Watering any kind of plants can be a bit tricky, and even the more experienced growers of cannabis can attest to this fact. You will have to know when your plants need water, how much water they will need, what nutrients to add to your water and how to add them, and the right temperature and pH of the water you should give your plants.
All the aforementioned factors can really impact how well your plants grow, if at all, and ultimately determines how healthy your plants will be.
For persons who have just received their ACMPR license, you may be a bit confused by all this. Maybe you just thought you needed to water the plants every now and then and everything will be fine.
Fret not, here are some watering tips that can help you take care of your indoor cannabis plants:
When Your Plants Need Water
Determining how often you should water your plants depends on the stage of growth the plants are at, as well as the size of your pots. But, you can usually tell by paying attention to your cannabis plants.
- If the leaves are lifeless, droopy or look dull, then your plants need water.
- Look at the soil. Is it dry? If so, then your plants need to be watered.
- If the pot is very light, then it is time to water your plants.
Plants that are overwatered also have droopy leaves, but the tips of these leaves will be curved in. Getting a humidity sensor can also help to tell if your plants are overwatered, as the humidity of the room will be extremely high.
How Much Water Your Plants Need
The most common way to tell how much water your plants need is by observing the runoff. To do this, you will need to soak the pot and wait for the water to infiltrate the soil. If a lot of water exits at the bottom, then you have put more water in the pot than the plant really needs.
Over time, the amount of water needed by plants will increase so you will need to stay attentive.
Adding Nutrients To The Water
Adding nutrients to the water is a great way to maintain healthy plants. These nutrients include nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and are readily available at farm stores. These nutrients can come separately or in blends and instructions are typically given in order to ensure proper usage. Be sure to stick to these instructions as too much or too little nutrients can affect your plant’s health.
THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE AND pH OF WATER
Be sure to check that your water is within the 5.5 and 7 range before adding it to your plant. (The optimal pH for plants is 6.2 ) To do so, you will need a pH meter. If the water is not within this range, you can add products to adjust the water’s pH value.
The best water temperature for plants is anywhere from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is above or below these temperatures, your plants can experience shock and growth can be retarded. If you cannot estimate the temperature by hand, you should use a thermometer before adding the water.
