Autoflowering is a good way to grow consistent marijuana yields. However, every once in a while there is a hiccup in the process. A plant or plants don’t perform the way they should. Fortunately, it is possible to troubleshoot the problem.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most common issues that slow down the auto-flowering process. We also provide simple solutions that should get your growth operation back on track. Read on to learn how to get the most out of your autoflowering cannabis seeds.
Table of Contents
Bad Genetics
Sometimes, when a plant isn’t doing what you want it to, the fault is beyond your control. Growers set their sites up with thought and attention. However, even the best-laid plans can be foiled by faulty genetics.
Optimal growing conditions may help a bad plant produce okay results. However, when the issue is genetic, there are limitations to how much you can expect.
The real solution to this issue is to seek out better seeds. High-quality autoflower cannabis seeds kits cost more money, but the results are overwhelmingly well worth it. Always look for the best autoflower seeds for sale.
Poor Lighting
Plants need adequate light to grow well. Indoor grow operations don’t always replicate the natural conditions that are required to produce the best cannabis flowers. While your lighting system may be enough to keep the plant alive, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is providing the leaves with enough energy to sustain high-functioning growth.
The best way to solve this issue is to re-evaluate your setup and research the specific needs of the strain that you are trying to grow. Keep in mind that every plant is different, and small variables can have a very large impact on the ultimate results. Even the best autoflower seeds USA need adequate light to survive.
Lighting: Part 2
Hey, who doesn’t like a good sequel? It’s also worth noting that lighting needs may vary for a single plant depending on the stage of growth it is in. What worked when the plant was just sprouting might not be optimal for producing the flowering that you are hoping for.
Growers call this following the “lighting spectrum.” Speak with growers you know to find out how they handle the “lighting spectrum.”
You’re Overwatering
Don’t worry. You’re hardly the first person to make this mistake. The nefarious thing about this problem is that it often feels like you are doing the right thing. Plants need water. Giving it to them is responsible plant management, right?
Yes and no. You do need to water your plants. However, when the roots get waterlogged, it can have adverse effects on the entire plant. This might mean that flower production slows or even stops altogether.
If you continue to overwater your plant for a long time, it may even die. Once again, research is your friend. Find out how much water your specific strain needs to thrive and behave accordingly.
Wrong PH Balance
PH balance refers to how much acid is present in the soil. It sounds extremely scientific, but it’s actually much easier to manage than most gardeners would at first assume. PH test strips are available at most gardening and hardware stores.
Take a quick, easy sample, and find out what sort of acid content is present in your soil. If the balance is off, it could explain your growth problem. Fortunately, soil additives make it easy to correct the issue and get your growing back on track quickly.
Pests
Indoor grow operations are usually free of pests, but even in this situation, it is very possible for bad actors to get their teeth on your plants and not let go. You may be doing the growing inside, but the resources you use come from the great outdoors.
It’s very possible for insect eggs to come into your home through the soil or even the plants themselves. The good news is that the presence of pests is often visually apparent. Inspect your plants carefully, checking around the stem and beneath the leaves.
If pests are present, you can safely treat them with any number of organic pesticides or holistic solutions.
Stress
Who isn’t stressed out? Unfortunately, this common complaint can even befall your plants. Growers try to train their plants through pruning and other methods. These techniques can be a good way to produce higher yields.
However, plants don’t always respond positively to it, particularly if the technique isn’t done properly. Over-pruning can result in tissue damage that inhibits growth. Evaluate your “training,” techniques and consider the possibility that you may need to adjust what you are doing.
Container Size
Outside, plant roots are able to spread as they please, stretching deep into the soil to maximize their ability to take in nutrients while also increasing their overall stability. Container growth limits a plant’s ability to take root.
That is ok, for the most part, but when you choose a container that is too small, you may be cutting your plants off at the knees, making it impossible for them to experience significant growth.
Naturally, the solution to this problem is straightforward and low-cost. Invest in larger containers.
Age
The wheel of time turns for all of us. As cannabis plants age, their roots become hard and woody. This makes it difficult for them to absorb nutrients the same way they used to. As such, a formerly well-performing cannabis plant may suddenly dry up on you.
Unfortunately, there is little to be done about this problem. It may just be time for that plant to make its way to the great garden in the sky.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for cannabis plants hovers at around 70 degrees. For indoor operations, it is usually easy to maintain this temperature. However, you should consider that your home may have microclimates.
For example, even though it is 72 degrees upstairs, your basement, where the plants grow, could be unheated, with a temperature closer to that of what is outside.
Evaluate the temperature of your growsite, and take steps to ensure that it is an appropriate temperature.
About the Author
Tia Moskalenko is a respected cannabis writer with a long history of interviewing industry professionals. With a slate of articles posted in leading cannabis journals, she is an established voice in the fast and exciting field of legal cannabis.