Many cultivators search for the secret to growing perfect cannabis. There are no such secrets; instead, some basic principles exist for growing the best cannabis. The cultivators must keep the plants in the right humidity or temperature with suitable light and a balanced diet. Understanding cannabis nutrient deficiencies are also essential for improving plants’ health.

What Are The Most Common Cannabis Deficiencies?

A cannabis deficiency appears when a cannabis plant fails to access a crucial mineral or nutrient necessary for healthy growth. Even if the plants have nutritious soil, a single nutrient deficiency can have severe effects. The absence of a nutrient can harm the yield or quality. In extreme cases, deficiencies in cannabis can be a hazard to the survival of the plant.

The cannabis plants can communicate nutrient deficiencies to the growers by showing different symptoms. The appearance of the leaves and plants can convey plenty of information to an experienced grower. The growers should interpret the signs and take the necessary steps to fight against the existing deficiencies.

The most common deficiencies in the Cannabis plant are as follows:

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen deficiency is one of the usual deficiencies outlined by Cannabis growers. Generally, this deficiency is easier to identify and rectify as soon as it becomes apparent. It also has a similarity to other deficiencies in the early stages.

The healthy leaves of the Cannabis plant are deep green. The veins of the nitrogen-deficient leaves are slightly darker than the veins of the healthy leaves. But in the early stage of such deficiency, the leaves become almost yellowish green that is too light in color. On the other hand, nitrogen toxicity leads to a very dark green hue on the leaves. This hue may also look black in severe cases.

The larger leaves on the lower side and the outer part of the plant are the first to get affected. In extreme cases of Nitrogen deficiency, the leaves get lighter and lighter in color. They begin to dry out eventually and die.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiencies are very common to appear during the flowering stage. However, they can occur during the vegetative stage as well. In the early stages, the edges of the leaves get yellow, and the veins remain dark. The leaf edges begin to dry out and get curled inwards as the deficiency progresses. The upper leaves will also get affected till new growth looks pale and lacks chlorophyll. Moreover, some brown spots get visible on the lower leaves before they start to drop off and die.

Growers can correct such deficiencies by adding Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate to the feed. To cure this problem in the long run, flush the plants with pH6 water. Then, feed the supplements created especially for Cannabis plants. To upgrade the nutrients with high-quality products that cater to the plant’s growth medium.

Sulfur Deficiency

Sulfur deficiency is similar in appearance to nitrogen deficiency in the early stages. The entire leaf becomes carotid and pale. Also, the veins get slightly darker than normal veins. However, a sulfur deficiency impacts the new leaves first, unlike nitrogen deficiency. The deficiency also firstly affects the backside of the leaves before going towards the tip, unlike other deficiencies.

The leaf edges and tips start getting brown and dry. The effect is more serious than other deficiencies showing the same symptoms. The entire leaf turns whitish-yellow, and older leaves drop off in the final stages.

Potassium Deficiency

Potassium deficiencies are very usual when growing in planting medium or soil. This problem occurs when too much calcium or nitrogen is present in the chosen medium. It makes the situation difficult to rectify with combined-nutrient feeds. Therefore, it is suitable to rectify potassium deficiency by decreasing the levels of nitrogen or calcium. If the problem persists, use a single nutrient potassium sedative. Fish the plants with a half-strength nutrient solution or check the pH for better results.

The edges of the outer and lower leaves start turning pale yellow; on the other hand, the vein remains green. The leaf edges and tips may get brown and dry and curl down or up. Necrotic and brown spots emerge all over the leaves as the deficiency progresses. The leaf edges will have a scorched appearance. New leaves can misshapen and get twisted. Other leaves will start falling off. Plants will also demonstrate stretching. The buds will not gain weight in the flowering phase as rapidly as in normal conditions.

Phosphorus Deficiency

Phosphorus deficiencies affect the Cannabis plant in the vegetative phase. It can lead to small leaves, weak roots, reduced growth rates, and plants lacking in vigor. Such deficiencies also cause the leaves to get dark but washed out in the early stages. The veins generally get very dark, and the leaf tissues become somewhat lighter.

Purplish discolorations begin to pop out on the major part of the leaves as the phosphorus deficiency progresses. The edges of the leaves start getting brown and bend downwards. The small stalk that attaches the leaves to the main stem starts getting purplish. On the other hand, the large patches of the leaves get dead and purplish-brown in the final stages. The remaining sections become mottled yellowish-green.

Phosphorus deficiencies generally cause harm to the outer and lower leaves first. Such a deficiency at any stage is a reason for concern. The plants need to achieve high levels of Phosphorus all over the flowering period.

Bottom Line

Nutrient management is a crucial factor for any successful Cannabis grower. Looking out for a method that functions perfectly is one of the basics of cannabis growing. Firstly, the growers should find a nutrient supplier they can trust. The growers need to pay special attention to the environment of the Cannabis plant to keep it healthy. You can grow cannabis indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. If you use natural nutrients from renowned and established suppliers, you will obtain good results.