How to Tell Gender of Pot Plant

Whether you are growing cannabis or any other type of plant, it is important to know the gender of your plants. This can help ensure that you are only growing the plants you want, and it can also help you optimize your yield. Here are some tips for telling the gender of your pot plant:

Look for Pre-Flowers

The easiest way to determine the gender of a pot plant is to look for pre-flowers. These are small structures that develop at the base of the branches. Male pre-flowers look like little balls, while female pre-flowers look like tiny pistils or hairs. These pre-flowers usually appear a few weeks after the plant has been vegetating.

Inspect the Stems

Another way to tell the gender of a pot plant is to inspect the stems. Female plants tend to have thicker, more robust stems than males. They also tend to have more branches and leaves than males. Male plants, on the other hand, tend to have thinner stems and may not have as many branches and leaves.

Look Out for Bananas

If you are growing cannabis, you will want to look out for what is commonly known as a 'banana.' These are small yellow structures that resemble bananas, and they indicate that a female plant is turning hermaphrodite. Hermaphrodite plants have both male and female parts and should be removed as soon as possible to prevent pollination.

Check the Nodes

The nodes are the points where branches and leaves sprout from the stem. If you see a small, green bump at the base of the nodes, this is a sign that the plant is female. If you do not see any green bumps, or if the bumps are brown or yellow, the plant is most likely male.

Do a Smell Test

Female pot plants tend to have a stronger aroma than males. If you have trouble finding pre-flowers or nodes, you can always do a quick smell test. Rub the stem of the plant gently with your fingers and sniff. If you detect a strong odor, this is a sign that the plant is female.

Conclusion

Determining the gender of your pot plant is an important step in the growing process. By knowing the gender, you can optimize your yield, prevent pollination, and ensure that you are growing the plants you want. By using the tips outlined above, you can easily determine whether your plant is male or female.