Do you know what is the key to success in growing cannabis plants? Yes, it's fertilization. However, very careful and careful fertilization. In order for plants to be able to make full use of their genetic predispositions, they need a sufficient amount of nutrients , which are supplied to them through fertilizers.

The procedure for fertilizing medical cannabis needs to be approached with great care . Excess fertilization, on the other hand , can damage plants , usually burning with nutrients. This problem is more often encountered by novice growers, who supply their plants with more nutrients than is far from needed. All this with good intentions, namely to provide plants with "rather more". In this case, however, there is less, much and much more.

If you manage to supply an adequate amount of fertilizer and the plant can thrive , you will register the results of your care in the vegetative phase. Proper nutrition will, of course, also be visible during the flowering phase and on the overall harvest of cannabis flowers, in which the desired therapeutic potential is hidden.

A very good method of control and subsequent regulation of the nutrient content in the substrate are the so-called electronic EC meters . These devices control the electrical conductivity of the solution (which is caused by the elements contained in the soil / solution) during hydroponic cultivation, as well as measure the conductivity in the soil during normal cultivation . The assumption that EC meters are intended exclusively for hydroponics is therefore wrong. Thanks to the EC meter, you will have a really good overview of the nutrient values in the growing medium .

The basis of success are NPK type fertilizers


We have already said in previous articles that the basis of good cultivation is proper fertilization. NPK fertilizers are an ideal type . But what does this abbreviation mean? Nothing complicated - NPK is an abbreviation for the 3 elements that are found in fertilizer . Specifically, these are N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) . Let's now say some basic information about their importance in cultivation…

Nitrogen (N)

It will not work without nitrogen . Cannabis loves it and its development is very dependent on it. Thanks to nitrogen, the necessary chlorophyll is formed in the plants , which is responsible for the process of photosynthesis . Like the other mentioned elements, nitrogen is especially important in the vegetative phase, when it provides the plant with good conditions for further development . New shoots, flowers and leaves cannot do without nitrogen.

Nitrogen is also contained in the air we breathe. However, plants do not receive this atmospheric nitrogen. It is necessary to supply it through the root system, ie using substrate or fertilizers. A very good solution is to ensure a long-term and stable supply of this natural compound to the plants. This can be achieved by using organic fertilizers such as compost or bone meal (which also contains a large amount of phosphorous).

How to recognize nitrogen deficiency?

Very simply. The primary sign of nitrogen deficiency is yellowing of older leaves, ie the lower floors of the plant . In addition, we can also observe a marked slowdown in growth , in some cases after a complete halt. The plant may also seem wilted . On the contrary, with an excess of nitrogen, the growth of the plant is really enormously fast . In addition, hemp looks very ugly, it is not bushy, it has thin stems and branches, as well as few leaves.

Phosphorus (P)

If we were to highlight a single element that is needed especially for the root system of cannabis plants , it will be phosphorus. Thanks to it, the roots are healthy, strong and dense. However, we must not forget the need for phosphorus in the flowering phase as well .

How to recognize phosphorus deficiency?

The primary features are changes in the color of cannabis leaves and stems . While the leaves are significantly lighter, the stems turn a deep purple hue . However, the poor health of the plant is manifested in general, in some cases all parts of the cannabis begin to turn completely yellow . Although new leaves may still grow, their light green color indicates that something is wrong. Phosphorus deficiency is to blame . One possible solution is "nutritional supplements", in this case organic phosphorus in the form of so-called "fish emulsion".

Potassium (K)

is a particularly important element of nutrition for the overall health of the plant . Thanks to potassium, plants can produce a sufficient amount of green chlorophyll dye, which is extremely important for their prosperity. The correct values of potassium provide the plants with natural resistance to disease and stress, which is usually caused by external influences.

How to recognize potassium deficiency?

This is not an easy task. The symptoms of potassium deficiency are in most cases similar to a number of other diseases. However, the primary signs are the overall weakness of the plant. In other words, hemp has very sparse flowers, as well as the branches are weak and sparsely covered. The leaves turn yellow from the bottom up. The cannabis plant simply does not benefit at all.

NPK fertilizer

Organic Vs. Inorganic Fertilizer: What's the Difference?

You may be thinking that the difference is logically in the origin. And of course you're right. Organic fertilizers are completely natural substances , most often compost soil, animal bone meal, etc. While inorganic fertilizers, we could also call them chemical fertilizers. These mixtures are produced and the content of nutrients in them is regulated . The fundamental difference, however, is the ratio of the already mentioned 3 elements, under the abbreviation NPK (it is never 100%).

But what is the rest of these fertilizers? Above all, it always depends on what type of fertilizer you use. Synthetically produced / blended fertilizer, may contain a variety of fillers. These are mixed mainly due to the stability of the fertilizer. In other words, so that the individual nutrient elements remain in the same concentration and the plant is not burned, for example. A significant disadvantage of these fillers is the potential burden on the environment. When choosing an anoragin fertilizer, it is really good to pay attention to the composition.

A big, unforgettable problem with synthetic fertilizers is the fact that some of the compounds contained in them are absorbed very inadequately. it is typically the type of nitrogen used in the production of inorganic fertilizers. Indeed, it dissolves very quickly in water, which in certain circumstances can penetrate groundwater , which can be contaminated.

Phosphorus is also often problematic , namely phosphoric acid, which is an excess of synthetic fertilizers, which prevents the absorption of other nutrients . Even the form of potassium in these fertilizers is not the happiest choice. As it is a solid form of potassium, which is very difficult to absorb by the plant.  

Organic, ie natural fertilizers, on the other hand, in most cases do not contain any fillers. They consist exclusively of ingredients of natural origin.

Vegetative phases and nutrients

At this stage, the plant requires in particular a large supply of nitrogen . This element is, in essence, all that cannabis needs at this stage of growth. Nitrogen ensures long-term healthy development, and thus directly affects the following stages of cannabis plant development . The ideal solution is to use enzymes as well as root stimulators in this phase.

Flowering stages and nutrients

The transition to the flowering phase requires a completely different fertilization approach . The plant at this time has no completely different supply of nutrients and care than before . Remember that during flowering, during 12 hours of sleep, no light must reach the plant! This is absolutely necessary. Disruption of rest during the flowering phase can severely stress the plant , which could potentially manifest itself in the form of growth defects (such as the formation of hermaphrodites ), or lower yields.

The only type of light that can reach the plant during sleep (but not to a large extent) is moonlight. Keep in mind, however, that any other type of light reduces the plant's ability to produce a hormone important for flowering.

Nutritional supplements or new energy for your plants

The development of plants and especially the flowering phase can also be supported by a wide range of nutritional supplements for cannabis plants. It does not hurt to supply the plant from time to time with something more than a classic fertilizer. For example, try one of these tips:

  • Sugar supplements - natural molasses can be a good example. However, it is not possible to supply this type of nutrition directly, for example through watering. In contrast, the created water bath with dissolved supplement, can well nourish the microorganisms present in the growing medium (substrate, water). These sugars are particularly suitable for growing in a conventional manner, i.e. in a substrate.

  • Hormonal supplements - they are very easy to get, but their price is often very high. However, they can be very helpful to plants in certain situations and stages of development. For example, growth hormone obtained from seaweed is 100% organic and can encourage the plant, especially in vegetative growth.

  • Boost Accelerator - this type of nutritional supplement will be appreciated by your plants, especially during the flowering phase, when it can really kick them.

  • PK13 / 14 - a very important supplement with two building blocks for plant health, namely phosphorus and potassium. This nutritional supplement is again suitable especially for flowering.

ATTENTION: Cannabis seeds are intended for collecting purposes only! The cultivation, storage, distribution or other handling of cannabis with a THC content of more than 0.3% can be classified as a misdemeanor or criminal offense! Respect the legislation of your country!