Cannabis with red stems: Causes, effects and care instructions

Red-coloured stems on cannabis plants can be worrying, but are often harmless. In this blog, we explain why your plant might turn this colour and when you should be worried. Let's dive in! 🌿

Why do cannabis plants get red stems? 🌱🔴

You have grown your cannabis plant with a lot of love and dedication. You check it every day, maybe even talk to it a little (hey, plants like that!). And suddenly - bang - you discover that the stems of your plant are turning red! 😳 That makes you wonder, doesn't it? "What have I done wrong?" you might ask yourself. "Is that a problem? Or is everything okay?"

Calm down first - you're not the only one this happens to! Red stems with cannabis are super common and in most cases totally harmless. Sure, there are situations where you might want to take a step back and take a closer look. But hey, take a deep breath - often it's just one of the many peculiarities that this plant brings with it. 😌

Not every colour change is a drama!

Cannabis is a real survivor. It is quite flexible and can adapt to many different conditions - and you can see that in its colour. The leaves and stems can change colour depending on the circumstances, and that doesn't necessarily have to be a drama. It could just as well mean that it is simply feeling good and developing.

So, what should you keep an eye on?

✅ If the leaves are nice and green and vibrant, you can relax and wait for the red stems. Maybe it just looks pretty and your plant is showing its best side. 😎

⚠️ However, if you also notice yellow leaves or perhaps even brown spots, it could be a sign of a problem. Then you should take a closer look - perhaps your plant needs a little support. But don't panic, this can usually be fixed quickly too!

Why is the stem turning red? What's behind it

You're probably asking yourself: "What exactly is happening? Why is the stem suddenly turning red?" Good question! There are a few reasons why cannabis plants go through this colour change, and a lot of it is completely normal - so you don't have to worry about your plant suddenly sending out a "distress call". Sometimes it's just their way of saying, "It's all good, but look how cool I look!" 😄

The reason why the stems change colour often has to do with the genetics of the plant. Some varieties simply have a tendency to develop reddish or purple stems, and this is intentional - a bit like a fashion statement from your plant. Sometimes plants also react to environmental influences such as light or temperature. For example, have you grown your plant under particularly strong light? This can also influence the colour. Think about us humans - when we sunbathe more intensively, our skin also changes colour. 🌞

But don't worry - as long as your plant still has green leaves, this is usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes it's just the "sugar on the cake" that makes your plant particularly pretty! 🎨

Natural causes of red stems in cannabis 🌿✨

You're probably asking yourself: "Okay, so there's no need to panic, but why is this actually happening?" Good question! There are some completely natural reasons why your plant's stems turn reddish - and don't worry, in most cases it's completely harmless. Let's go through the most common causes:

1. genetics - a bit of colour is part of it! 🎨

Some cannabis strains are simply programmed to shine with reddish stems. It's like certain flowers that bloom in different colours - it's just part of their nature. If you've found a strain that naturally has this, it can only mean that it's growing healthily and has its own "style". Cool, right?

2. age - young plants are sometimes still "excited"! 🌱

If your plant is still young, the stems may become redder simply because they are growing and developing. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. You can think of it like the young, fresh growth of a tree - over time the plant will become more stable and its colours will change. So, don't panic - it's just still a little "excited"! 😉

3rd light - The right ambience for a colour show! 💡

Have you grown your plant under particularly strong light? For example, LED lamps or very intense sunlight? If so, this could be the reason why the stems have such a great reddish colour. Sometimes cannabis plants react to such light conditions by slightly changing their colours. It's a bit like us humans when we go out in the sun - our complexion can change, but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Your plant is simply saying: "Look how well I handle light!" 🌞

4. Temperature fluctuations - A little cold? No problem! ❄️🔥

Cannabis is a robust plant, but it also reacts to extreme temperatures. If it suddenly gets cooler at night or you grow your plant in changing climate zones, the stems may turn slightly reddish. This is also nothing unusual and often happens when the plant gets a little "chill". A bit like us when it gets colder outside and we get a red nose 😉

5. excess nutrients - a little too much of a good thing 🌾

Sometimes excess nutrients can also "confuse" the plant and lead to a reddish discolouration of the stems. Especially phosphorus or potassium in higher quantities can have such an effect. But don't worry, this is not usually a long-term problem. Just make sure you don't over-fertilise to avoid these little "splashes of colour".

You see, not every reddish stem change is a drama! Your plant might just be responding well to the circumstances or developing its own little layer of colour. Now you know that there are many natural reasons for this - and don't panic! 😊

Problematic causes - when you should take action ⚠️🌱

There are times when red stems are not just a pretty display of colour, but a sign that your plant needs some support. If other symptoms such as yellow leaves, spots or poor growth occur alongside the red stems, there could be a problem. But don't worry - we'll find out together!

To make things a little easier for you, here is a table in which you can find the most common problematic causes and their symptoms:

How do you recognise when it's really a problem?

So if you see the following signs in addition to the red stems, you should take a closer look:

• Yellow leaves: Your plant may need nutrients, especially nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus.
• Leaves wilting or turning brown: A sign of a lack of water or stress - perhaps you haven't watered it enough or it has "died" in the heat.
• Slow or halted growth phase: This is often a sign of too much or too little of something. A lack of nutrients or incorrect lighting could be to blame here.

What can you do?

If you see something that doesn't look quite "normal", try to identify the cause and take targeted action. The table will help you to quickly find out whether it is a harmless phase or a real problem. In most cases, everything can be resolved with a little patience and the right adjustments. 😊

Solutions & Prevention - How to get your plant back in top form 🌱🔧

Okay, you've now noticed the red stems and perhaps a few other small "warning signs" on your plant. But don't worry, it's not the end of the world! You can easily help it get back into top form. And hey, there are also a few tricks you can use to make sure it doesn't get that far in the first place. So, take a deep breath and let's get started with a few simple but effective tips that your plant will love!

1. nutrients - your plant needs a little "nudge" 🧑‍🌾

If you see red stems on the plant, but also yellow leaves, then it may simply be a little "hungry". Don't panic - it's easy to fix! Your plant could simply need more phosphorus or potassium. Imagine it's having one of those days when it just needs more energy (we've all been there, right?).

• A good fertiliser can work wonders: If you give her a nutrient-rich fertiliser that contains these substances, she will recover quickly.
• Magnesium? No problem: If it hasn't been getting enough magnesium, take a look at Epsom salt - a real game changer! Your plant will thank you. 😊

2. temperature & light - your plant needs its "wellness area" 🌞

Imagine standing in the blazing sun all day or freezing in a cool room. You wouldn't exactly blossom there either, would you? Cannabis is no different. Make sure she's really cosy:

• The perfect feel-good temperature: It should be between 20 and 25°C during the day - and it can be a little cooler at night, around 16 to 18°C.
• Light, but not too much: Your plant loves good light, but too much can quickly overwhelm it. Remember that LED lights can be really intense, so make sure it's not too close. A little 'distance' here is like a restful nap! 😌

3. Watering - A little water for the soul 💦

Sometimes you think the more water, the better - but that's not always the case. Your plant is really picky! It likes to be watered regularly, but not too much. You can think of it as a little "coffee date" with her - she loves it, but don't overdo it. 😉

• The right watering schedule: You should make sure that the soil remains well aerated and that the water can drain away easily. Too much water can also lead to waterlogging, which is not what your plant needs at the moment.
Don't let it dry out: On the other hand, it doesn't want to be thirsty all the time either - so a healthy balance is the key here!

4. Pests? Not a chance! 🦠

Okay, your plant is a real "powerhouse", but even it can get a little "visit" from nasty pests. Mites, aphids - the list is long. But don't worry, we use the gentle method here to keep the creepy-crawlies away:

• Natural helpers: Biological sprays or neem oil are great for getting rid of the little tenants without much effort.
• Cleanliness always helps: Keep the area around your plant clean and check regularly to see if an uninvited guest has appeared somewhere.

5. patience, patience, patience - just let them have their time 🕰️

And now - relax! You've done everything right, but sometimes it just takes time for everything to normalise again. Your plant is a little creature that will grow and recover if you give it the right care. It's a bit like us when we take time out and then come back refreshed and energised. Your plant will recover - you just need to be a little patient. 😊

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With these tips, you are well equipped to help your plant and prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Remember: it's like any good relationship - a little attention, some care and the right balance and you'll be rewarded with a healthy, strong plant! 🌿

Conclusion - all-clear or alarm? 🌿💡

So, now you've gone through all the information and are probably asking yourself: "OK, what do I do with my red stems now? Should I panic or just chill?" Honestly? Chill! 😌

In most cases, the red stalks are really nothing to worry about. It's more like a whim of your plant - maybe it just wants to stand out a bit or it's having its own little colour phase. Sometimes it's really just genetics giving it a cool shade of colour, like a plant tattoo it's showing off. 😎🎨

But, and this is also important, there are of course also cases where red stems can be a small indication of a problem. If you also see yellowed or diseased leaves in addition to the red stems, then it's time to take a closer look. But don't panic, we'll get that under control too. 🌱

So, what can you do now?

1. Keep calm: If you don't see any other tell-tale signs such as yellow or brown leaves, then you can simply accept the red stems for what they are: A bit of character from your plant. Just fine and dandy the way it is! 😊
2. Check the basics: Even if red stems are often harmless, you should make sure that your plant is well cared for in the basics. So: Does it have enough light? The right temperature? Does it get water regularly, but not too much? Plants also have their needs, and you as the "plant parent" need to be a little careful. 😅
3. Patience, my friend: Remember: plants need time, just like us. If everything else is right, your plant will also recover and lose the red stems again over time - or simply keep them as part of its very own style. It's like us when we just need to relax after a long day at work - and then we'll soon feel better too! 😌

Conclusion: You've got this under control! 🌱💪

At the end of the day, you simply don't have to worry. You have everything you need to properly care for and help your plant. It will thank you with healthy growth. So, relax - your plant is a little survivor and is sure to grow even if you take a break from watching it all the time. A bit like a good friendship: you don't have to worry about looking after it all the time 😉