If you have been growing marijuana for a long time, you must know that anything could go wrong anytime. A marijuana plant is extra sensitive, and each growth stage has different needs. One mistake could change the course of the growing schedule. Thus, it is essential to make sure your marijuana plants stay healthy.
Perhaps, the most common marijuana problem is cannabis leaf problems. The telltale of an unhealthy marijuana plant starts at the visual of its leaves. Once the leaves turn anything but lush and green, you know something must be amiss. Novice growers may find themselves panicking, thinking of damage control. But the good thing amidst the crisis is the idea that in every cannabis leaf problem is a possible solution.
Before you Diagnose and Treat
The solution to resolving cannabis leaf problems is getting an accurate diagnosis. Comprehending the different hazards that could damage the cannabis leaves would provide an advantage. This way, you will able to distinguish the initial symptoms and arrange the most suitable solution for them.
There might be several cannabis leaf problems, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. Your plants won’t get all of them unless you are doing something hurtful for them. It is most beneficial to be aware of the most reliable way to take care of your plant first. Help yourself with a couple of growing guides. Once you know it, it’s simpler to see where you lack and need to improve.
Know the most common cannabis leaf problems, how to diagnose, and treat them for them to regain strength and be healthy again.
Diagnose and Treat Cannabis Leaf Problems
You might have followed some marijuana grow book and made sure everything went well for your marijuana plants, but then you noticed some discoloration, and before you know it, your leaves are already dying. Before this happens, observe and check your plants regularly. Once you noticed some changes, here’s everything you need to know about cannabis leaf problems.
A healthy plant usually has a vertical growth, with green and healthy-looking leaves. Once those leaves turn to a different color, the following problems may occur.
Leaves with Yellow Tips
You may notice your plants looking healthy, but then the tips on some leaves gradually turn yellow. It may be because of nutrient burn. It usually occurs when you give your plants a nutrient mix that is too strong, or you’ve been giving is too much and too often.
Once the leaves experience a nutrient burn, the tip starts to turn yellow until it turns to brown and crisp, looking for a burned lead. There are two possible outcomes if you won’t stop the nutrient burn. First, more leaves will fall, reducing the yield, and second, the harvested buds may have a chemical taste and would be unpleasant.
To treat your yellow tips, avoid giving your plant any nutrients for a week or two. It will give the plant enough time to flush the excess nutrient consumed. Follow the prescribed amount of nutrients for your plant in order not to feed them too much. Make sure that the set of nutrients you give are designed for marijuana plants as well.
Yellow leaves Curling up
Now, another cannabis leaf problem is when the leaves turn yellow, with spots of brown. The leaves then started curling up or pointing upward. The light burn may likely be the reason for this. Remember that marijuana can only take so much light, so there’s no need to overdo it. The higher the amount of light the plant gets, the more the leaves will turn yellow.
There are two possible reasons for the light burn; first, the light is too close, and second, the light intensity is too strong for the plant to take. That’s why it’s better to set a lighting system where you can easily adjust the light. Move the light further away from the top of the plant, and reduce the intensity of the light. After doing this, observe any changes to the leaves.
Brown Spots All Over the Leaves
When you find brown spots all over your marijuana leaves, they might be experiencing calcium deficiency. Calcium will help the plants provide a better growth structure and protect themselves against the stress of warm temperatures. First, the upper leaves will show brown spots, while the lower ones may twist or curl. Aside from a brownish color, the spots may have a copper or yellow shade. However, if your plant turns yellow, but the center veins still green, it must be experiencing an iron deficiency.
To save your plant, you must check the pH level of the soil. The pH level of your soil must range between 6.2 up to 6.5 pH. If the soil doesn’t reach those levels, water your plants with clean water to correct the pH level. Then, give your plants nutrient-filled fertilizer or supplements full of magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Blue-Green or Brown Blotches on Leaves
You will find blue-green or brown blotches on your marijuana leaves when the plant needs phosphorus. This nutrient is essential to help the root and stem grow strong and healthy, especially during the flowering stage. You may find these discolored blotches on the lower and older leaves.
To solve this, flush the plants with a mixture of clean water and a dose of marijuana nutrients, including phosphorus. A fertilizer with an added amount of phosphorus dissolved in water may work just as fine as well.
Dropping Leaves
One of the cannabis leaf problems is when you see your marijuana leaves dropping appearing tired and sad, which might be the result of overwatering. The leaves are curled down and would look lifeless. It would be because you water too much or too often. Your marijuana plants will need water, but it will also tell you when it needs water.
The trick is to always look at the topsoil. If the topsoil is still wet, avoid watering your pants again. Once they dry, provide them the regular amount of water they need. Continue the same process until harvest.
Nutrients Deficient
Your plants have cannabis leaf problems when your leaves lack the nutrients they need. They will change their colors to indicate the problems. The common signs are easy to spot.
You will get yellow leaves on the lower part of the plant during the vegetative or early flowering stage if your plant lacks nitrogen. If it does, the plant will cease to grow, which later will affect the harvest. The best solution is to give water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer that will target the roots and absorb the added nutrients quickly. Once it happens, the leaves will turn back to green.
Now, if your plants are smaller or a bit thinner than what you are used to, then your plant probably lacks zinc. Zinc helps the plant survive in colder temperatures. It breaks down carbohydrates to sugar for photosynthesis. Solve this problem by making sure the soil has the correct pH level. It mostly ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Avoid using filtered water as well. Tap water will do fine since they are full of zinc.
Conclusion
The only good thing about cannabis leaf problems is that it’s easier to find out because it shows right away. Once you see sudden changes on the leaves, you know something is wrong with the plants. And once you find the correct diagnosis, it is even easier to find the proper treatment. It’s to get the treatment now that the market is full of products and helpful tools to help you grow your marijuana plants and leaves healthy. There’s no need to panic over cannabis leaf problems. When it’s easier for you to recognize the problems, you will have more fun taking good care of your plants. Though marijuana plants are sensitive, they are also resilient, which means they can recover and defeat any problems if you treat them with the proper solution.