Growing cannabis starts with a small seedling that will develop into a strong plant . But there are many challenges, especially in this early phase. From light and temperature to the right watering and possible problems such as yellow leaves or stretched growth - here you can find out what you need to look out for to ensure that your seedling grows healthily.
Cannabis seedling: The basics for a successful start
A cannabis seedling is the first growth phase of the plant after germination. At this stage, the plant is particularly sensitive and requires optimal conditions to grow vigorously. These include
- A suitable substrate with good drainage
- Sufficient, but not too much light
- A stable temperature range
- The right amount of water
If any of these factors are not right, growth problems can quickly arise, so it is important to monitor the seedling's development closely and react in good time.
Cannabis seedling stops growing
It can happen that your seedling suddenly stops growing. The reasons for this are often:
- Too little or too much water - Waterlogging suffocates the roots, while dryness inhibits growth.
- Lack or excess of nutrients - A substrate that is too rich in nutrients can overtax young plants.
- Incorrect temperature - Temperatures that are too low or too high can stunt growth.
- Poor air circulation - Without fresh air, plants will not grow optimally.
To get growth going again, you should check whether your seedling has the right conditions. It often helps to water less and keep the temperature stable.
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Cannabis seedling and light: How much is ideal?
Light is one of the most important factors for the growth of a cannabis seedling. In the first few days, gentle lighting is sufficient, ideally from an LED with a colour temperature of around 6500K. Too much light can stress the young plants, while too little light inhibits growth.
A lighting period of 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day has proven to be effective. As the seedling begins to grow stronger, the light intensity can be gradually increased.
Cannabis seedling gets too much light: signs and remedy
If a cannabis seedling is exposed to too much light, it will show this through certain symptoms:
- The leaves curl upwards.
- The tips become dry or discoloured.
- The seedling appears stressed and grows more slowly.
To solve the problem, you should hang the lamp a little higher or reduce the intensity. A distance of around 30-50 cm from the plant is a good guideline, depending on the lamp.
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Cannabis seedling gets yellow leaves:
Yellow leaves are often a warning sign and can indicate various problems during the seedling phase:
- Overwatering - Too much water can cause root rot, which means the plant no longer absorbs nutrients properly.
- Nutrient deficiency - Nitrogen deficiency in particular leads to yellow colouration.
- Too much light - Light stress can also lead to yellow leaves.
The best solution is to analyse the cause in detail. If the substrate is too wet, you should reduce watering. If nutrient deficiency is the cause, light fertilisation can help.
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Cannabis seedling: The right temperature for healthy growth
The temperature has a major influence on the development of a seedling. Ideal values are between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 18 degrees, the plant grows more slowly or stops completely. Temperatures above 30 degrees can also be harmful, as the plant then evaporates too much water and becomes stressed.
A thermometer with a humidity indicator helps to monitor the climate in the grow area closely. If it gets too warm, a fan can be used to cool it down.
Repotting cannabis seedlings: when is the right time?
Repotting early can damage the roots, but waiting too long can restrict growth . The best time to repot is when the seedling has about 3-4 pairs of leaves and the roots are starting to grow out of the bottom of the pot.
This makes repotting stress-free:
- Carefully remove the seedling from the pot without damaging the roots.
- Place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
- Press the soil down lightly and water carefully.
- Avoid direct light for a few days to allow the plant to recover.
After repotting, the seedling may look a little limp for a day or two, but this is normal - as soon as the roots have become accustomed to the new medium, the plant will continue to grow.
Cannabis seedling spars: What does that mean?
An "asparagus" seedling means that it stretches too much in height and develops a thin, unstable stem. This usually happens when the plant receives too little light.
Here's how you can solve the problem:
- Move the lamp closer to the plant so that it gets more light.
- Create a gentle breeze with a fan so that the stem grows more stably.
- Place the plant deeper in the soil to give it more support.
If you react early, the seedling can still recover; later on, a stem that is too thin can cause the plant to collapse under its own weight.
How to grow a healthy cannabis seedling
The seedling phase is crucial for overall plant growth. Make sure that your seedling gets enough light, the right amount of water and a stable temperature. If problems such as yellow leaves or stunted growth occur, you can often quickly counteract them with small adjustments.
With the right conditions and a little patience, your cannabis seedling will develop into a strong plant that will later produce a rich harvest 🌱💚
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