What nutrients do cannabis plants need?

When growing cannabis, it is very important to know what your marijuana plants need at each stage of their life cycle. When you have a clear understanding of which nutrients are used for what, you’ll gain a huge advantage in growing top-notch and abundant flowers.

Primary nutrients

They represent the 3 main nutrients. The N-P-K value indicates the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For example NPK 7-15-19 informs you that there are 7 parts nitrogen, 15 part phosphorus and 19 parts potassium.

nitrogen deficiency by cannabis leaf — Nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen – (N) used to develop the leaves, stems and branches of marijuana plants. Nitrogen is also responsible for the formation of chlorophyll, which is used in the process of photosynthesis in the conversion of energy, amino acids and enzymes. Nitrogen use should be reduced once the marijuana plant begins to flower. Nitrogen deficiency can be detected when the cannabis leaves start to turn yellow and eventually fall off.

symptoms of phosphorus deficiency on marijuana leaf — Phosphorus deficiency

symptoms of phosphorus deficiency on the cannabis leaf at a later stage. — Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus – (P) together with nitrogen, it helps healthy root development and allows the marijuana plant to form strong branches that can support the weight of future buds. Phosphorus is one of the main requirements for flowering cannabis plants. Phosphorus deficiency makes marijuana plants more vulnerable to pathogens and is identified by a change in stem and leaf colour from green to a purplish-reddish hue. Some varieties have red and purple tones naturally, however, in growth stage only rarely, so in most cases it is a phosphorus deficiency.

early stage of potassium deficiency on cannabis leaf — Potassium deficiency

Late stage potassium deficiency on hemp leaf — Potassium deficiency

Potassium – (K) helps convert carbon dioxide, stimulates leaf growth and is an essential nutrient with potassium when marijuana plants start to flower. Potassium strengthens the stems and gives the plants a healthy and strong growth structure during the growing season. It also helps cannabis plants to better fight disease and use water more efficiently. Potassium deficiency in marijuana plants is manifested by yellowing of the leaves from the edges.

Explanation of trace elements

On the back of the nutrient bottle, you will also find a trace element analysis alongside the essential nutrients. As the name suggests, these micronutrients are needed by cannabis plants in much smaller proportions. The correct ratio of trace elements is extremely important.

Magnesium

is responsible for the function and production of plant enzymes, auxins and stem growth.

Magnesium deficiency by marijuana leaf — Magnesium deficiency

Calcium

helps in the transfer of nitrogen and sugars.

Calcium deficiency by cannabis leaf — Calcium deficiency

Sulphur

used to make growth hormones and vitamins and is considered an essential building block.

sulphur deficiency in the marijuana plant — Deficiency sulphur

Zinc

along with other trace elements, is essential for the formation of enzymes and chlorophyll.

zinc deficiency visible on the marijuana leaves — Zinc deficiency

Iron

it is a catalyst for chlorophyll formation and also an easily absorbed element for roots.

deficiency iron on marijuana leaves — Iron deficiency

Manganese

essential for photosynthesis and enzyme production.

manganese deficiency by marijuana plant — Manganese deficiency

Boron

helps with calcium uptake and many other processes. It is an essential trace element that should be present throughout the development of the cannabis plant.

boron deficiency in marijuana plants — Boron deficiency

Cobalt

is a trace element that plants need, but many nutrient manufacturers add it in large quantities.

Chlorine

Chlorine in the form of chlorides helps photosynthesis and root formation. Marijuana plants have wilted chlorotic leaves that turn bronze in the absence of chlorine. The roots are stunted and thickened near the tips. Chlorine-deficient cannabis plants are pale and suffer from wilting.

Copper

Acts as a fungicide and also benefits the root zone in enzyme production.

copper deficiency in cannabis plants — copper deficiency

Molybdenum

an important component of enzyme production and plant function.

molybdenum deficiency in the marijuana plant — molybdenum deficiency

Nickel

Helps break down nitrogen and nitrates and acts as an enzyme. Nickel-deficient marijuana plants find it difficult to break down the waste product urea and produce an excess of it in their tissues. Symptoms of nickel deficiency include tip dieback of cannabis leaves.

Solid fertilisers

When it comes to growing cannabis plants on organic substrates only, most marijuana growers opt for nutrient-rich dirt for a few months to cover the vegetative phase.
You can buy substrate from grow shops that sell it specifically for cannabis plants. You can also buy liquid fertiliser to go with this substrate, which can be used together with the nutrients already in the soil. However, only water with a stable pH should be used.

Compost made from organic waste slowly decomposes during the life cycle of the cannabis plant. The compost is also rich in magnesium and full of beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that work together to break down the organic matter and convert it back into the root zone.

Earthworm droppings are very beneficial for stimulating microbial life. The balanced N-P-K and trace element content makes the use of earthworm excrement a safe and trouble-free way to grow healthy and strong cannabis plants.

Liquid fertilizers

If you have decided to invest in a liquid fertiliser and follow the dosage table, you will find that different fertilisers are designed for different stages of the cannabis life cycle, from a rooting booster to a vegetative fertiliser to a fertiliser for flowering cannabis plants or a fertiliser for maturing cannabis buds.

Liquid fertilisers for application to the soil often consist of molasses made from sugar.

Other times it is humic acids, earthworm or bat guano extracts. When using liquid fertilizers, it is important to follow the dosage table and ensure that the marijuana plants are properly watered.

What are the benefits of flushing marijuana plants?

the flushing process for marijuana plant

-flushing will improve the taste and aroma of your harvest

Before you decide to harvest your crops, you should thoroughly rid the cannabis plants of excess nutrients and minerals. These residues interfere with the natural flavour and aroma whether you grow in soil, coconut or hydroponically. Marijuana plants need time to use up all the nutrients previously stored in them.

For experienced growers, flushing is therefore a matter of course. If you are using fertilisers, especially mineral fertilisers, every manufacturer recommends that you plant a regular fertiliser and flush thoroughly before harvest.

When to flush before harvest.

If you are growing in soil, start flushing 10 days seems as the best before harvest.
If you are growing cannabis plants in a coconut, we are recommending 5-6 days of flushing before harvest.
If you are growing marijuana in a hydroponic system, just flush the plants 3 days before harvest.

If you are growing with organic fertiliser, flushing is not absolutely necessary, but it certainly won’t spoil anything.

Summary

Fertilizing marijuana plants is a simple and easy process, especially if you follow the basic rules of fertilizing with water only or following a fertilization chart. Being able to recognize when a cannabis plant is nutrient deficient and act quickly will play a key role in how successful your harvest will be.