For all expert growers, a quick glance at the marijuana leaf is enough to recognize the type of cannabis (indica or sativa), the wholesomeness of the plant and any common nutritional deficiencies.
Nutrient deficiencies in cannabis if detected and diagnosed early, can be compensated for easily and will not ruin the crop. Conversely, if a lack of marijuana is neglected, it can compromise the harvest, even killing the plant.
Any imbalance, therefore both deficiencies and excesses of nutrients are very disabling for healthy and luxuriant development of plants.
All the information indicated by a weed leaf can be fundamental for recognizing the nutritional needs of your plant. These signals will allow us to intervene effectively without overruling the result of the cultivation.
In growing plants indoors and outdoors in general, the balance of nutrients is of paramount importance if you want to be successful with healthy and vigorous plants.
Often through the leaves and of marijuana , it is possible to identify a series of imbalances or deficiencies caused by a lack or poor absorption of nutrients.
Identify the cannabis deficiency by leaves
To detect any imbalances, it is essential first of all to know how the cannabis leaf is made .
We begin our guide by illustrating the chromatic and morphological peculiarities that identify the difference between the marijuana leaf of the two indica and sativa species. The leaves and hemp of these two different kinds of plants differ in color, shape and appearance.
- Cannabis indica leaf:
The cannabis indica leaf is made up of 7 spikes, tending to take on a large shape with short stems and has a very intense dark green color.
The high green pigmentation which is due to the high concentration of chlorophyll makes these plants ideal for cultivation in the mountains where the sun's energy is greater.
- Sativa cannabis leaf:
A different matter applies to the sativa cannabis leaf which can have up to 13 points with a thinner and narrower shape and size.
Furthermore, they differ from the leaves of the indica by the presence of marked lateral serrations and a color with a light green tone. The lighter pigmentation of the sativa leaf is due to a lower concentration of chlorophyll.
What are the frequent causes of cannabis nutrients deficiency
In this regard, the pH of the water and the earth plays a fundamental role in controlling cannabis deficiencies, since it effectively regulates the absorption of macro and micro nutrients.
Very often growers, judging the color of the marijuana leaves, intervene by making up for a lack of nutrients with massive doses of them.
However, it almost always occurs that the imbalance is not caused by a lack, but by an imbalance of ph. If the Ph level exceeds 7.5 or falls below 5, most of the macro and micro elements are not absorbed by the plant.
Fortunately, plants show clear signs before this happens. Intervening peremptorily when these signals appear is the result of the sensitivity of each grower and the best way to quickly recover from compromised situations.
Always check the pH values of the nutrient solution and of the substrate used, whether it be earth, coconut or hydroponic crops. The tables below from GSI hope to help you understand and address the various issues of marijuana excesses or deficiencies.
There is a line of self-regulating ph fertilizers on the market, with the ph perfect formula from Advanced Nutrients .
Read our article: PH Tools and importance in cannabis cultivation
How to identify the cannabis overfertilization
The leaves of plants, through their surface, perform the function of absorbing the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. With this process they transform sunlight into energy useful for their maintenance.
Having the right knowledge and observing a marijuana leaf we will be able to determine its state of health, recognize any imbalances, excesses, climatic adversities and nutrient deficiencies.
For example, when you notice some spots or the entire yellow marijuana leaf , the deficiencies could be due to little nitrogen if the spot tends to widen over time, while if the spots remain more limited it is likely a lack of phosphorus.
On the other hand, calcium deficiencies always manifest themselves with light brown, circumscribed spots, on the contrary, magnesium deficiencies manifest themselves with small dark brown spots that subsequently spread over the entire cannabis leaf .
Furthermore, the cannabis leaf can also indicate a state of "over-fert", that is the result of an incorrect or exaggerated administration of fertilizers
There are many types of deficiencies that appear on the marijuana leaf, consult the table below to locate the cause:
Cannabis deficiency
Understanding the signs of cannabis deficiency in your plants is crucial for maintaining a thriving garden. A cannabis deficiency can manifest through various symptoms, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and reduced bud development. Identifying the specific nutrient lacking in your plants is key to addressing the issue effectively. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the nutrient levels in your soil or hydroponic setup can help prevent cannabis deficiency and promote vigorous plant growth. To ensure your cannabis plants reach their full potential, keep a close eye on their overall health and provide them with the proper nutrients they need to flourish.
Grow Shop Italia suggests: to avoid excesses or deficiencies of cannabis, always consult the 2 tables: ph absorption and fertilizer dosages . Checking the Ph of the water not only for irrigation, but above all for the drainage that comes out of the pots, helps to better understand the situation of the clod of earth.
