Cannabis plants, like all plants, can suffer from various nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can significantly impact your plants' growth and health. In this article, you'll learn about the most common deficiencies in cannabis and how to effectively correct them.
1. Nitrogen deficiency
Symptoms:
- Yellow leaves : The lower leaves turn yellow and die.
- Weak growth : The plant grows slower and remains smaller.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to compensate for the deficiency. Organic options such as compost or worm castings are particularly effective.
- Application : Add the fertilizer during the growing season to promote vegetative growth.
2. Phosphorus deficiency
Symptoms:
- Dark green or purple discoloration : The leaves, especially the lower ones, may turn dark green or purple.
- Weak root growth : The roots develop poorly, which makes the plant vulnerable.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Bone meal is an excellent organic source of phosphorus.
- Application : Especially important during the flowering phase to support flower development.
3. Potassium deficiency
Symptoms:
- Yellow edges : The leaf edges turn yellow and brown and die.
- Spots on the leaves : Brown spots may appear on the leaves.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Use a potassium-rich fertilizer. Potassium carbonate or untreated wood ash are good organic sources.
- Use : Particularly useful during the flowering phase to improve the quality of the flowers.
4. Calcium deficiency
Symptoms:
- Crippled leaves : The new leaves are often crippled and deformed.
- Weak stems : The stems are weak and break easily.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Add calcium via limestone flour or dolomite lime.
- Application : Apply regularly to stabilize soil pH and improve calcium absorption.
5. Magnesium deficiency
Symptoms:
- Yellow leaves with green veins : The leaves turn yellow between the veins, while the veins remain green.
- Leaf drop : The affected leaves fall off prematurely.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Magnesium-containing fertilizers such as Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) are ideal.
- Application : Dissolve Epsom salt in water and apply as a foliar spray or via irrigation water.
6. Iron deficiency
Symptoms:
- Yellow new leaves : The young leaves turn yellow while the older leaves remain green.
- Growth arrest : The plant shows stopped growth.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Use iron-rich fertilizers. Iron chelate is a commonly used solution.
- Application : Mix the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it regularly.
7. Zinc deficiency
Symptoms:
- Small, deformed leaves : The leaves are smaller than normal and often distorted.
- Internode shortening : The distance between the nodes (leaf nodes) shortens.
Solution:
- Fertilization : Zinc-containing fertilizers such as zinc sulfate are suitable.
- Application : Use in low concentration to correct the deficiency.
Conclusion
Identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies in cannabis plants is crucial for a healthy harvest. Pay attention to your plants' symptoms and react quickly to correct deficiencies. Use organic or mineral fertilizers according to your plants' needs. With proper care and attention, you'll be able to grow strong and healthy cannabis plants. Good luck and a bountiful harvest!
