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Stop Overwatering Cannabis Plants Now! Find out How to Treat Overwatered Cannabis

Overwatered cannabis is bad but not the worst problem to face as it can definitely be solved.

Overwatering is one of the most prevalent issues faced by cannabis farmers. You are not a lousy grower because you have overwatered cannabis. Overwatering is a common practice among gardeners who are devoted to their plants. Sadly, there are instances when we offer them too much good. You need to know how to water and feed your cannabis plants. Don’t worry; we have got all of your questions addressed right here!

Surprising signs of overwatering

The following are some of the signs of overwatering cannabis plants:

Brown leaf edges

Some growers refer to this ailment as “nutrient burn” (an overabundance of nutrients), but it’s important to remember this only occurs on the tips of leaves, not on the whole surface. A calcium deficit could also be the issue; however, the leaves would show brown areas or burns if that were the case. Spots on the serrated edges of leaves are generally signs of root difficulties or water flow concerns inside a plant. You are probably dealing with an overwatered cannabis plant in such a case.

Yellowing or bleaching

As a result of overwatering, one of many gardening mistakes, plants cannot carry out their usual functions. Because of excessive watering, a cannabis plant, particularly a young one, may begin to turn yellow. Even if the roots have access to nutrients and the correct pH, yellowing might develop.

Overwatered cannabis may also induce signs that resemble light stress, such as yellowing of the leaves near the light. Even though it seems to be light stress (a warning that the grow lamp is too near to the plant), the problem is that the plant cannot transport water and nutrients effectively. As a result of the plant’s inability to keep up with the most active leaves, yellowing occurs. A nutrient deficit or hydration issue may be to blame if you still see yellow top leaves even when maintaining your grow lights at the correct distance.

Nutrient deficiencies

One of the most typical indications of overwatered cannabis when growing at home is the appearance of brown patches (leaf scorch) on the leaves, which is sometimes mistaken for a calcium deficit. The brown patches aren’t the only signs of nutrient deficiency that you may see in the soil.

Overwatering may cause brown stains, scorched scars, and leaf scorch. A calcium shortage, a ph imbalance, or mild stress are frequent explanations for these symptoms.

Cupping or curling

Heat exhaustion-like symptoms might occur at times (tipped edges, curling up or down, etc.). If you’re concerned about overwatering because of the heat, you may not be paying attention to your watering habits. The curled-down top leaves, yellow-curled bottom leaves, and stunted growth are some of the plant problems that indicate that the seedling has moisture issues.

Topsoil issues

Examining the topsoil might help you limit the possibilities for identifying your ill plant. The plant symptoms above and any of the following difficulties with your topsoil might lead you to believe that overwatering is your enemy.

  • Fungus gnats
  • Green algae
  • Constantly moist or flooded soil
  • Topsoil has turned solid
  • Indents or divots where water gets poured heavily

Solution: How to perfectly water plants

These disorders are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Diagnosing issues may be challenging since various causes might cause many symptoms. Nutrient deficiencies, for example, may be caused by a lack of nutrients, but they can also be caused by improper pH, pests, or overwatering, among other things. Because of this, watering practices may be to blame if you are experiencing droopiness and other strange symptoms in your garden. Notably, it can be comfortable growing cannabis at home, but you must address overwatering.

Watering cannabis correctly
Watering cannabis correctly.

If you have cannabis overwatered and want to remedy the problem, you must first pinpoint the source of the problem. The word “overwatering” describes a scenario in which water is abundant at the roots of plants, but little oxygen is present. It is among the common mistakes, especially among new cannabis growers.

The most common causes of overwatering

  • Watering too often
  •  Too much watering at once
  •  Grow medium with poor drainage
  • There are no drainage holes to allow runoff water to pour out the bottom.
  • Allowing the plant to rest in runoff water
  • Poor transpiration (the plant’s inability to properly evaporate water via its leaves) hinders plants from “sucking up” water from their roots, resulting in poor water absorption.

How to properly water plants

This part will go through the best ways to water in various scenarios.

Seedlings

Until plants are at least two weeks old, don’t feed them more than 2-3 cups (500-750ml) of water at a time. The last thing you need is an overwatered cannabis seedling. Typically seedlings need to be watered every 2-3 days. Since plant size, environment, the growing media, and the size/type of pots influence how much water plants consume, every growth is unique. For the first two weeks, most seedlings may survive on 2 cups (500ml) of water every other day. This, however, is only a broad rule of thumb. If the top of the growing medium seems damp, wait an additional day or two to water. The growing medium should be watered more often or in more significant amounts if it appears to be completely dry. Slow water absorption is caused by the roots acting as a straw to draw water from the soil.

Big pot, small plant

Dot the base of the stem with water, then give it a tiny amount at a time. As soon as your plants have grown to a reasonable size, you may begin to water them thoroughly. Seedlings in a large pot should follow the 2-2-2 guideline from above. After that, gradually increase the amount of water you’re providing the plants until you can do so thoroughly. Plants tend to grow the quickest when you find out the correct quantity of water to enable you to water every second day. Ensure you know how to water your plants the right way.

Do you have any doubts about whether or not to water? Pick up the pots!

Grow mediums may seem as weighty as bricks when saturated with water. It becomes virtually feather-light after the soil or coco has been dried. Your plant may be too heavy for its size if you try to lift it, and it seems like a lot of weight (and possibly give less water at a time for now). It’s a sign that you need to water your plants if they feel light when you take them up.

Observe the topsoil

Your lawn may need less water if the topsoil is always damp. In particular, search for fungus gnats, green algae, or cemented divots on the surface where water has been poured excessively. You are now a certified overwatering specialist. You are aware of all the strange signs to watch for while diagnosing your ill plant, and you are also mindful of how to water your plants precisely every time. Likewise, you can also get to know how to rescue overwatered plants if it gets to that.

Janice Bernstein

Janice has been on the cannabis scene for many years now, though she tends to keep to herself and might fly under the radar for many, even those well-versed in cannabis growing. Her writings on different methods of watering cannabis helped bring the use of reverse osmosis water to the forefront of cannabis gardening. About this Author

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