DrCannaCanadian: MarsHydro & Seedsman, Soil & Coco, 2020

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Iron Deficiency In Cannabis Plants ​

This is the cannabis E.R. and you might be reading this to save a marijuana crop. Time is of the essence. An Iron deficiency is an issue that can be easily missed, even by pro growers. Keep reading for the simple solution.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Accurate diagnosis is always step one when things start to go wrong in the cannabis garden. As soon as marijuana plants begin to display warning signs and look unhealthy, you must react fast. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is difficult to readily identify. That being said, we can tell you with confidence that yellow leaves will probably be the first indication a problem has already developed.

Iron deficiency is often misdiagnosed, routinely confused with calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Looking for yellow leaves is not enough; the grower must carefully inspect unhealthy cannabis plants. Literally from top to bottom. Precision is required to treat effectively.

Iron deficiency will be visible in the upper parts of the plant. Targeting the newest, freshest growth. In contrast, magnesium deficiency is often associated with leaves yellowing in the lower to middle portions of the plant.

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WHO’S MOST AT RISK?

The substrate that is most vulnerable is definitely coco coir. However, iron deficiencies can sometimes occur in hydroponic grows and rarely in soil too. Coco growers need to be on the lookout and remember not to confuse the yellow leaf symptoms for a Ca/Mg problem.

Overwatered roots in any medium, especially hydro setups, can lead to an iron deficiency. In fact, although iron deficiency is most obvious in new leaf growth, it really is a root zone issue. Cheap, low-grade soil with pH levels way above 6.0 can cause an iron deficiency and all kinds of additional nutrient lockout.

Moreover, iron is vital to enzyme function and chlorophyll production. Without it, plants will lose vigour and deteriorate. It may be a micronutrient, but it is absolutely essential to cannabis cultivation.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: FLUSH AND DIAL IT IN NEXT TIME

Flushing with pure 6.0pH water is a good start, regardless of the medium. Following this up in the next watering with a perfectly dialled-in (hydro-5.5pH and up to 6.5pH for soil) solution of nutes is usually just what the doctor ordered. If symptoms persist and you’re 100% certain pH is optimal, then add a specific micronutrient supplement with trace levels of iron to future feeds.

FLUSH AND UPGRADE NUTRIENTS

Again, a cleansing flush is the beginning of the treatment program. Too much fertiliser is often the cause of nutrient lockout. Flushing should remove nutrient salt build-up. Often, coco nutrient lines are lacking in iron and a deficiency is inevitable unless you upgrade to cannabis-specific nutrients.

Making the switch can be costly, but so is supplementing cheaper fertilisers and/or substrates. These are probably more expensive in the long run and really only provide a temporary patch. Upgrading nutrients is a permanent solution and the best way to prevent recurrence of iron deficiency.

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PRUNE AND PRAY

An iron deficiency is often described as an immobile deficiency. In ordinary, decent grower terms, that means it doesn’t spread easily from the top down. Therefore, pruning affected growing tips is a viable option during vegetative growth. You could prune and pray, but we would rather you solve the iron deficiency. Prune to control height and encourage multiple tops while you thoroughly examine pH levels and nutrient doses to resolve the issue.

TIPS TO AVOID IRON DEFICIENCY

Investing in high-quality cultivation substrates and cannabis-specific nutrients is the way to avoid most of the common micronutrient deficiencies and grow headaches. Don’t expect primo buds without feeding marijuana plants every element required, in the right concentration, at the correct stage. Avoiding fluctuations in temperature and pH will help prevent shocks that also cause nutrient lockout. Iron deficiency is very treatable and entirely preventable.

 

[PCaddict]

When I started out I wanted to do LOS so I got all the stuff to do it, all the amendments, Nutrients etc. and I mixed 6 45gallon trash cans full then I found Doc Buds kit which is basically LOS with all the stuff it needs in the kit. It is So simple No PHing or worrying about Deficiency everything you need is in the kit to keep the soil herd alive and active. I was planning on using my other LOS outdoors this spring but decided agents it, Growing is not legal in my state so now I have all this LOS I cant use. I wish I would have found Docs kit sooner. Check it out some time

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Potassium Deficiency In Cannabis Plants - A How-To Guide​

With potentially deadly consequences and a higher chance of appearing in the flowering stage, a potassium deficiency can be dangerous. Make sure you're prepared to prevent and even solve it if a deficiency arises.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Just like you and I, all living things require a very specific set of conditions to survive. But survival is not the only factor to take into account when growing cannabis. In order for plants to yield the best buds they can, you’ll have to take extreme care to ensure a thriving crop. This includes noticing deficiencies in time to correct them. Today, we’ll be covering just one - potassium deficiency -, although the procedures are similar amongst many different deficiencies.

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THE FUNCTIONS OF POTASSIUM IN CANNABIS

In cannabis, potassium is essential for many important functions. It takes part in the photosynthesis process, which gives the plant its green colour, and is crucial to plant health and development. During a drought period, potassium is the nutrient that improves a plant’s resistance, not that you should go any period without watering your plant. This is more important for cannabis that grows freely in nature as it’s responsible for aiding the movement of water through the plant.

In conjunction with phosphorus, potassium increases the strength and resistance of the root system as well as the plant’s tissue. This will also help protect the plant from harsh, cold weather.

Considering all these factors, it’s clear to see how potassium is essential for your marijuana plants. However, your average grower will give more importance to how this nutrient affects the buds of the plant. Potassium is a nutrient that helps increase the weight, density, and volume of your delicious nugs. This is why being able to recognise and fix this deficiency is an important skill to have as a grower.

VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF DEFICIENCY

It’s important to note that if you are currently handling plants in a hydroponic system, you won’t have to worry about this. Potassium deficiencies are extremely rare in water-based systems. If you have similar visual symptoms, make sure you double check your system before treating it for this problem.

Deficiencies do happen in soil and other mediums every so often. The most common symptom you’ll notice is a brown or yellow colouring in the tips and edges of the leaves. With the passing of time, these will curl up, appearing burnt - much like an iron deficiency. Another thing that will raise suspicion is stretching. If one plant seems to be taller than the others around it, it’s not a good sign as this weakens the stems.

The appearance of spots on the leaves will be the symptom to follow. Firstly, you’ll see those necrotic spots characterised by their brown tonality. Left untreated, more spots will begin to show. This time with chlorotic ones, characterised by a white colour. The veins of the leaves will keep their green colour, unlike many deficiencies. What you’ll notice shifting colour are the petioles and stems, now showing red tones.

Although previously, you might’ve noticed the plant stretch out, it was not growing. This deficiency slows down plant growth. Leaves will grow small in size, and this is when the deficiency becomes most dangerous. Potassium shortages are very mobile. They move around the plant very fast, unlike most deficiencies. This one will spread to the larger fan leaves where it will most likely kill them.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Before implementing any changes to your grow medium or watering solution, take a look at your lights. With strong LED and HPS grow lights, you might be overheating the leaves. These will show burn symptoms even if the overall temperature is cool. Just make sure you check for this first. Move your plants further away from the lights for a couple of days to determine the root of the issue.

In case lights are not the problem, the deficiency might be caused by an excess of fertilizers and nutrients. Excess salt is especially common as it tends to build up in the growing medium.

Nutrient lockout is a very common cause of most deficiencies. When the pH of the soil is too low, it makes the medium too acidic. This causes stress in the root zone and prevents the uptake of potassium. How can you stop this?

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HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM

When it comes to the pH issue, make sure you establish and maintain a healthy pH throughout the entire life cycle. In soil grows, the pH value should be fairly neutral, between 6.0-7.0 for the optimal potassium uptake. As for hydro systems or coco coir, a slightly more acidic pH would be recommended. Between 5.5-6.5 is ideal for this. To fix pH issues, make sure you flush your medium. Use neutral pH water to remove the excess nutrients in the soil. Only include half of your usual nutrient solution in the water.

You might also be overwatering your plant. Proper watering practices will go a long way in keeping a plant healthy. The method and frequency with which you water will impact your future buds massively. Don’t overlook this.

Make sure you read the labels of your supplements to see how these nutrients interact with each other. Too much of some will lock out others. Calcium and nitrogen will decrease the absorption of potassium, for example. Just be sure not to use too much of something without a full understanding of what it does.

You can always use a supplement rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Only do this after you’ve flushed the plant. Give the plant time to recover and be on the lookout for the newer leaves and how they grow.

When plants suffer from a nutrient deficiency, they are weak and have little resistance to disease. This is why it’s important to know how to detect and fix the deficiency in time. Potassium is essential for terpene production. If not enough is supplied, your buds will lack flavour and smell. The flowering stage is where you’ll most likely face a deficiency like this.

CARE FOR YOUR PLANTS

Hopefully, you’ve learned more about potassium deficiency and all deficiencies in general. Next time, you’ll be able to fix this problem comfortably and in a timely manner. Only through experience will you be able to obtain the best yields you can. Deficiencies are reversible and easy to solve if you know what you’re doing, and now you do. Best of luck with preventing and solving potassium deficiency!

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Magnesium Deficiency In Cannabis Plants​

Magnesium deficiency too frequently stunts marijuana growth. Be it early in vegetative growth or late into the bloom cycle, this is one deficiency no grower wants. With our practical advice, magnesium deficiency can be avoided and overcome.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Magnesium deficiency is the definition of a bottom to top nutrient imbalance in cannabis. Growers will first notice unhealthy looking lower growth. It’s the oldest and lowest leaves that will signal the advance of a magnesium deficiency. In the beginning, bottom leaves will yellow and the tips will dry out into a crunchy brown.

Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is mobile, so it will spread up the plant if left unchecked. As the deficiency spreads to the shoots, they will turn purple and leaf chlorosis will accelerate. Grower reaction time, as always, will be the defining factor. Don’t mistake magnesium deficiency for nitrogen starvation.

Probably the biggest mistake novice growers make is rushing to apply a quick fix by increasing nutrient doses. In fact, this will likely lead to nutrient lockout. No matter the growth stage or medium, yellow leaves and brown spots starting from the bottom are a red flag for magnesium deficiency. Micronutrient deficiencies always start in the root zone; magnesium deficiency is no exception. The problem must be remedied at the source. More on that a little later.

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WHO’S MOST AT RISK?

Coco coir is a great growing medium, but it can cause problems for growers concerning micronutrient uptake. Magnesium, along with calcium and iron, is one of the three micronutrients cannabis plants cropped in coco have difficulty absorbing.

Hydroponic growers that let the pH of the nutrient solution slip to 5.0 or below will likely experience magnesium deficiency. Water with too low a pH in the reservoir is a recipe for micronutrient lockout. Indoor soil growers often encounter magnesium deficiency for two reasons. The first is over-watering the soil. Roots in soggy soil just can’t access the nutes.

However, the second is more difficult to detect. Growers that use lightly fertilised soil and liquid nutrients lacking in trace elements can unexpectedly get hit with a magnesium deficiency during mid-late bloom. As the marijuana plant matures, roots essentially drink up all the micronutrients in the medium. Without adequate supplementation, magnesium deficiency strikes.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: FLUSH AND ADD SUPPLEMENTS

Solving a magnesium deficiency should begin with a flush of 6.0pH water. This should work fine for all substrates. Next, you need to prepare a feed with the optimal pH for your growing medium. (Soil: 6.0-6.5, Coco: 6.0 and Hydro: 5.5-6.0). In addition to the usual brew of nutes, add a high-quality, cannabis-specific magnesium supplement.

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FLUSH AND UPGRADE NUTRIENTS

As above, rinse out the substrate. But instead of adding a supplement, a better long term solution is to consider a nutrients upgrade. Specific nutrient lines customised to soil, coco or hydro grow styles make life a whole lot easier. Premier brand base-nutes are formulated with the complete macro and micronutrients needed for cannabis cultivation.

TIPS TO AVOID MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

Soil growers should consider potting up from smaller containers filled with lightly fertilised soil to large containers with a time-released fertiliser/soil mix. After a few weeks of vegetative growth, roots will be hungry for nutes and more fertile soil will save you money on bottles of liquid alternatives.

Investing in a high-quality growing medium and cannabis-specific nutrients is the best way to avoid troubleshooting deficiencies later during the grow. Finally, we cannot finish without a word on Epsom salts. To be honest, recommending them would be cannabis quack-doctoring. Let’s just say it kind of works to treat a magnesium deficiency. Roughly as well as a 19th-century barber performing surgery.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Manganese Deficiency In Cannabis Plants
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Do you have unhealthy cannabis plants that seem to only go from bad to worse? Your marijuana could be suffering from a manganese deficiency. Learn how to handle this lesser known, but vital micronutrient.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Yellow leaves that rapidly degenerate and turn brown is the nasty calling card of manganese deficiency. Immobile and confined to new, fresh growth, this particular malady is relatively uncommon. However, when cannabis plants have manganese deficiency, it is almost always misdiagnosed as something else. Anything but manganese deficiency.

It usually costs a grower a couple weeks of trial and error before corrective action is applied to treat the manganese deficiency. By this time, growth has all but stopped completely. Much of the upper growth will be a discoloured, wilting patchwork of light fading green, yellow and brown.

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WHO’S MOST AT RISK?

High pH in any medium and/or excessive iron is the number one root cause of manganese deficiency. Of course, we mean that literally. Moreover, pH above 6.0 across all substrates will render manganese unavailable to the roots. This is bad news. Manganese is essential to chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Even if the grower accurately diagnoses manganese deficiency early, increasing micronutrient supplementation without getting the pH into the 5.5-6.0 range is futile. It may worsen the situation and lead to an iron build-up that will lockout manganese.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: FLUSH AND MONITOR PH

Should you catch the manganese deficiency in its early onset, a flush with pure 6.0pH water is a great start. Followed up by a carefully adjusted 6.0pH light nutrient solution, your plants should get back on track. Watering and feeding will need to be closely monitored to prevent recurrence.

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FLUSH, MONITOR PH AND PRUNE

On the other hand, if you have lost time troubleshooting and increased micronutrient doses in the process, we can help. Again, start by flushing plants as above. Stick to the program and apply a light nutrient follow-up feed. Odds are, iron could well be locking-out manganese at this point. Plus the damage (brown crispy leaves in particular) will not recover. If your marijuana is still in vegetative growth, top the plants - why not?

However, if manganese deficiency has hit the crop during bloom, you still must prune away the affected growth. Leaving necrotic growth is a huge risk. Don’t invite diseases and pathogens. Look at it as an opportunity to experiment with defoliation. Remember to prune in stages as stripping plants suddenly bare is highly stressful.

TIPS TO AVOID MANGANESE DEFICIENCY

The best way to avoid manganese deficiency is to ensure every watering is pH-adjusted to the optimal level for your specific growing medium. Take note that 6.0pH is the upper threshold for manganese. Check to confirm. Invest in a pH pen.

Alternatively, high-quality cannabis-specific nutrients and cultivation substrates are the best insurance policy against common and obscure marijuana maladies. Nutrient lines that can self-correct to the perfect pH level for the substrate are very convenient and diminish the need for pH pens and meters.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Molybdenum Deficiency In Cannabis Plants​

Molybdenum deficiency is rare. But if it hits your cannabis plants, it could be the beginning of the end. You really don’t have time to waste if your marijuana is suffering. Stricken cannabis plants need to be worked on urgently. Ignore this mineral at your peril.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Molybdenum deficiency will test the most eagle-eyed of cannabis growers. This one really is tough to diagnose correctly. Troubleshooting molybdenum deficiency will not only cost precious time, but most likely worsen the condition. Chlorosis striking the middle portion of cannabis plants foliage is commonly mistaken for nitrogen deficiency or calcium and magnesium deficiency.

In fairness, there is sound logic behind such assumptions. But don’t assume anything when it comes to unhealthy cannabis plants. Take a closer look. N deficiency tends to creep up a plant from the bottom up. Ca/Mg deficiency is rare in soil grows and more of a mid-late bloom problem in coco and hydro cultivation. Also, take note of the leaf discoloration, which will have brown crispy fringes and orange to pink shades in the centre. Eventually in a week or so, you will notice it is highly mobile as new growth begins to wither and curl.

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WHO’S MOST AT RISK?

Beginner hydroponics growers can potentially run into this problem quite easily. The lower pH range of 5.5-6.0 required for hydro cultivation can be tricky for novices using starter kits and pH pens for the first time. Dialling in pH to the optimal level for every feeding of nutrient solution takes practice to perfect. Unfortunately, hydroponics is unforgiving. Precision is a necessity. PH below 5.5 will cause a molybdenum lock-out.

Coco and soil growers are not exactly in the clear, although these cultivation styles are less prone to molybdenum deficiency. Peat and coco coir-based soil and soilless mix substrates act as a buffer for the root zone. 6.0-6.5pH is preferred. However, should the pH of nutrient solution be administered too low, too often a molybdenum deficiency can and likely will develop due to nutrient lockout.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: FLUSH AND PH UP

Catch molybdenum deficiency early and it’s a simple 1-2 solution. Step one to remedy molybdenum deficiency and most cannabis ailments is a cleansing flush of the medium with pure 6.0pH water. The micronutrients the roots need are locked-out and the excess fertilisers need to be leached.

Step two is making sure the pH is perfect, per growing medium, for the follow-up feed of nutrient solution. Direct supplementation is not really an option as only trace amounts of molybdenum are required.

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FLUSH, PH UP AND PRUNE

For whatever reason, if you are delayed treating molybdenum deficiency, expect some permanent damage to your cannabis plants. In addition to the above 1-2 solution, a third, less pleasant step is required.

Step three is pruning away the necrotic growth. If plants are still in vegetative growth, it’s not the end of the world. Top plants and remove the dead and dying leaves. 2-3 weeks recovery will be required, depending on how far chlorosis spread. On the other hand, if you must prune during bloom, make sure to remove leaf stems when pruning flowers to avoid bud mould. Yield will be reduced. But a smaller stash is better than no stash.

TIPS TO AVOID MOLYBDENUM DEFICIENCY

As is the case with the majority of micronutrient deficiencies, the best way to avoid the headaches later is to invest in high-quality substrates and nutrients in the beginning. Using cannabis-specific growing mediums and fertilisers is recommended.

Furthermore, the grower must take responsibility and ensure the root zone is healthy at all times. Careful monitoring and adjustment of pH throughout the cannabis lifecycle are essential. Get a pH pen or pH-perfect nutrients. Either way, stay in control of feeding. If you can, your marijuana will avoid molybdenum deficiency. And most other nutrient deficiencies altogether.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Nitrogen Deficiency In Cannabis Plants​

We explore what a nitrogen deficiency looks like in your weed plants. Read on to learn how to solve this issue and prevent the occurrence from happening altogether.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

Growing cannabis is a therapeutic act that takes quite a lot of attention to detail. One of the requirements to successfully grow a large cannabis crop of good quality is applying the right concentration of nutrients. If your plant begins to lack the required amount of nutrients during any point of the grow cycle, it may begin to exhibit symptoms of deficiency. If left untreated, these deficiencies may cause harm to the plant’s health and reduce yields.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF NITROGEN

One of the most important nutrients that your cannabis plants need is nitrogen. Nitrogen is vital for plant health because it is a major component of the green pigment found within plant leaves known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy in order to survive. Nitrogen also serves as a major component of amino acids within plants, which are the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen is also an important component of nucleic acids like DNA, which plants need in order to grow and reproduce.

NITROGEN DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS

It is quite clear to see how important nitrogen is to your cannabis plants and why a deficiency could be so damaging. Luckily, nitrogen deficiency is quite easy to detect if you know what to look for.

One of the key signs of nitrogen deficiency within your weed plants is yellowing leaves. The older and lower leaves on your plants will start to become yellow, wilt, and drop off. This is because the younger leaves higher up the plant will start to steal the nitrogen from these older leaves. The plant prioritises higher leaves as they receive the most light, contributing greatly toward photosynthesis.

This may not always be a concern. It is normal for these lower and older leaves to start becoming yellow and dropping off towards the end of the grow cycle as nitrogen is diverted toward the buds. It is time to worry when your plant’s leaves start to yellow and drop off rapidly during the vegetative phase. If this yellowing starts to move up the plant in a climbing manner, then a problem is most likely present.

A solution to this problem is to provide your plants with a balanced nutrient product. There are many formulas available that provide an array of key nutrients to your plants, making sure that nitrogen levels are kept at a healthy level all the way through the vital vegetative phase.

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NITROGEN TOXICITY

Some novice growers may be shaken at the sight of nitrogen deficiency symptoms, causing them to go overboard when adding nitrogen to their soil. However, be forewarned: the pendulum can swing the other way when it comes to nitrogen, with too much also causing a problem in plants.

When a grower accidentally puts far too much of the nutrient into their soil, it can cause the phenomena of nitrogen toxicity. During the vegetative phase of the grow cycle, it is rare that plants will develop nitrogen toxicity unless a huge amount is given to them. Nitrogen toxicity is more common during the flowering phase, as plants require lower levels of nitrogen at this point. Symptoms of toxicity can manifest in shiny leaves, much darker green leaves, weak stems on plants, much slower overall growth and clawing of leaves. Clawing is a typical occurrence that involves the tip of leaves losing vigour and folding downwards, resulting in a claw-like appearance.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Phosphorous Deficiency In Cannabis Plants​

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient required by cannabis plants that fulfills many important biological functions. There are numerous different signs of deficiency symptoms to look out for when it comes to this nutrient.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

One factor that growers must constantly be aware of when cultivating their plants is the risk of nutrient deficiency. Cannabis plants require an array of important nutrients that carry out vital biological functions throughout the grow cycle. If a certain key nutrient is missing during the vegetative or flowering stages, plants will start to display symptoms of deficiencies. These signs can help growers determine what is missing and therefore, what needs to be added to the soil before it is too late. One of these vital nutrients is phosphorus.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus plays an important role in the health of all living organisms. Plants require this nutrient in order to achieve normal growth and to reach maturity. Phosphorus contributes to the DNA of the plant, as well as the RNA, which reads the genetic code in order to build proteins and other structures. Phosphorus is also vital in the creation of ATP, the unit of energy that plants use during photosynthesis. Phosphorus helps to stimulate root development, increase the strength of stems, improve flower formation and seed production, improve the quality of crops, boost resistance against diseases and support development throughout the overall growth cycle.

SYMPTOMS OF PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY

It is obvious that phosphorus deficiency could do some damage to the health of your plants and their potential yields. There are quite a few different symptoms to look out for that could signal phosphorus deficiency within your crop. First of all, the deficiency will usually start to affect the older leaves that are lower down on plants. These leaves may begin to exhibit a shiny appearance and turn to darker shades of green, blue and grey. Along with this change in colour, leaves will also start to develop purple and brown spots. Leaves will also become very dry and begin to thicken. The stems of the plant may also begin to turn bright red or purple.

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SOLUTIONS TO PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY

One cause of a phosphorus deficiency is the pH of the roots. A root pH between 6.2 and 7 is best in order to maximise absorption of the nutrient. Therefore, it is ideal to strive for a soil pH between this range when deficiency symptoms manifest. This can be achieved by using pH up and down products.

An organic fertiliser containing adequate amounts of each vital nutrient can also be used to ensure that your plants are receiving the proper levels of phosphorus that they require. Additionally, other sources of phosphorus can be added to the soil in order to maximise exposure. Good source of phosphorus include warm casting, fish meal, crab shell and soft rock phosphate. Overwatering and compact soil can also be causes of phosphorous deficiency. Be sure to water your plants correctly to avoid this.

Try to remain calm if you notice a phosphorus deficiency setting in. Panicking and adding far too much phosphorus back into the soil could prevent your plants from uptaking other nutrients and end up doing more harm than good.

Temperature is another detail to pay attention to in order to achieve optimum phosphorus levels. Lower and colder temperatures can make it more difficult for your cannabis crop to absorb adequate levels of the nutrient. Temperatures that drop below 15 degrees Celsius may start to cause negative effects.

If your plants have fallen victim to phosphorus deficiency symptoms, you will notice a recovery stage take place if you take the right steps to restore the health of your plants. The spread of brown spots, red and purple stems and other symptoms will stop effecting new leaves. Don’t worry if old leaves do not recover, as this is normal.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Sulphur Deficiency In Cannabis Plants​

Although cannabis plants don't need much sulphur, the lack of this key mineral can cause some serious signs of deficiency and even affect the health of buds. Read on for more information on how to prevent and solve sulphur deficiencies.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY?

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when growing cannabis. In order to support a crop that boasts yields of maximum quality and quantity, plants must have access to vital nutrients all the way through the vegetative and flowering phases of the growing cycle. Cannabis requires a plethora of key nutrients that enable plants to grow at the proper rate, build proteins and stay healthy all the way through harvest. One such nutrient is sulphur.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SULPHUR WHEN GROWING CANNABIS

Sulphur is considered an essential mineral for plants that fulfils a variety of important functions. The mineral contributes to enzyme formation and helps in the construction of proteins as sulphur is found within some amino acids. Plants only require relatively small amounts of sulphur, but since it plays such an important role, the lack of this nutrient can manifest in severe symptoms of deficiency.

Sulphur is also crucial in the formation of chlorophyll molecules. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that gives cannabis leaves their signature colour; its plays a major role in the process of photosynthesis by helping to absorb light. Plants rely on photosynthesis by converting light into energy in order to survive. Sulphur also plays a role in the metabolism of nitrogen within plants, another nutrient that fulfils essential functions.

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SULPHUR DEFICIENCY

Sulphur deficiency is something growers will want to avoid. There are numerous signs and symptoms to look out for to detect and ultimately remedy such a deficiency. One of the key signs is a state known as chlorosis, which is basically the yellowing of leaves on the plant. The yellowing will most likely start to affect the newer and younger leaves residing toward the top of the plant. Although other deficiencies can also result in chlorosis, one sign that sulphur deficiency is present is that yellowing begins at the base of the leaves and works its way toward the tips.

Something else to look out for is discolouration on the underside of leaves. If a sulphur deficiency is occurring, then growers may notice pink, red and orange colours manifesting in this location. If a sulphur deficiency sets in during the flowering stage of the growing cycle, the flowers themselves might start to die. This is certainly the worst outcome, though certain measures can be taken to reverse and prevent this condition.

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FIXING A SULPHUR DEFICIENCY

If your plants are suffering and exhibiting signs of sulphur deficiency, the next logical step would be to introduce forms of sulphur into the substrate. One option here is to use Epsom salts in order to top up levels within the soil. It has been reported that around 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water can suffice as a sulphur supplement.

Additionally, many fertilisers are available that provide adequate levels of this important nutrient. Ammonium sulphate is one of such fertiliser that contains 24 percent sulphur. Another good option would be to use calcium sulphate, which contains between 15-18 percent sulphur. Potassium sulphate can be used to top up levels and contains 18 percent sulphur. Finally, potassium magnesium sulphate can be added, containing an impressive 22 percent sulphur.

Manure is also a good source of sulphur and provides an easy, natural option for those living on or nearby farms. Adding a layer of manure over a garden bed of cannabis plants will serve as a constant source of sulphur. The manure will leach the nutrient into the soil over time as it composts into the substrate.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Zinc Deficiency In Cannabis Plants
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Troubleshooting one deficiency will help deal with others when growing marijuana. This guide will show how to spot zinc deficiency as soon as possible.

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Zinc is a mineral and one of many essential micronutrients necessary for a healthy plant diet. Despite cannabis requiring an astonishingly small quantity of it, it is nonetheless crucial for numerous physiological activities. Zinc is used by the cannabis plant to build proteins and macromolecular structures like membranes. It also fundamental to regulate enzyme function. Zinc is also co-factor of gene expression by stabilising both DNA and RNA structures. The growth hormone auxin requires zinc to operate.

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So if you have ever had a cannabis clone that for some unknown reason was not up to par with her sisters, it could have been a zinc imbalance. Most of the time you will notice a deficiency rather than excess. While excess zinc certainly does harm the plant, it is a much rarer occurrence, and the plant can deal with this situation better.

Excess zinc will primarily lockout iron which is easier to spot. On much rarer occasions, zinc levels may become so high it becomes toxic. If this occurs, the cannabis plant will quickly die off. This last scenario is almost implausible to think of!

So we will focus on zinc deficiency. A direct zinc deficiency is not a common occurrence and usually a side effect from tertiary causes. More often than not, it is pretty straightforward to fix.

HOW TO SPOT A ZINC DEFICIENCY IN THE CANNABIS PLANT

Zinc is an immobile element. This means that once deposited it can no longer be relocated to other parts where it is needed the most. When a deficiency happens, older parts of the plant cannot distribute zinc reserves from one place to another, as it can with nitrogen or phosphorous. Therefore, early signs of zinc deficiency occur at the newest growth zones, generally at the top.

You may start noticing a plant is not growing as vigorously as it should. Internodal distance is progressively shortening. New growth shoots look a little different than earlier ones, like if they were shy to open up. Shoot tips will congregate, wrinkling up close together. Once they finally do open and start to stretch out, leaves will begin to yellow from the veins out.

From here on, if the issue is not quickly addressed the results could be very damaging. The yellowing will lead to some rust-like spotting. The tips and outer margins of the leaves will start shrivelling. Clear signs of irreversible chlorosis will be present.

By this point, the leaf is completely yellow, reddish and brown - becoming crumbly and crisp. Buds will contort, start drying up and will eventually die off. This is a doomsday scenario when no corrective measures are taken. With a little knowledge and care, it is something relatively simple to deal with.

CAUSES FOR ZINC DEFICIENCY

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Unless you are growing in an entirely new or unknown type of soil, the most common cause of zinc deficiency in marijuana is water pH imbalance. As pH becomes too alkaline, the roots become incapable of absorbing this mineral trace element. Other micronutrients like manganese and copper quickly become unavailable. Nitrogen and calcium start getting affected too.

If growing organically, your pH range is much more permissible than when using chemical fertilisers. Nevertheless it very important to control - something organic growers tend to disregard.

The main disadvantage of organic growing is that correcting deficiencies can take a lot more time. So the best solution is prevention. Keep monitoring your pH! Since organic growing is so permissive regarding pH, growers tend to stop checking their primary water source. In some regions, be it municipal or well water, pH can fluctuate up to 3 to 4 points within the same year.

A sudden influx of phosphorus can also cause a zinc lockout in weed. Are you a hydroponic expert grower that cannot explain why you are getting this deficiency all of a sudden? pH meters routinely calibrated, everything seems dialled in as always? It could be as simple as you having run out of nitric acid and switched over to phosphoric acid as pH-down. In excessively hard water regions, a high limestone and chalk content is calcium and magnesium rich, making for a strong pH buffer. Your once nitric acid stable system now uses significant amounts of phosphoric acid to deal with that strong alkaline water. This type of Phosphorous is readily available for intake by the plant, potentially pushing it into a zinc deficiency.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

As a very last resort, adding any of these zinc sources can help out: zinc sulphate, chelated zinc or zinc oxides. There are numerous sources for these, depending if you want to stay completely organic or use chemical fertilisers. Keep in mind the golden rule of cannabis growing; less is more.

Tap water contains around 50% of all cannabis zinc requirements. If you know your soil is of good quality, then that rules out the most critical potential issues.

If you have just started using reverse osmosis water, beware you should be adding back what you remove. Start by adding a Cal-Mag mix to buffer your water. Check the numerous options commercially available, and you will find it is not difficult to find a good Cal-Mag product that also contains trace elements.

Once that potential cause for zinc depletion has been ruled out, you should perform a good flush. A good flush cleans out the roots of any salt build-up and removes stale water-pockets. Reset the feed, only a little lighter. Check your pH meter is calibrated and functioning well.

Because zinc is immobile, do not expect the marijuana plant to start looking better any time soon, even in hydro. In fact, once a zinc deficiency sets in and becomes visible, those affected leaves or buds will not look much better ever again. You will have to wait for new shoots to open and flourish to evaluate. This is easier during the vegetative phase when growth is explosive rather than mid to late bloom.

The trick is to learn how to spot these things as early on as possible. Keep a habit of constant monitoring the leaves from top to bottom. Anything seems out of the ordinary? The very first sign of trouble is almost always discoloration of the lush green tone.

The best growers will maintain strict diaries and perform continuous and rigorous analyses. From registering day and night temperatures, relative humidity, checking light timers, checking drip systems for clogs or efficiency of pumps, all the way to water pH – it is imperative to keep things in check regularly. Everything is of crucial importance and it all adds up in the end.

So when you encounter a growing problem, remember - it all boils down to finding the cause and not just dealing with the symptoms.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


Browse Deficiencies In Cannabis Plants



Boron (B) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Calcium (Ca) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Iron (Fe) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Potassium (K) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Manganese (Mn) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Nitrogen (N) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Phosphorous (P) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Sulphur (S) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

Zinc (Zn) Deficiency In Cannabis Plants

​

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

When I started out I wanted to do LOS so I got all the stuff to do it, all the amendments, Nutrients etc. and I mixed 6 45gallon trash cans full then I found Doc Buds kit which is basically LOS with all the stuff it needs in the kit. It is So simple No PHing or worrying about Deficiency everything you need is in the kit to keep the soil herd alive and active. I was planning on using my other LOS outdoors this spring but decided agents it, Growing is not legal in my state so now I have all this LOS I cant use. I wish I would have found Docs kit sooner. Check it out some time

I like soil - it's nice to grow in and it is a natural replenishable medium - I will certainly check out Doc Buds Kit sometime in the future.

Right now, I am finishing up some Advanced Nutrients Coco veg nutes and then I am jgoing to ump on the Mega Crop train.

I like the results and how cost effective Mega Crop is - and if I can grow nice plants in coco watering everyday with low cost feed ... that's a huge plus for me!

So, I'm thinking in the near future, it's going to be Coco and Mega Crop for a while.

Although, I have a bunch of soil cooking too that I want to use as well - decisions decisions

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

DrCC's How To Ask For Grow Support



Version 01​

I am going to ramp up my involvement in the help sections and so far I have these questions:

Pictures
Pictures should be taken under white light - Blurple is too diffuclt to diagnose.
Pictures should be clear and not blurred.
Please provide a group pic of your plants.
Please provide a top to bottom pic of your plant.
Please provide a close up of fan leaves with issues.

Plants
What Strain is it?
Is it Indica, Sativa or Hybrid? What percentages?
How Many Plants?
Is it in Vegetative or Flowering Stage?
If in Vegetative Stage... How Long?
If in Flowering Stage... How Long?

Location
Indoor or Outdoor?

Medium
Soil/Coco/Peat or Hydro?
If Hydro, Reservoir size?
If Hydro, Reservoir Temperature?
If Hydro, what type of Medium?
If Hydro, what type of Setup?
If Soil/Coco/Peat... What is in your Mix?
If Soil/Coco/Peat... What Size Pot?
If Soil/Coco/Peat...When was the last time you up-potted your plants?

Lights
Size (Wattage) of Light? How Many?
How far above the canopy are the lights?

Environment
Size or Square Footage of Room/Tent/Greenhouse?
Is it Air Conditioned?
Temperature of Room/Cabinet?
RH of Room/Cabinet?
Fans for exhaust? Fans for air circulation?

Water
pH of Medium or Reservoir?
TDS of Medium or Reservoir?
How Often are you Watering? Feeding?
Do you flush your plants if you are using soil?

Nutrients
Type and Strength of Fertilizers used?
Are you following the nutrient line's feeding schedule?

Pests
Any Pests?
Have you used a jewelers loop to check for bugs and bug larvae?

This information is necessary for accurate support to be given.

 

[Backlipslide]

And how’s the plants doing.. haven’t saw an update on those in a while

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Good Morning 420!

Well, it is a lovely -10°C (14°F) outside here in Barrie, ON - a perfect day to grab our toques and head down to the lakeshore - stroll along the boardwalk - listen to the crisp snow snapple under our feet - feel the warmth of the hot chocolate on our lips - and just behold nature's beauty.

Today, we are going to put on the radio and dance around to some great tunes while we make some Canna Rice Crispy Squares - snap crackle pup Yep - We'll be using Chemdog buds!

I am fighting my depression as best as I can - and I really do feel a lot better when I've had a dose of THC!

I also have to figure out how to turn our 4'x4' tent into a 3'x4' tent - I'm thinking tape n string - I should keep it simple!

 

[PCaddict]

I deal with depression a lot and anxiety too but weed helps more then anything else but only while I am high, Still a good break from it. Enjoy your day of dancing and rice crispy making sounds like a good day

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

And how’s the plants doing.. haven’t saw an update on those in a while

Hey @Backlipslide,

I've been pretty busy learning about cannabis from Royal Queen Seeds - and trying to get a bunch of articles in here I can index, and then review regularly.

I am in the process of reorganizing the tent today - so when that is done, I will give the last two plants names and do a photo shoot.

I really need to discipline myself to take pics everyday - that's a pretty good goal for this week

What else - back to the dollar store because I forgot treats for the cat - a quick stroll along the boardwalk - and make Canna Rice Crispies.

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

I deal with depression a lot and anxiety too but weed helps more then anything else but only while I am high, Still a good break from it. Enjoy your day of dancing and rice crispy making sounds like a good day

Hey @PCaddict , thanks - and we'll chat later when I get some more chores done!

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Hey 420,

We went for our walk today down on the Barrie Boardwalk, and then we went to the opening of Barrie's first cannabis store - One Plant! It was really, really busy in there.

I continue to practice making videos - so I tried again today - something quick about the Barrie Lakeshore and the Barrie cannabis store - One Plant:


I will do a photo shoot of the plants later - and also how I converted the tent from a 4'x4' to a 4'x3'. We're only going to grow six plants now instead of eight.

Also, I culled a few of the slower growing plants because I'm doing a pheno hunt this round - honestly, I have no interest in growing little plants anymore - it's a waste of time and money!

 

[DrCannaCanadian]

Daily Tips & Tricks

By Royal Queen Seeds


How To Revive Sick Cannabis Plants​

When your cannabis plants are sick and stressed, it's important to immediately identify the problem. That's when the real process of reviving your cannabis begins. Here's what to do to help your plants recover and thrive after a major setback.

​

Your plant is wilting, you notice the leaves turning yellow or forming unsightly spots, or maybe it’s refusing to grow altogether. There are many reasons why cannabis plants can become sick, from issues with watering to pest infestations, inadequate lighting, heat stress, and more.

No matter the reason for your plant’s sickness, the first thing you’ll want to do is diagnose the problem. When you have addressed the cause(s) of your plant’s condition, you obviously want to revive it as fast as possible. Here are some things you can do to help plants recover from infestations, illness, and more.

PROBLEMS IN YOUR GROWING ENVIRONMENT

If your plant appears to be dying or suffering hard, it is unlikely that a minor issue is occurring. Most of the time, a rapid descent in the health of your plant signals a fundamental issue or invasion. This can involve problems with environmental conditions, microscopic infestations, and other culprits.

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CHECK TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY IN YOUR GROW ROOM

If you’re growing indoors, the first step to reviving your plants is to check the temperature and relative humidity of your tent or grow room. The ideal temperature for cuttings and seedlings is between 20–25ºC (68-77ºF). As the plants get older, they can tolerate a bit more, up to 28ºC (83ºF). Everything above this is excessive and causes stress, which will make it much more difficult for your plants to recover.

Likewise, the humidity levels of your room must be kept within a certain range depending on the phase of growth. An optimal humidity level for flowering plants is 40–50%. Plants in the vegetative growth phase can tolerate a more humid environment, from 40–70%. If the humidity is too high, you need to look into better ventilation for your grow space. A dehumidifier is the best, albeit expensive option here. Your sick plants will have a hard time recovering if their environment is not stable and optimal.

AVOID HEAT STRESS OUTDOORS

Despite cannabis loves plenty of light and warm temperatures, if you grow outdoors in the summer, heat stress and excessive sun can be a problem, especially for plants recovering from illness. If you have your plants in pots and they look stressed from too much heat, move them to a shadier location. Less heat and direct sun will make it easier for sick plants to get back up to strength.

​

LOWER YOUR LIGHT LEVELS

Cultivators normally keep their wattage levels as high as possible to encourage plants to grow faster. More light means the plant is working harder and will likely produce a greater yield. On the other hand, a plant that is working extra hard is more susceptible to deficiencies and other problems. One way to give your sick plant a break is to decrease the light intensity. Move your lights higher up and further away from your plants, or decrease the wattage.

When you grow indoors with your lights on a timer, you can also cut down on the daily light hours your plants receive. When you reduce the light hours for the vegetative phase to only 17 or 16 a day, this will give your plants more time to “rest” and recover.

​

FLUSH YOUR PLANTS

Many problems with sick cannabis plants can be due to overfeeding. When your plant can’t take up the nutrients that you provide, salts and minerals will accumulate in the soil over time. This will change the pH level at your plant's root zone, making it more acidic—beyond the small pH window that cannabis has for healthy growth. As a result, your plant is not able to take in nutrients, even if they are present in abundance. When this happens, further feeding only makes it worse.

In almost all cases where your plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies or nutrient burn, you should give your plants a solid flush. Flushing means that you rinse out the excessive salts with pure, pH-balanced water to restore the optimal pH of the growing medium.

To flush your plants, drench the growing medium with water numerous times. It should be ample enough that liquid comes out from the bottom of the container each time. For example, if you grow in 7l pots, flush your plants with 14l of water. When you grow in soil, your water should have a pH of about 6.5pH. After the flush, you can begin giving nutrients again, starting with ½ or ¾-strength doses. You can slowly work your way up from here to avoid putting plants under any additional stress.

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REPOT YOUR PLANTS

Repotting your cannabis plants into new, larger containers with fresh soil can also help bring them back to life. Choose a container that has plenty of room for the roots to grow. If your plant is severely damaged due to overwatering (root rot) or various fungi, consider trimming its foliage. When the roots have fewer leaves to support, they can recover faster.

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KEEP PESTS AWAY

Plant infestations from spider mites, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and other insects are all too common when you grow cannabis. When you have finally gotten rid of the pests, you want to make absolutely sure that they don’t return. Pest infestations can really ravage a plant, so it certainly needs optimal care and time to be revived.

In terms of keeping the pests away, there are natural insecticides like neem oil that can be highly effective. You can even use it as a foliar spray, applying it to your leaves every 2 or 3 weeks. However, be careful during the flowering phase as you do not want the overbearing taste of neem oil on your buds! For fungus gnats, you can also set up yellow sticky traps, which will catch most of them.

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SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP YOUR SICK PLANTS RECOVER

There are certain supplements you can give to your sick plants to reduce stress, support their development, and increase their resistance.


Compost Teas
For those growing in soil, compost teas are an excellent supplement to support the recovery of sick and stressed plants. Compost teas can make your plants grow faster and more robust, making them less susceptible to diseases and deficiencies. Some cultivators make their own compost teas at home, although they can also be purchased at most well-sorted grow stores.

Silica
Silica has properties that strengthen the cell walls of your plants, which makes it helpful for increasing their resilience. Furthermore, it makes certain minerals and nutrients more available while protecting the roots as well.

Seaweed
Seaweed contains minerals and other micronutrients, and has been shown to help reduce plant stress. While its mechanism is somewhat unknown, seaweed has long been part of the weed grower’s arsenal.

With the above tips, we hope you are able to revive your precious cannabis plants and make it to a hefty and healthy harvest.