Nutrient deficiencies and excesses in Cannabis

Cannabis plants can suffer various deficiencies, excesses and nutrient lockouts throughout their cultivation, both indoors and outdoors. They require a number of specific nutrients to successfully develop. In this category we show you how to detect, monitor and solve nutrient imbalances in the cultivation of cannabis. We will consider the different factors that alter the metabolism of the plant, which have a direct impact on the final yield and quality of the buds. Thus, in this category we'll have a look at the most commonly found nutrient deficiencies and excesses in cannabis plants, and how to solve these problems.

The Carbon Footprint of Fertilisers

The Carbon Footprint of Fertilisers

The massive use of fertilisers on extensive crops over the last decades is leaving a pollution footprint, both in the soil and in the atmosphere, that is now beginning to be looked at with concern. While it is well known from numerous studies that the overuse of fertilisers (especially mineral fertilisers) damages the substrate for future crops, often - even if it works against them - growers only have one thing in mind: maximising yields in their fields and facilities.

However, it is not just about how we use these products, but also about how the fertilisers are manufactured, processed and transported. Because, as in many other areas and sectors, each and every one of these steps causes pollution. It's a curious paradox... shouldn't we growers be the first to take care of the environment where we intend to plant?

Read more

1 Comments

Silicon in cannabis cultivation

Silicon in cannabis cultivation

Cannabis needs a good number of macro and micronutrients to be able to develop without any kind of nutritional limitation. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) are probably the best known, present in most cannabis fertiliser formulas for both the vegetative or growth phase and the flowering phase, along with others such as iron, sulphur, boron and molybdenum, to mention just a few.

However, there is one very special element for the development of plants, and one that until a few years ago did not receive the attention it deserves. We are talking about silicon (Si), a nutrient that, although it is not necessary for the plant to grow and bear fruit properly, will greatly increase its defences against sources of stress such as pests, diseases or drought, while reinforcing the cell walls of plant tissues, strengthening their structure and favouring processes such as photosynthesis. Today we will talk about this interesting nutrient, see how to use it and examine its main characteristics.

Read more

0 Comments

Fertilising Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

Fertilising Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

Autoflowering cannabis plants are great for several reasons. They have fast growth cycles (generally less than 11 weeks from seed), they do not depend on light schedules to trigger flowering, they have a high resistance to mould and pests... but, above all, due to their short life cycle and size, autos don't require large inputs of nutritional resources, meaning that growers can save money as they won't need to feed plants for as long to get great results.

Aside from their rapid development, autoflowers have a strong and resilient nature, so they aren't too fussy about the quality of the medium they grow in and can still do well with minimal nutrients.

Read more

1 Comments

How to interpret cannabis strain descriptions

How to interpret cannabis strain descriptions

We receive many queries about the parameters included in the descriptions of the different cannabis strains, and more specifically, the traits section. While some aspects, like production per square meter or cannabinoid content, are very clear for the experienced grower, newcomers to the wonderful world of marijuana home growing can find them confusing.

Today, we are explaining in detail each of the attributes that can be found in the information provided by the cannabis seed banks in relation to the genetics they sell. This will help you to clear any doubts when checking the strains? index cards and descriptions, and to understand every trait of the plants outlined in their catalogues.

Read more

0 Comments

Foliar spraying and cannabis

Foliar spraying and cannabis
Test by spraying a small area before applying to the whole garden

It's inevitable that at some point, almost all cannabis cultivators will find themselves in the position of needing to apply a foliar spray of one kind or another to their plants. There are many potential reasons for this: you could be in need of a fungicide or an insecticide; or maybe you want to fertilise, correct a nutrient deficiency or just give lacklustre plants a bit of a boost.

Whatever the motive for spraying, we think it's worth doing the job properly, and there are some basic measures we should take every time to make sure we get the best possible results and avoid damaging our plants. We'll deal with these ten fundamental points first, then go on to talk in a bit more depth about foliar application afterwards.

Read more

3 Comments

Deficiencies and excesses in Cannabis

Deficiencies and excesses in Cannabis

Nutrient imbalance in marijuana plants?

In this post we will focus on the macro and micro-nutrients necessary for the development of cannabis plants. These elements are available in the nutrients, so the chosen type of fertiliser and its correct use will lead us to a crop without deficiencies or excesses, thanks to a properly planned and balanced feeding.

There are different factors to take into account, so we'll try to explain them in a simple way so that all growers can dispel all the possible doubts which may arise relating to the nutrition of their cannabis plants.

What is a deficiency?

Deficiencies are often - although not as a general rule - a lack or inadequate supply of some nutritional element in a precise moment of the plant's life.

To avoid deficiencies plants must be fed with a complete fertiliser, specially designed for cannabis farming. PH level must be controlled, stabilised and adjusted depending on the type of crop, either in hydroponic or soil crops, and for both potted and in-ground plants.

What is an excess?

Excesses of nutrients are salt accumulations in the metabolism of the plants in a particular stage of their life. To avoid excesses when growing cannabis, we will have to use constant and balanced feeding adapted to each type of culture, substrate and genetics. Each phenotype has its own needs, and to know them ensures best results and avoids nutritional issues.

Read more

15 Comments

Deficiency and excess of Iron in cannabis plants

Deficiency and excess of Iron in cannabis plants

In the scenario of nutrition in agriculture, where each element plays a crucial role in the life of plants, iron is an essential actor in the development and vitality of plants, playing a fundamental role in processes as important as photosynthesis, the formation of chlorophyll, or resistance to environmental stress.

Today we invite you to discover the relationship between this element and your plants, as well as what you should do if they show any symptoms of a deficiency or excess of this important micronutrient.

Read more

11 Comments

Deficiency and excess of magnesium in cannabis plants

Deficiency and excess of magnesium in cannabis plants

In the world of cannabis cultivation, each of the macro and micronutrients plays a crucial role in the healthy development of plants. In this sense, magnesium is a fundamental nutrient for harvest success, playing vital roles in key processes such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nutrient absorption.

In this article, we invite you to explore the importance of magnesium in cannabis cultivation, from its basic functions to signs of deficiency and excess, as well as best practices to ensure an adequate supply of this essential nutrient.

Read more

20 Comments

Deficiency and excess of Phosphorus in Cannabis plants

Deficiency and excess of Phosphorus in Cannabis plants

In the field of agriculture, phosphorus emerges as an essential element that triggers a series of fundamental processes for the correct flowering of plants. From the development of extensive and effective root systems to the activation of vital metabolic processes, in this article, we invite you to explore the importance of phosphorus for your plants.

Discover how this element, present in most flowering fertilizers but also many root stimulators, plays an important role in both the growth and flowering phases of plants, and how its strategic management can mark the difference in the quality and yield of crops.

Read more

4 Comments

Deficiency and excess of Potassium in cannabis plants

Deficiency and excess of Potassium in cannabis plants

In the complex cocktail of essential elements for correct plant development, potassium stands out as a vital director that orchestrates numerous fundamental processes in plant cultivation. In today's article, we are going to see the main characteristics of potassium, exploring its crucial role in strengthening cellular structures, regulating water balance, and enhancing resistance to environmental factors.

In addition, we will also see the main symptoms of a deficiency or excess of this element, known for its impact on the health and vigor of plants, and which plays a transcendental role in numerous plant vital processes.

Read more

13 Comments

Deficiency and excess of Calcium in cannabis plants

Deficiency and excess of Calcium in cannabis plants

Growing cannabis is an art and science in constant evolution, where every detail counts to obtain healthy and vigorous plants, as well as abundant harvests. Plant nutrition is a key aspect of proper development, with calcium playing a crucial role in the development and health of crops.

From the formation of cellular structure to disease resistance, calcium is an essential component in the arsenal of nutrients that growers must provide their plants to achieve quality harvests. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the role of calcium in growing marijuana, looking at its main functions, signs of deficiency and excess, as well as best practices to ensure an optimal supply of this vital nutrient.

Read more

19 Comments

Micronutrients and Marijuana plants

Micronutrients and Marijuana plants

If you are a cannabis grower, you will know that every detail counts for healthy plants and abundant harvests. Among the many factors that influence plant development, micronutrients play an essential but often underestimated role; However, these small but powerful substances, which include minerals such as boron, zinc, sulfur, and manganese, are essential for numerous metabolic processes and vital functions of cannabis plants.

In this article, we will explore the importance of these nutrients and their functions in the crop, the symptoms of deficiency and excess, as well as best practices to ensure that the supply of these elements is optimal and balanced, ensuring that everything will run smoothly. And, as you will see, micronutrients can make the difference between a mediocre crop and an extraordinary one!

Read more

4 Comments

Deficiencies and excesses of nitrogen

Deficiencies and excesses of nitrogen
Nitrogen process.

In the world of agriculture and plant growing, nitrogen is an essential element that plays an important role in the development and health of plants. Today we invite you to discover the complexities and benefits of nitrogen in the growing process, the different types of nitrogen that can be found in fertilizers, its impact on plant growth, and other fundamental aspects that make it an essential element for crop success.

Without a doubt, nitrogen is one of the most important elements in cannabis cultivation, which promotes healthy and vigorous growth and which, of course, cannot be missing from any balanced diet for plants. We tell you everything below!

Read more

5 Comments

About this Cannabis Blog

This is the official blog of Alchimia Grow Shop. This blog is intended exclusively for the use of adults over the age of 18 years.

To buy equipment for growing cannabis at home you can consult our catalogue of cannabis seeds, grow shop and paraphernalia


Subscribe to the blog

Do you want to receive all the latest developments, news and curiosities from the world of cultivation?

(+34) 972 527 248
(+34) 972 527 248
keyboard_arrow_up Chat on Telegram