How to water cannabis properly

The correct watering of cannabis plants is crucial for their healthy growth and yield. It requires a precise balance, as both above and below water g can have serious consequences. Overwatering leads to a lack of oxygen in the roots, resulting in root rot and limp, yellowish leaves. Underwatering, on the other hand, causes the leaves to dry out and become limp as the roots do not receive enough moisture. To avoid these problems, the plants should only be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil are dry. Thorough watering that reaches the entire root zone is essential. Good drainage is just as important: pots with sufficient drainage holes and well-drained soil prevent waterlogging. The time of day of watering also plays a role: watering in the morning helps to supply the plants with water during the day and allow excess moisture to evaporate. Good air circulation, sufficient light and the right supply of nutrients also support the healthy growth of the plants . Regular monitoring of the plants helps to recognise signs of stress at an early stage and take appropriate measures. Following these practices will ensure that the cannabis plants remain healthy and thrive optimally.

Why is correct watering so important?

Importance of correct pouring

Watering cannabis plants is more than just a daily routine - it's both an art and a science. The right water supply plays a central role in the health and growth of your plants. Cannabis is a hardy plant, but when it comes to water, it can be quite finicky. Too little water and your plants will quickly become dehydrated, leading to stunted growth. Too much water and you risk root rot, which can weaken the entire plant.

Cannabis needs a precise balance: enough water to nourish the roots and absorb the nutrients, but not so much that they stand in water and "drown". A well thought out watering schedule will ensure that your plants have the best possible chance of growing strong and healthy.

Effects of overwatering and underwatering

Überwässerung

Overwatering is a common problem for cannabis growers, especially beginners. If the roots of your plant are constantly standing in water, they lack the necessary oxygen. This can lead to root rot, a serious condition that stunts the growth of your plants and can ultimately lead to death. Signs of overwatering include yellowing, limp leaves and a generally sickly appearance of the plant. Another problem is that excess water washes nutrients out of the soil, leading to nutrient deficiencies.

Unterwässerung

On the other hand, underwatering is also problematic. If your plant does not receive enough water, it can dehydrate. This is characterised by dry, crispy leaves, slow growth and, in extreme cases, the death of the plant. Dehydrated plants cannot absorb nutrients from the soil, leading to nutrient deficiencies and further health problems. Especially in the hot summer months or in strong light, it is important to closely monitor and adjust the water requirements of your plants.

The basics of casting

Soil and drainage

Choosing the right soil and good drainage are the basis for successfully watering cannabis plants. Use a high-quality, well-drained soil that is especially suitable for cannabis cultivation. This soil should be loose and light to ensure optimum air circulation and provide the roots with sufficient oxygen. Drainage holes at the bottom of the pots are essential to allow excess water to drain away and prevent waterlogging. Good drainage prevents the roots from standing in water and promotes healthy root development.

Wassermenge

The right amount of water is crucial for the well-being of your cannabis plants. As a rule of thumb, water the plants until a little water emerges from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the water reaches the roots and excess salts and nutrients are flushed out of the soil. The amount of water required may vary depending on the size of the plant, type of substrate and ambient temperature. It is important not to overwater or underwater the plant to avoid root rot or dehydration.

Gießfrequenz

The frequency with which you water your cannabis plants depends on various factors, including the growth stage of the plant, the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. A tried and tested method is to only water again when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. This prevents overwatering and ensures that the roots can absorb sufficient oxygen between waterings. In the early stages of growth, plants generally require less water, while the demand increases in the flowering phase. Observe your plants and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

Pour cannabis quantity

The right amount of water

The right amount of water is essential for the healthy growth of your cannabis plants. The amount of water should be sufficient to provide the roots with the necessary nutrients, but not so much that waterlogging occurs. A good guide is to water the plant until a little water emerges from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This will ensure that the entire root system is evenly supplied with water.

How much water does a cannabis plant need?

The amount of water required can vary greatly depending on the growth phase of the plant:

• Keimlingsphase: In the first few days after germination, the plants need very little water. The soil should be moist, but not wet. It is best to use a spray bottle so as not to overwater the sensitive seedlings.

• Vegetative phase: During this growth phase, the need for water increases as the plants quickly grow in size. Water the plants thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Blütephase: During the flowering phase, the plants need more water, especially if they produce large Flowers. Make sure that the soil remains evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

A general rule of thumb is to add about 10-20% of the pot volume of water per watering. For a 10-litre pot, this would be about 1-2 litres of water per watering.

Factors that influence the amount of water

Several factors can influence the amount of water your cannabis plants need:

• Topfgröße: Larger pots require more water as they contain more soil and can therefore store more moisture. Smaller pots dry out more quickly and need to be watered more frequently.

• Ambient temperature and humidity: In warm and dry environments, the water evaporates more quickly, so the plants need to be watered more frequently. In cooler or more humid climates, the soil remains moist for longer.

• Lichtintensität: Strong lighting can increase evaporation and increase the plants' water requirements. Make sure that plants receive sufficient water under intensive lighting.

• Wachstumsmedium: Different substrates have different water storage capacities. Coconut fibres, for example, dry out more quickly than peat-based soils and therefore need to be watered more frequently.

• Plant size and age: Larger and older plants have a higher water requirement than smaller, younger plants, as they have more leaf mass and larger root systems.

By taking these factors into account and adjusting your watering practice accordingly, you can ensure that your cannabis plants always receive the right amount of water. Monitor your plants regularly and adjust the amount of water as needed to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Tips for determining the amount of water

Methods for measuring the correct quantity

1. Finger-Test A simple method to check the moisture content of the soil is the finger test. Stick your finger about 2-3 cm deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If the soil still feels moist, you can postpone watering for a while.

2. Weight of the pot Weigh your pots when they are fully watered and when the soil is dry. After a while you will develop a feeling for how heavy a pot should be with the right amount of water. This is particularly useful with larger plants where the finger test is not always sufficient.

3. Feuchtigkeitsmesser A moisture meter is a handy tool that can tell you exactly how moist the soil is at different depths. These devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They help you to water more precisely and avoid over- or under-watering.

4. Bewässerungstabelle Keep a chart or diary in which you record when and how much water you have given the plants. This will help you to recognise a pattern and plan the watering quantities better.

Avoid common mistakes

1. Too frequent watering One of the most common mistakes is to water the plants too often. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the root area and can cause root rot. Always wait until the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry before watering again.

2. Too little watering On the other hand, watering too infrequently can cause the plants to dehydrate and not absorb enough nutrients. Make sure that the soil never dries out completely.

3. Poor drainage Without sufficient drainage, the roots can stand in water and rot. Always use pots with drainage holes and well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.

4. Pouring according to a fixed schedule Plants have different water requirements depending on the growth phase, weather and other factors. Instead of watering according to a fixed schedule, observe your plants and adjust the amount of water to their current needs.

5. Do not pay attention to the environmental conditions Temperature and humidity influence how quickly the soil dries out. Adapt your watering practice to the current environmental conditions. In warmer and drier periods, plants need more water.

6. Superficial pouring Water the plants thoroughly so that the water reaches the roots. Superficial watering can lead to the roots growing shallow and the plant not receiving sufficient stability and nutrients.

By following these methods and tips, you can ensure that your cannabis plants receive the right amount of water and thrive optimally.

How often to water cannabis

Determination of the casting frequency

The casting frequency for Cannabispflanzen requires attention and adjustment to various factors. There is no universal rule for the frequency of watering as it depends on several variables. A general rule is to water the plants when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. This prevents overwatering and ensures that the roots can absorb sufficient oxygen between waterings.

Factors that influence the casting frequency

1. Umgebungstemperatur In warmer climates and during periods of hot weather, water evaporates more quickly, making more frequent watering necessary. In cooler climates, the soil stays moist for longer.

2. Luftfeuchtigkeit High humidity reduces the evaporation rate, while low humidity increases it. Adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

3. Pflanzengröße : Larger plants with more leaf mass evaporate more water and therefore need water more frequently than smaller plants.

4. Pot size and material Smaller pots dry out more quickly than larger ones. Pots made of porous materials such as terracotta allow water to evaporate more quickly than plastic or fabric pots.

5. Substrattyp Different growing media have different water storage capacities. Coconut fibres, for example, dry out more quickly than peat-based soils and need to be watered more frequently.

6. Wachstumsphase : The water requirement varies depending on the growth phase of the plant (see next section).

Different phases of growth

1. Keimlingsphase Seedlings only need a little water. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, so as not to damage the sensitive roots.

2. Vegetative phase : In this phase, the plant grows quickly and needs more water. Water the plants thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.

3. Blütephase : During the flowering phase, the water requirement increases, especially when the plant develops large Flowers. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Practical tips on casting frequency

1. Finger-Test Check the moisture of the top layer of soil regularly by carrying out the finger test. Stick your finger about 2-3 cm deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

2. Weight of the pot Lift the pot to check the weight. A light pot means that the soil is dry and should be watered.

3. Feuchtigkeitsmesser Use a moisture meter to determine the exact moisture content of the soil. This helps to water more precisely and avoid over- or under-watering.

Signs of the right time

1. Dry top layer of soil : Wait until the top 2-3 cm of soil are dry before watering again.

2. Blattzustand Observe the leaves of your plants. Drooping leaves can be a sign of water need, while yellow or wilting leaves can indicate overwatering.

3. Wurzelwachstum Healthy root growth is a good indicator that the plant is receiving sufficient water. If the roots are visible at the drainage holes, it may be time to check the watering frequency and adjust if necessary.

Best practices

1. Water in the morning Preferably water your plants in the morning. This allows the water to be absorbed during the day and excess moisture evaporates by the evening.

2. Water thoroughly Make sure that the water reaches the entire root zone. Water slowly and evenly until a little water emerges from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

3. Adapt casting schedule : Adjust your watering frequency and quantity regularly to the needs of your plants and the environmental conditions.

4. Avoid standing water Do not leave the plants standing in water. Remove excess water from the saucers to prevent root rot.

By considering these factors and tips, you can ensure that your cannabis plants always receive the optimal amount of water to grow healthy and vigorous.

When to water cannabis

The right time to water

Finding the right time to water your cannabis plants is crucial for their health and growth. The timing of watering can affect water consumption, nutrient uptake and the risk of disease. There are different approaches to when it is best to water, but the general recommendations aim to take into account the needs of the plant and the environmental conditions.

Watering in the morning or evening?

Water in the morning

Watering in the morning is often considered the best time. The temperature is cooler in the morning, which means that the water evaporates more slowly and the plants have enough time to absorb it. Watering in the morning keeps the soil moist during the day, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. In addition, excess water that is not absorbed can evaporate during the day, which reduces the risk of root rot.

Pour in the evening

Watering in the evening can also be beneficial, especially in very hot climates. If you water in the evening, the water evaporates more slowly overnight. However, there is an increased risk of mould and fungal infestation as the plants remain moist for a longer period of time. To minimise this risk, do not water too late in the evening and ensure good air circulation around the plants.

Influence of watering time on plant growth

The timing of watering affects the health and growth of your cannabis plants in several ways:

1. Nährstoffaufnahme Plants absorb water and nutrients through their roots. If you water at an unfavourable time, absorption can be inefficient. Plants watered in the morning have the whole day to utilise water and nutrients, which leads to better growth.

2. Temperaturregulierung Watering helps to regulate the plant temperature. In hot climates, watering in the morning can cool the plants and protect them from heat stress.

3. Krankheitsprävention Watering in the evening keeps the soil moist for longer, which increases the risk of fungal infestation and root rot. Watering in the morning helps to remove excess moisture during the day.

Strategies for optimising the casting time

Adaptation to the climate

1. Hot climate : In hot climates, it is better to water in the morning. This helps to keep the plants cool during the day and utilise the water efficiently.
2. Cooler climate : In cooler climates, watering in the morning can also be an advantage, as evaporation is lower and the plants can still absorb enough water.

Utilisation of irrigation systems

1. Automatic irrigation systems These systems can be set to water the plants at the optimum times without you having to worry about it. This is particularly useful if you want to water regularly at the same time.
2. Tropfbewässerung : Drip irrigation systems release water slowly and continuously, which keeps the soil evenly moist and minimises evaporation.

Further tips for optimisation

1. Water thoroughly No matter what time of day you water, make sure that the water penetrates deep into the root zone. This promotes healthy root growth and reduces the risk of surface roots.
2. Check the earth : Use the above methods (finger test, pot weight, moisture meter) to make sure your plants really need water before watering.
3. Avoid leaf wetness : Try to keep the leaves dry, especially when watering in the evening, to minimise the risk of fungal infestation.

By following these strategies and tips, you can optimise watering times and ensure that your cannabis plants grow healthy and strong.

Cannabis: Too little water

A lack of water can be just as critical for cannabis plants as overwatering - only the problem often manifests itself more quickly and visibly. If a plant does not get enough water, it not only suffers from drought, but also from a lack of nutrients. After all, many nutrients are only transported by water. Especially in hot summer months or with intensive lighting, there is a high risk that the plants will receive too little moisture.

• How do you recognise a lack of water: The first signs of insufficient water are often the leaves. They hang limply and lose their vigour. At an advanced stage, they become dry, brittle and can even fall off. In addition, the plant grows much more slowly because without water it can neither absorb nutrients nor maintain vital processes. A lack of water can have serious consequences, especially during the flowering phase when the plant needs a lot of resources.
• Why does water shortage occur: A lack of water usually occurs because the soil dries out for too long. This happens if the plants are in small pots or if the ambient temperatures are high and the humidity is low. Certain substrates such as coconut fibres also tend to dry out more quickly. Sometimes, however, it is simply because the gardener misses the watering time - perhaps out of fear of overwatering.
• What to do if you run out of water: If your plant is suffering from a lack of water, you need to act quickly. Water the soil slowly and evenly so that the water penetrates deep into the soil. However, avoid "flooding" the plant in one go - this could damage the roots. It is important that you then water regularly before the soil dries out completely. Check the moisture content of the soil more frequently, especially at high temperatures.
• How to avoid water shortages: The key is a good balance: let the soil dry out slightly before watering, but never so long that it dries out completely. A good routine helps, as does choosing the right substrate. A mixture that retains water well, such as peaty soil or soil with vermiculite, can be particularly beneficial in hot summers. In extreme cases, a layer of mulch can also help to slow down evaporation.

With a little attention and a good watering strategy, you can ensure that your cannabis plants always get enough water. This will avoid stress for the plants - and for yourself!

Cannabis overwatering

What is overwatering?

Overwatering means that cannabis plants receive more water than they need, leading to saturation of the soil. This excessive moisture can prevent the roots from absorbing enough oxygen, causing various health problems. The main causes of overwatering are too frequent watering, poor drainage, heavy soils and using pots that are too large for small plants. If the soil remains constantly wet, the roots lack the oxygen they need to function properly.

Symptoms of overhydration

Overwatering can be recognised by several symptoms. Yellow leaves, especially on the lower parts of the plant, are often the first sign. Floppy, drooping leaves that wilt despite sufficient watering can also indicate overwatering. Another warning sign is root rot, which is characterised by an unpleasant odour and black, slimy roots. Plants that grow more slowly or stop growing completely and deformed leaves are further indications that the plant is suffering from too much water.

How to avoid overwatering?

To avoid overwatering, it is important to closely monitor and regulate the plants' water requirements. Wait until the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry before watering again. This prevents the plants from standing in water all the time and suffocating the roots. Water the plants thoroughly so that the water penetrates deep into the soil and reaches the entire root zone. This promotes deep roots and more robust plants. Instead of giving frequent small amounts of water, it is better to water less frequently but thoroughly.

Drainage tips

Good drainage is crucial to avoid overwatering. Use pots with adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. Make sure you use high-quality, well-draining soil that is suitable for cannabis cultivation. Perlite or vermiculite in the soil can improve drainage. Raise the pots slightly by placing them on stones or special pot feet, which will allow better water drainage and prevent the roots from standing in stagnant water. If you use saucers, make sure that they do not contain standing water after watering by regularly draining excess water. The Webdesignagentur has helped to create this article.

By applying these techniques and keeping a close eye on your plants, you can effectively avoid overwatering and ensure the healthy growth of your cannabis plants.