What to Do with a Hermaphrodite Pot Plant
Discovering that your pot plant is a hermaphrodite can be a bit daunting, especially if you are new to growing cannabis. However, the good news is that having a hermaphrodite plant isn’t the end of the world. In this article, we will discuss what to do with a hermaphrodite pot plant and provide you with some tips to help you deal with this situation.
What is a Hermaphrodite Pot Plant?
A hermaphrodite pot plant produces both male and female flowers, which means that it will self-pollinate and produce seeds. If you are growing cannabis for the buds, having a hermaphrodite plant is not ideal because it will produce seeds instead of the desired flower. Additionally, hermaphrodite plants can lower the quality and potency of the buds.
Why Do Plants Become Hermaphrodites?
There are many reasons why cannabis plants can become hermaphrodites. One of the most common causes is stress. Stressful conditions such as temperature fluctuations, light leaks, over or under watering, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive pruning can cause the plant to produce both male and female flowers.
What to Do with a Hermaphrodite Pot Plant?
If you discover that your cannabis plant is a hermaphrodite, there are a few things you can do:
Option 1: Remove the Male Flowers
The first option is to remove the male flowers as soon as you notice them. This will prevent them from pollinating the female flowers and producing seeds.
Option 2: Monitor the Plant Carefully
If you want to try to salvage the plant’s buds, carefully monitor the plant for any signs of male flowers. When you see them, you can remove them manually or with a pair of scissors. However, this option requires constant attention and can be time-consuming.
Option 3: Start Over
If you cannot catch the hermaphrodite plant in time, don’t worry. You can always start over with new seeds or clones. Just make sure to pay attention to the growing conditions to prevent the new plant from becoming a hermaphrodite.
How to Prevent Hermaphrodite Plants?
The best way to prevent cannabis plants from becoming hermaphrodites is to provide them with a stable growing environment. Here are some tips:
Keep the temperature within the recommended range and avoid sudden fluctuations
Use high-quality grow lights and avoid light leaks
Avoid over or under watering and maintain the correct nutrient balance
Avoid excessive pruning or training
Choose high-quality seeds or clones from reputable sources
By following these tips, you can help prevent your cannabis plants from becoming hermaphrodites and ensure you get the best quality buds possible.
Conclusion
Having a hermaphrodite pot plant is not ideal, but it’s not the end of the world either. By monitoring your plants carefully and providing them with a stable growing environment, you can prevent them from becoming hermaphrodites. If you do discover that your plant is a hermaphrodite, you can choose to remove the male flowers, monitor the plant carefully, or start over. With a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your cannabis plants produce the best-quality buds possible.