How Much Water to Give Marijuana Plants
Watering marijuana plants is an important aspect of cannabis cultivation, but it can be a bit tricky for beginners to know exactly how much water to give their plants. Overwatering or underwatering can harm the marijuana plants and affect their growth and yield. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how much water is necessary for your marijuana plants to thrive. This article will guide you on how much water to give marijuana plants.
Factors that Affect How Much Water to Give Marijuana Plants
Before diving into the amount of water needed, it's essential to understand the various factors that influence the watering needs of the marijuana plants. These factors include:
Stage of growth: The amount of water needed by marijuana plants varies according to their growth stage. During the vegetative stage, the plants require more water than the flowering stage.
Type of soil: The type of soil you use can affect how much water is needed. Different soils have different water retention abilities.
Pot size: Plants in small pots tend to dry out faster, thus needing more frequent watering.
Humidity: High humidity levels can affect how much water your plants need as they transpire less during such conditions.
Temperature: Temperature affects how much water cannabis plants use through transpiration. Higher temperatures increase transpiration rates and thus the need for water.
How to Determine When to Water
A common mistake that beginners make is watering their cannabis plants based on a fixed schedule rather than the plant's actual needs. However, paying attention to your plant's cues is an excellent way to determine when to water. Here are some signs to look out for:
Dry soil: If the top inch of soil in your pot is dry to the touch or the container feels significantly lighter, it's time for watering.
Leaf droop: Leaves that appear wilted or droopy, especially during peak flowering, indicate that the plant needs more water.
Yellow leaves: Yellowing leaves that drop prematurely could indicate overwatering or underwatering.
Fungal growth: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so if you start seeing molds, mildew, or algae on your soil or plants, it could mean the soil is overly wet, and you need to reduce water.
How Much Water to Give Marijuana Plants Based on Stage of Growth
The amount of water needed varies depending on the growth stage of the plant. Here is a breakdown of how much water to give during each stage:
Seedling stage: At this stage, cannabis plants need very little water, usually around 2-3 tablespoons per watering session. Water lightly in a ring around the base of the plant
Vegetative stage: During this stage, the plant needs more water than in the seedling stage. Water the plants around once every two to three days with up to 1.5 liters per water session per pot.
Flowering stage: At this stage, most of the plant's growth is complete, and the focus shifts to flowering. The water needs of the plant decrease, and you should water once every five to seven days. Water with around 1.5 liters per water session per pot.
Final Words
Watering is a crucial part of cannabis cultivation, and proper watering techniques can significantly impact the plant's growth and yield. It is crucial to understand that the watering needs of your marijuana plants change depending on several factors. It's best to give your plants just enough water to stay healthy, so pay attention to the cues your plants give you, and avoid the common mistake of overwatering. With the right amount of water, your marijuana plants will grow healthy and produce a bountiful yield.