The growth phase is crucial for the subsequent success of cannabis plant cultivation. During this time, the plant concentrates on building up a strong structure in order to optimally prepare for the flowering phase. However, even in this phase, various problems can occur that affect the growth and health of the plant. In this article, you will find out what happens during the growth phase of a cannabis plant, what typical dangers exist and how you can optimally support your plants.
What happens during the growth phase?
During the growth phase, the cannabis plant grows in height and develops its leaves and roots. The aim of this phase is to create a stable structure for later flowering. To achieve this, the plant needs:
- Plenty of light: Light is necessary for photosynthesis, in which the plant produces its energy. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow optimally.
- Sufficient water: Water is important to transport nutrients and keep the plant hydrated. Too little water can be just as harmful as too much.
- Optimal nutrient supply: During the growth phase, the cannabis plant primarily needs nitrogen, which promotes the growth of leaves and stems.
Without these basic factors, growth can be disrupted and the plant becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Typical dangers in the growth phase
During this phase, various challenges can arise that negatively affect the growth of your cannabis plants:
1. nutrient deficiency
A lack of important nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium, can significantly hinder growth. Signs of a nutrient deficiency in cannabis include
- Yellow or discolored leaves
- Slow growth
- Thin or weak stems
2. pests
Pests such as aphids, spider mites or thrips can cause considerable damage to cannabis plants during the growth phase. They suck the plant sap and weaken the plant. Typical signs of a pest infestation are
- Discolored, stunted or deformed leaves
- Sticky residue (honeydew) on the leaves
- Visible pests on the plant
3. temperature fluctuations
Cannabis plants are sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. Temperatures that are too high or too low can disrupt the plant’s metabolism. This can lead to:
- Growth retardation
- Burnt or wilted leaves
- Stress and reduced growth
4. overwatering
Cannabis plants are susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to problems such as root rot and lack of oxygen in the soil. Signs of overwatering are:
- Yellow leaves
- Withering stems
- Lack of root growth
Preventive measures to support the growth phase
To optimize the growth phase of your cannabis plants and avoid typical dangers, you can take the following preventive measures:
1. balanced fertilization
Make sure that you use a high-quality fertilizer that is specifically tailored to the needs of cannabis plants. During the growth phase, the plant needs a particularly high amount of nitrogen to grow healthy and strong. Make sure that you do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
2. pest control
Check your plants regularly for pests. If you notice signs of an infestation, intervene quickly by using biological pesticides such as neem oil or natural enemies such as ladybugs. Remove dead leaves and keep the growing area clean to avoid providing a breeding ground for pests.
3. optimum temperature and humidity
Cannabis plants thrive best at constant temperatures. Make sure that the temperatures are in an ideal range for the plants (between 20-30 °C) and avoid large fluctuations. Also pay attention to the humidity, especially when growing indoors, to prevent mold and other problems.
4. correct irrigation
Avoid overwatering your cannabis plants. Only water when the top layer of soil is dry. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and make sure that the water is evenly distributed in the soil without waterlogging.
Conclusion
The growth phase is one of the most important phases in the life of a cannabis plant. With the right care and preventative measures, you can ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong and are optimally prepared for the flowering phase. Pay attention to balanced nutrients, regularly check for pests, create a stable environment and water your plants correctly to promote optimal growth. This will lay the foundation for a successful harvest.
Source: https://plagron.com/en/hobby/grow-topics/temperature