Introduction
Pot plants, also known as cannabis, are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. While both male and female plants have their unique features, many growers often overlook the importance of identifying which plant is which. Therefore, it is crucial for every grower to understand how to tell the difference between the two to ensure a successful yield. In this article, we will discuss how to differentiate male and female pot plants.
Male Pot Plants
Male pot plants are generally less desirable than females, as they do not produce buds. Instead, they produce pollen sacs that ultimately pollinate female plants. Male plants typically grow faster than their female counterparts and have fewer branches. These plants also have a thicker stem and reach a height of fewer than five feet. The leaves on male plants are lighter in color and have fewer blades. Finally, male plants do not produce any resin or trichomes, whereas female plants do.
Female Pot Plants
On the other hand, female pot plants are highly desirable. They are the plants that produce the buds that are commonly associated with cannabis. Female plants grow slower than males, are bushier, and have more branches. They also have a thinner stem that can reach a height of up to ten feet. The leaves on female plants are darker than males and have more blades. Additionally, female plants produce trichomes, which are the small, sticky, resinous hairs on the buds that contain the essential oils responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects.
Identifying Male Vs Female Plants
It's easy to identify the sex of pot plants once they reach their maturity stage, which is about six weeks after planting. The pre-flower stage is when the plants reveal their sex, with the female plants showing a small bulge known as a calyx with long, white pistils emerging from it. These pistils become the buds of a female plant. In contrast, male plants have small round balls that grow on the stem, which subsequently grow into cluster-like pollen sacs. These pollen sacs ultimately produce the pollen required to fertilize female plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying the sex of pot plants is an essential factor for a successful yield. Male plants are typically less desirable as they do not produce buds and can ruin the yield of female plants if left unattended. Therefore, it is essential always to identify them and remove them from your crop. Now that you have read this article, you are well-equipped to differentiate between male and female plants and achieve a successful yield.