Will cuttings from a hermie pot plant be a hermie?

When growing marijuana, it is not uncommon to come across a hermaphrodite or hermie plant. A hermie plant is one that has both male and female reproductive organs, and it can self-pollinate, leading to reduced potency and yield. This raises an important question for growers who want to take cuttings from their hermie plant – will the cuttings also turn into hermies?

Understanding hermaphroditism in marijuana plants

Hermaphroditism in marijuana plants can occur naturally, but it is often triggered by stress factors such as light leaks, nutrient deficiencies, and temperature fluctuations. When a female marijuana plant is stressed, it may start producing male flowers known as pollen sacs as a survival mechanism to ensure reproduction.

However, hermie plants are not ideal for cannabis cultivation as they produce seeds and low-potency buds that can negatively impact the yield and quality of the harvest. In addition, hermie plants should be removed from the grow room to prevent accidental pollination of nearby female plants.

Factors that influence the hermie tendency of cuttings

The tendency of cuttings to turn into hermie plants largely depends on the genetics of the mother plant. If the mother plant was a hermie, then the cuttings will likely inherit the same tendencies. On the other hand, if the mother plant was stable and did not show any hermie tendencies, then the cuttings are less likely to become hermies.

Other factors that can influence the hermie tendency of cuttings include the growing conditions and stress factors. If the cuttings are taken from a stressed hermie plant, the chances of them becoming hermies are high. However, if the cuttings are taken from a stable plant under optimal growing conditions, the chances of them turning into hermies are low.

Preventing hermaphroditism in marijuana plants

The best way to prevent hermaphroditism in marijuana plants is to avoid stress factors and provide optimal growing conditions. This includes providing a stable light cycle, avoiding light leaks, using high-quality nutrients, maintaining proper humidity and temperature levels, and avoiding overfeeding or underfeeding the plants.

Another effective way to prevent hermie plants is to regularly inspect the plants for signs of stress or hermaphroditism. This includes looking for male flowers, nanners (single male flowers on female plants), and irregular growth patterns. Any plant showing signs of stress or hermaphroditism should be removed from the grow room immediately.

Conclusion

While the tendency of cuttings from a hermie plant to become hermies largely depends on the genetics of the mother plant and growing conditions, it is best to avoid taking cuttings from hermie plants altogether. Instead, it is recommended to take cuttings from stable female plants that exhibit no signs of stress or hermaphroditism to ensure a successful and high-quality harvest.

By providing optimal growing conditions and regularly inspecting the plants for signs of stress, growers can prevent the occurrence of hermie plants and maximize their yield and potency.