Yo, what’s good? It’s ya boy Dan and today we’re talking about a topic close to all our hearts – weed. Now, you might think that all types of stress are bad for your marijuana plant, but that ain’t the truth. You can actually introduce some “good” stress during the growth cycle that can make your plants stronger, produce more resin, and a bigger yield. The secret is to expose them to small amounts of stress at the right time.
For example, if you use an oscillating fan in your grow room to provide some forced air circulation, it’ll create some small stresses on the plant’s stem which will make it thicker and stronger. And as we all know, strong stems lead to bigger buds.
But it ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. There’s also “bad” stress that can seriously mess up your plants. If you expose them to negative stress, it’ll affect their yield, make them more susceptible to pests and diseases, and limit their ability to absorb light for photosynthesis. In fact, exposure to too much bad stress could straight up kill your plants.
If you’re new to growing weed, let me tell you now – it’s hard work. The environment you grow your plants in is everything. You gotta get the right humidity levels, air quality, light exposure, and temperature or else you’re gonna end up with sub-par buds. And nobody wants that.
Stress can also lead to “hermaphrodite” plants which have both genders. This can cause some serious issues because they can pollinate themselves and other plants nearby, leading to low-quality buds. So how do you avoid plant stress? Let me give ya five tips.
1. Stick to the Light Schedule
One thing marijuana plants are sensitive to is their light cycle. They need regular exposure to light so they know what season it is. If you alter their light schedule or intensity, it’ll stress them out. Indoor growers need to be especially careful and maintain strict light schedules during the different growth stages. During the vegetative stage, provide 18-24 hours of light and during the flowering stage, switch to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of complete darkness.
2. Water Your Plants Correctly
Overwatering your plants is a common mistake made by new growers. You gotta find the right balance because different plants need different amounts of water depending on their location and soil type. Check the soil regularly for dryness and water slowly until it feels moist but not saturated. Use lukewarm water with a pH between 5.6-5.8 during vegetation and 6-6.2 during flowering.
3. Get the Temperature and Humidity Right
Temperature and humidity are crucial for your plants’ health. If it’s too hot or cold or there’s too much humidity, your plants will get stressed out. You need to be aware of the right temperature and humidity levels during all growth stages. Seedlings need a humidity level of 65-70% and a temperature range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit. During the vegetative stage, lower the humidity level by 5% weekly but keep it between 40% and 70%, with a temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the flowering stage, reduce humidity levels to 40-50% and maintain a temperature range of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Nutrient Balance is Key
The right balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is important for healthy plants. Use a nutrient formula high in nitrogen and potassium during the vegetative stage, and switch to one with high phosphorus, high potassium, and low nitrogen during the flowering stage.
5. Soil pH Matters
The pH level of your soil determines how acidic or alkaline it is. Cannabis plants need soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Check the pH of your soil and nutrient solutions regularly.
In conclusion, avoid extremes in your growing environment and always monitor your plants for signs of stress. With the right care and attention, you’ll be able to grow some dank buds that’ll make you the envy of all your friends. Peace out.