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Watering your cannabis plant is essential to its growth and health. But how often should you water it? Read on to find out!
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The Importance of Watering
Water is essential for all life, and that includes cannabis plants! Every living thing needs water to survive, and cannabis plants are no different. Without water, your plants will wilt, dry out, and eventually die.
The role of water in photosynthesis
Water is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Plants use water to transport nutrients and minerals from the roots to the leaves, and tocool themselves through transpiration. When a plant doesn’t have enough water, it will wilt and its growth will be stunted.
Cannabis plants are no different – they need water to grow and thrive. But how much water do they need, and how often should you water them?
The amount of water a cannabis plant needs depends on a number of factors, including the size of the plant, the stage of growth, the climate, and the soil type. In general, young plants need more water than mature plants, and plants grown in hot, dry climates need more water than those in cool or humid climates.
As a rule of thumb, you should water your cannabis plants when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re not sure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger in the soil – if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
Over-watering is just as harmful as under-watering – too much water can drown roots and invite pests and diseases. So be sure to let the soil dry out between watering sessions. And when in doubt, err on the side of underwatering – it’s better to have a slightly thirsty plant than a soggy one!
The importance of water in transpiration
Water is vital to the process of transpiration. Transpiration is how a plant cools itself and regulates its water uptake. The water that a plant takes in through its roots is transported to the leaves where it evaporates, cooling the plant in the process.
If a plant does not have enough water, it will wilt and eventually die. When watering your cannabis plants, be sure to give them enough water so that the water can reach the roots. The best way to know if your plant needs water is to check the soil. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant.
How Often to Water Your Cannabis Plant
Depending on a few factors, you may have to water your cannabis plant more or less often. These factors include the size of your plant, the type of soil, the weather, and more. In general, you should water your cannabis plant about once a week.
The frequency of watering
Watering frequency will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your pot, the medium your plant is growing in, the temperature and humidity of your grow space, the stage of growth your plant is in, and whether you are using any additional grow lights.
As a general rule of thumb, small plants in fast-draining soil mix will need to be watered more frequently than large plants in heavy clay soil. Plants in veg stage will also require more water than plants in flower stage. In hot, dry conditions, you may need to water your plants twice a day; in cool, humid conditions, once every few days may be sufficient.
Be sure to check the soil before watering – if it is still moist from the last watering, wait until it has dried out before watering again. Over-watering is just as bad as under-watererring and can lead to problems such as root rot or mold growth. When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
The amount of water to give your plant
The amount of water to give your plant will depend on the type of soil you are using, the size and age of your plant, the weather, and how much light it is getting. A good rule of thumb is to give your plant 1-2 cups of water per day. If you are using a 6-12 inch pot, you should water your plant every 3-5 days. If you are using a 12-24 inch pot, you should water your plant every 5-7 days.
Signs of Over-Watering
Too much water can be just as harmful as too little water. When you water your cannabis plant, make sure to feel the soil before adding water. The soil should be dry to the touch before you water the plant again. If you’re not sure, it’s better to underwater than to overwater.
Yellowing leaves
One of the most common signs of overwatering is yellowing leaves. If you see your leaves turning yellow, it’s time to check your watering schedule. You may be watering too often or not allowing the soil to dry out enough between waterings.
Other signs of overwatering include:
-Leaves that are droopy or wilted
-Soil that is soggy or waterlogged
-Roots that are rotting
-Mold or mildew on the leaves or stem
-A plant that is stunted in growth
Stem and root rot
One of the most common problems when it comes to watering cannabis plants is overwatering. When a plant is overwatered, the roots are unable to get the oxygen they need from the soil, and this can lead to stem and root rot.
The first signs of overwatering are usually yellowing leaves, followed by wilting and drooping. The leaves will eventually turn brown and die if the problem is not corrected. Once stem and root rot set in, it is very difficult to save the plant.
If you think your plant may be overwatered, check the root system. If the roots are white or mushy, this is a sure sign of root rot. You may also notice that the stem is rotting at the base, and this can cause the whole plant to collapse.
If you catch stem and root rot early, you may be able to save your plant by carefully removing it from the pot and allowing it to dry out completely. Be sure to remove all of the dead leaves and roots, and replant in fresh soil with good drainage.
Fungal growth
Fungi, such as powdery mildew, botrytis (aka “gray mold”), and phytophthora, can all indicate that your cannabis plant is being overwatered. These fungi are all opportunistic pathogens that only become a problem when the plant is under stress, typically from too much water.
Signs of Under-Watering
Although cannabis plants are pretty resilient, they can’t survive without water. If you don’t water your plant, it will start to show signs of stress. The first sign of under-watering is usually wilting leaves. If you see your leaves drooping, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
Drooping leaves
One of the most common and noticeable signs of under-watered cannabis plants is drooping leaves. When a cannabis plant doesn’t have enough water, its leaves will begin to droop down (hence the name). This is because the plant is trying to prevent itself from losing too much water through evaporation by closing up its stomata (pores on the leaves).
If you see your plant’s leaves drooping, check the soil moisture with your fingers. If it feels dry 2-3 inches below the surface, it’s time to water. Also, take a look at the leaves themselves. If they are wilted or discolored (usually lime green to yellow), that’s another sign that your plant needs water.
Brown leaves
One of the most common signs of under-watered cannabis plants is leaves that start to turn brown and curl down at the sides. This is called “leaf curling” or “leaf clawing,” and it’s a defensive mechanism that your plant uses to prevent losing too much water through its leaves. When your plant is well-watered, its leaves are plump and full. When it’s not getting enough water, the leaves start to look shrunken and dried out.
Slow growth
One of the most common signs of under-watered cannabis plants is slow growth. If your plant is growing slower than normal, it’s likely due to a lack of water. Cannabis plants need water to grow, so if they’re not getting enough, they won’t grow as quickly as they could be.
Other signs of under-watered cannabis plants include:
-Yellowing leaves
-Drooping leaves
-Wilting leaves
-Leaves that are crispy or brittle
-Fewer new leaves and stems than normal
