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How long does a cannabis plant live? It depends on the strain, growing conditions, and how it’s cared for. Here’s a look at the average lifespan of a cannabis plant.
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The Different Stages of a Cannabis Plant
A cannabis plant can live for anywhere between 3 to 7 years, with most strains falling somewhere in the middle. Within that time, your plant will go through a few different stages of life. These stages are vegetative, flowering, seed production, and finally, death.
The Germination Stage
The germination stage is the first stage of a cannabis plant’s life cycle. It begins when a seed starts to sprout and a small root begins to grow. The germination stage can last for several days, but once the root becomes visible, the plant is considered to be in the seedling stage.
During the germination stage, it’s important to keep your cannabis seeds warm and moist. You can do this by planting them in soil or using a grow kit that comes with a humidity dome. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can move them to a location that receives indirect sunlight.
It’s also important to water your cannabis plants during the germination stage. You should water them when the soil feels dry to the touch. If you water your plants too much, you run the risk of overwatering them, which can stunt their growth or even kill them.
The Vegetative Stage
After a cannabis plant has sprouted from a seed, it will enter the vegetative stage. This is when the plant will start to grow its leaves and branches, and will begin to develop its root system. The vegetative stage can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, depending on the strain of cannabis and the growing conditions. Once the plant has reached its full size, it will enter the flowering stage.
The Flowering Stage
When a cannabis plant enters the flowering stage, it is preparing to produce flowers (or “buds”). This is the final stage of the plant’s life cycle, and it usually lasts for 6-8 weeks. During this time, the plant will produce more flowers than at any other time in its life.
The flowering stage begins when the plant detects that the days are getting shorter. This usually happens in late summer or early autumn. In response to the shorter days, the plant will start to produce flowers. The flowers are reproductive parts of the plant, and they contain the seeds that will be used to grow new plants.
Once the plant has started to flower, it will stop growing taller and will focus all its energies on producing buds. The buds will get bigger and bigger as they mature, and they will eventually start to turn from white to brown or red. This color change is caused by a pigment called anthocyanin, which is produced by the plants during flowering.
As the buds mature, they will also start to produce THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it is what gets you “high” when you smoke or consume marijuana. The amount of THC in a bud can vary widely depending on the strain of cannabis that was grown, but it typically ranges from 1-20%.
When the buds are fully mature, they will be covered in trichomes. Trichomes are tiny crystals that contain THC and other compounds that are beneficial to human health (such as CBD). The trichomes make the buds look frosty, and they give them a sticky texture.
At this point, the buds can be harvested and consuming. How you consume them is up to you! They can be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or brewed into tea.
The Harvesting Stage
Once your cannabis plants have flowered and reached full maturity, it’s time to harvest them. Depending on the strain, this can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the pistils (hairs) on the buds start to turn from white to red, brown, or purple.
When harvesting, it’s important to be as gentle as possible so as not to damage the buds. Cut the main stem with a sharp knife or shears, then trim off any large fan leaves. Smaller sugar leaves can be left on – these will be trimmed off later when you’re manicuring the buds. Once you have your trimmed branches, hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place to cure for 7-10 days.
The Life Expectancy of a Cannabis Plant
The average life expectancy of a cannabis plant is around three to six years. However, some cannabis plants have been known to live for up to 10 years. The plant’s life expectancy is determined by a number of factors, including the strain of the plant, the growing conditions, and the amount of care the plant receives.
Indoor Plants
The average life expectancy of a cannabis plant grown indoors is between 3 and 6 months. Cannabis plants grown outdoors have a shorter lifespan, typically living for only 2 to 3 months. However, some strains of cannabis have been specifically bred to be more resilient and have a longer lifespan. These strains can live for up to 9 months when grown indoors, and up to 5 months when grown outdoors.
Outdoor Plants
Outdoor plants typically have a shorter life expectancy than indoor plants. They are more susceptible to pests and diseases, and they can be damaged by extreme weather conditions. However, with proper care, outdoor plants can live for several years.
In general, cannabis plants grown outdoors have a life expectancy of 2-5 years. However, some plants have been known to live for 10 years or more.
Factors That Affect the Life Expectancy of a Cannabis Plant
The average cannabis plant has a life expectancy of 3-5 months. However, there are several factors that can affect a plant’s life expectancy. These include the type of plant, the growing conditions, and the amount of care the plant receives. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
The Type of Cannabis Plant
It’s a common question with a complicated answer – how long does a cannabis plant live? The truth is, it depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cannabis plant. In general, cannabis plants can be divided into two categories – annuals and perennials. Annuals complete their lifecycle in one growing season, while perennials can live for several years.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of plant. Annuals typically produce more buds, so they are often grown for commercial purposes. Perennials tend to be hardier and less susceptible to pests and diseases, making them a good choice for home growers. However, perennials can take longer to mature and may not produce as many buds as annuals.
The type of cannabis plant you choose will ultimately depend on your growing goals. If you want a quick harvest with a large yield, an annual might be the best choice. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will last for years, a perennial might be the way to go.
The Growing Conditions
There are many different factors that can affect the life expectancy of a cannabis plant. The most important factor is the growing conditions. Cannabis plants can live for decades if they are grown in the right conditions. However, if they are grown in poor conditions, they will only live for a few months or years.
The biggest determining factor in the life expectancy of a cannabis plant is the amount of light it receives. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow and thrive. If a plant does not receive enough light, it will eventually die. The best way to ensure that your plant receives enough light is to grow it outdoors in an area with plenty of sunlight.
Another important factor in the life expectancy of a cannabis plant is the temperature. Cannabis plants need to be grown in warm temperatures in order to thrive. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will not be able to grow properly and will eventually die. The best way to keep your plant warm is to grow it indoors in an area that is well-ventilated and has a consistent temperature.
The final factor that can affect the life expectancy of a cannabis plant is the amount of water it receives. Cannabis plants need to be watered regularly in order to survive. If a plant does not receive enough water, it will eventually die. The best way to ensure that your plant receives enough water is to grow it in an area with plenty of rainfall or irrigation.
The Care and Maintenance
While most cannabis plants will live for at least two years with proper care, some varieties may only last for one year. The life expectancy of a cannabis plant is determined by many factors, including the type of strain, the growing conditions, and the care and maintenance given by the grower.
In general, sativa strains have a longer life expectancy than indica strains. This is because sativas are typically hardier and more resistant to pests and disease. Indicas, on the other hand, are typically shorter and more fragile. As a result, they require more careful attention and may not last as long as their sativa counterparts.
The growing conditions also play a role in determining the life expectancy of a cannabis plant. Plants that are grown indoors under artificial light are typically shorter-lived than those grown outdoors in natural sunlight. This is because indoor growing conditions can be more stressful for plants, causing them to age faster. Outdoor plants, on the other hand, tend to be hardier and can often last for several years with proper care.
Finally, the care and maintenance given by the grower will also affect the life expectancy of a cannabis plant. Plants that are well-nourished and kept free from stressors (such as excessive heat or cold) will typically live longer than those that are neglected or not given proper care. In addition, regular pruning and pruning can help extend the life of a cannabis plant by encouraging new growth and preventing premature aging.
