waterlogging leads to root rot, while dryness blocks nutrient uptake. Solution: Check the soil with your finger – is it 2-3 cm dry? Then water carefully.
2. light stress: too much or too little
Cannabis needs a clear light routine. Too strong LED lights burn leaves, too little light leads to “stretching”. Solution:
- Vegetation phase: 18-24 hours of light
- Flowering phase: 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness
Use timers for constant cycles!
3. temperature and humidity fluctuations
Extreme heat (>30°C) or cold (<15°C) stress plants. Ideal are:
- Day: 22-28°C
- Night: 18-22°C
- Humidity: 40-70% (depending on the phase)
Tip: Use fans and hygrometers to check.
4. nutrient overdose (“nutrient burn”)
Yellow leaf tips? This could be over-fertilization! Cannabis needs balanced nutrients – less is often more. Solution:
- Start with 50% of the recommended dose
- Observe the plant’s reaction
- Rinse with pH-neutral water in case of over-fertilization
5. improper trimming (“topping”)
Pruning that is too radical can traumatize the plant. Better this way:
- Prune only during the vegetation phase
- Remove a maximum of 20-30% of the leaf mass
- Use sterile tools
6. repotting at the wrong time
Too small a pot inhibits root growth, too frequent repotting is stressful. Optimal time:
- When roots grow out of the drainage holes
- Before the flowering phase
7. neglect of the pH value
An incorrect pH value (ideal: 6.0-7.0 in soil, 5.5-6.5 in hydroponics) blocks nutrient uptake. Tip: Mix pH regulators into the irrigation water.
Conclusion: stress-free cannabis = better harvest
By avoiding these mistakes, you will ensure healthier plants and maximize your yields. Observe your plants closely – they will show you if something is wrong!