Novice cannabis growers face many challenges in the beginning, many of which stem from a lack of fundamental knowledge. Overwatering, a common issue for new cultivators, can be particularly harmful to cannabis plants, as they require well-draining soil and proper air circulation around the roots. When the soil is waterlogged, the roots can become suffocated and damaged, leading to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and ultimately, plant death. With a little knowledge, however, overwatering is a problem that can be addressed with the right knowledge and approach.
In this guide, we will cover the signs of overwatering, what to do in an emergency, and practical tips to salvage the plant and ensure healthy development.
Signs of Overwatering
If you're noticing these signs, it's still not too late to intervene. Take action if you start to see the following:
- Yellowing leaves - Too much water will prevent the plant from absorbing vital nutrients from the soil, resulting in yellowing leaves.
- Wilting - Though it seems counterintuitive, a wilting plant can be showing signs of overwatering. Because the roots of the plant have become waterlogged, the plant is deprived from oxygen and begins to go limp.
- Mushy or slimy roots - Rotting roots are mushy and slimy to the touch, and are serious indicator of overwatering.
Emergency Steps to Take
If you see the signs listed above, it's important to take a few emergency steps that can prevent the problem from worsening:
- Stop watering - Logically, the first step is to stop watering the plant. Not adding any additional moisture will help the roots and soil begin to dry.
- Remove excess water - If the soil is completely waterlogged, ditch the runoff right away to avoid drowning the plant. Carefully tip the pot to one side and allow the excess water to drain out.
- Improve drainage - Potted cannabis plants are more susceptible to poor drainage if the soil is packed too tightly, or if the pot is lacking drainage. Add drainage holes to allow the excess water to drain out, or add a layer of rocks or gravel underneath the new soil when repotting.
Salvaging the Plant
After you've taken the emergency steps listed above, it's time to salvage the plant using these tips:
Let the Soil Dry Out
Allowing the plant's soil to dry out is important for remedying this issue. The timeline for this process may vary, depending on the severity of the overwatering and the growing environment. In some cases, however, it may even take longer, such as if the environment is especially humid or the soil is too dense.
During this drying-out period, avoid watering the cannabis plant until it's completely dry. Resume watering the plant on an adjusted watering schedule to prevent overwatering in the future.
Test the Soil
The easiest way to test the soil's moisture level is to put your finger, up to the second knuckle, into the material. Do this regularly to prevent overwatering, even if you seem to get predictable results with your current watering schedule. For a more technical reading, use a moisture meter.
Use Bottled or Filtered Water
The quality of the water you use on your cannabis plants can challenge their health and abundance. Tap water can cause issues such as chlorine toxicity, which will render the leaves of your plants looking brown and scorched. Chlorine is a disinfectant used to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens in tap water, but it can also kill beneficial microbes in the soil and affect the pH level of the water.
By using bottled or filtered water, you can ensure that your cannabis plants aren't affected by these problems. Bottled water is often free from chlorine and other harmful chemicals, and many brands also have a balanced pH level that is ideal for cannabis cultivation. For smaller crops, using a water filter can remove chlorine and other impurities from tap water will also remove these impurities.
Consider Repotting
Repotting your plants into a larger pot with holes in the bottom might help you avoid overwatering in the future by giving them better drainage and more room to grow. You may also want to consider a pot made from a porous material such as terra cotta, which can help promote better airflow and prevent mildew from building up.
When repotting your cannabis plant, it's important to use fresh soil that is specifically formulated for cannabis cultivation. Skip generic garden soil or soil from other plants, as both may contain harmful pests and diseases. Carefully fill the new pot with this soil while avoiding compacting it too tightly, as loose, well-draining soil will prevent the roots of the plant from being suffocated.
Adjust Watering Schedule
As a general rule, cannabis plants prefer to be watered when their soil is nice and dry. However, different strains may have varying water requirements, and variables like the size of your plant and your growing setup can also affect the timing of your watering schedule. Knowing your strains and monitoring your growing environment can provide a lot of insight into adjusting your technique to get the best results.
Monitor Nutrient Levels
One way to monitor the nutrient levels of your plants is to perform a soil test. Soil tests can provide valuable information about the pH and nutrient content of your soil, allowing you to adjust your fertilization schedule to meet your plant's specific needs. You can purchase soil test kits online or from your local cannabis grow shop.
The easiest way to determine nutrient levels, at least on the surface, is to observe your plants for signs of distress. For example, yellowing leaves may indicate a nitrogen deficiency, while stunted growth may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. Overfertilization can lead to nutrient excesses, which can also harm your plants, so follow the recommended dosage.
Prune Damaged Leaves
Since overwatering can cause plant death, pruning away the wilted or brown material will redirect the energy the plant expends into healthy growth. Sharp, well-sanitized shears or scissors will work well to carefully trim those lifeless pieces off of the otherwise healthy plant. Be precise when trimming this dead growth away to make sure the plant doesn't sustain any unecessary damage.
With the right knowledge and approach, overwatering doesn't have to mean an end to your grow. Recognizing the signs of overwatering, taking emergency steps to address the issue, and implementing practical tips to prevent future mistakes will make each grow easier than the last. For more information on improving your grow and increasing your harvest, as well as access to a huge stock of high-quality seeds in a variety of strains, contact Kind Seed Co today.
