How to recognise and remedy nutrient deficiencies in cannabis plants
Inhaltsverzeichnis: How to recognise and remedy nutrient deficiencies in cannabis plants
- How to recognise a nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
- Common nutrient deficiencies in cannabis plants and their symptoms
- Prevent cannabis nutrient deficiency with the right care
- How to remedy a nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
- Conclusion on the topic of nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
How to recognise a nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
Cannabis needs a balanced supply of nutrients in order to grow vigorously and produce a rich harvest. But even experienced Grower can be confronted with yellow leaves, brown spots or weak stems. The cause is often a lack of nutrients, which inhibits growth and makes the plant susceptible to disease. If you recognise the symptoms early, you can react quickly and avoid major damage.
A clear sign of problems is the discolouration of the leaves. While healthy plants show a rich green colour, yellow, brown or red discoloured leaves often indicate a deficiency. Slow development, limp leaves or a thin stem also indicate that something is wrong. To find out which nutrient is missing, it is worth taking a closer look at the leaf symptoms.
Common nutrient deficiencies in cannabis plants and their symptoms
Cannabis can only grow healthily if it receives all the important nutrients. If one of these is missing, the plant quickly shows clear symptoms. To help you recognise and remedy the deficiency immediately, here is an overview of the most common deficiencies and their solutions.
| Nährstoffmangel | Symptome | Lösung |
|---|---|---|
| Stickstoffmangel | Older leaves turn yellow, slow growth, weak plant | Use nitrogen-containing fertiliser, e.g. organic compost or special growth fertiliser |
| Calciummangel | Brown spots on leaves, twisted leaf shape, weak stems | Check and adjust the pH value, compensate for calcium deficiency with dolomite lime or a special calcium booster |
| Magnesiummangel | Yellow leaves with green veins, leaves die from bottom to top | Add Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) to the irrigation water or use special magnesium fertiliser |
| Kaliummangel | Brown, dry leaf tips, weak growth, loose flower structure | Use potassium-rich fertilisers such as wood ash or kelp extract |
| Eisenmangel | Young leaves turn a pale yellow colour, growth slows | Add iron chelates to the irrigation water or improve soil quality |
Most defects are caused by an incorrect pH-Wert which blocks the absorption of nutrients. It is therefore worth measuring the pH value of the water and soil regularly. An optimum value is between 5.8 and 6.5 depending on the cultivation method.
The next section is about how you can prevent nutrient deficiencies so that your plants don't get stressed in the first place.
Prevent cannabis nutrient deficiency with the right care
There are a few simple basic rules to ensure that your plants don't suffer from a deficiency in the first place. Paying attention to a good nutrient supply right from the start will save you stress later on and save the harvest. Here are the most important measures to prevent nutrient deficiencies in Cannabis plants to avoid:
-
Fertilise cannabis properly for healthy growth
Use a high-quality fertiliser that contains all the important macro and micronutrients. Too few nutrients slow down growth, but too much fertiliser can lead to over-fertilisation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the dosage to the plant stage. -
Adjust cannabis pH value for optimal nutrient absorption
An incorrect pH value blocks the absorption of nutrients, even if they are present in the soil. The ideal pH value for cultivation in soil is between 6.0 and 6.5 for hydroponics between 5.5 and 6.0 . Measure the pH value regularly and use pH-Up or pH-Down to adjust it. -
Organic vs. mineral fertilisers for cannabis plants
Organic fertilisers such as compost or worm humus ensure a Slow and sustainable nutrient supply . Mineral fertilisers work schneller but carry the risk of over-fertilisation. A combination of both can ensure balanced growth. -
Improve soil quality for a healthy nutrient supply
Loose, well-aerated soil promotes root health and makes it easier to absorb nutrients. Mix perlite or coconut fibres into the soil to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. -
Check leaves regularly for the first signs of defects
Early detection saves time and prevents major damage. Check the leaves regularly for discolouration or spots. Healthy plants show a strong, lush green colour and have no limp or curled leaves.
If you pay attention to these points, your plants will stay healthy and strong. If deficiency symptoms do occur, you can counteract them with the right treatment. In the next section, you will find out how you can specifically remedy an existing nutrient deficiency.
How to remedy a nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
If a nutrient deficiency occurs, quick action is required. Firstly, the pH value should be checked, as an incorrect balance can block nutrient uptake. If the value is outside the optimum range, an adjustment with pH up or pH down will help to ensure that the Pflanze can get the nutrients it needs again.
If the pH value is OK, the missing nutrient should be added in a targeted manner. If there is a nitrogen deficiency, growth-promoting fertilisers with a higher nitrogen content can help. If calcium is lacking, special calcium boosters or dolomite lime are a good choice. Magnesium deficiency can be compensated for with Epsom salt or fertilisers containing magnesium. Potassium deficiency can be remedied with potassium-rich additives such as wood ash or special flower fertilisers. Iron deficiency can be treated with iron chelate or organic supplements.
In addition to the direct application of nutrients, it is important not to overload the plant. A sudden over-fertilisation can cause more damage than the original deficiency. The dosage should therefore be increased slowly and the plant's reaction observed. It is also helpful to adjust the watering behaviour. Too much water can flush nutrients out of the soil, while too little water makes absorption more difficult.
It takes a few days after treatment for the first improvements to appear. New leaves should grow back healthy, while the old leaves do not always fully recover. The decisive factor is that the deficiency has been stopped and the plant continues to grow healthily. A special case follows in the next section: Nutrient deficiency in cannabis bonsai plants.
Conclusion on the topic of nutrient deficiency in cannabis plants
A nutrient deficiency can severely impair the growth of cannabis, but can be avoided with the right care. If you regularly check the pH value, use high-quality fertiliser and keep an eye on the leaves, you can detect deficiencies at an early stage and take countermeasures.
However, if symptoms such as yellow leaves, brown spots or weak stems occur, the pH value should be checked first. The missing nutrient can then be supplemented in a targeted manner without overloading the plant. Deficiencies can be quickly compensated for with organic or mineral fertilisers, although over-fertilisation should be avoided at all costs.
Healthy plants need a balanced supply of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. Paying attention to these basics will ensure vigorous growth, resilient plants and a high-yield harvest.
