Watering cannabis plants allows the roots to access nutrients in the soil. Cannabis plants need water, lights, nutrients, and carbon dioxide to grow. Many beginner growers wonder how often to water a weed plant. Creating a cannabis watering schedule is a fine balance to prevent underwatering and overwatering
In this article, I will explain how to water cannabis plants, how often to water a weed plant, tools and equipment for watering cannabis, the best pH for cannabis water, a step-by-step guide for watering weed, how to fix an underwatered weed plant, how to fix an overwatered weed plant, flushing cannabis plants, and automated watering systems for weed, covering all you need to know about overwatering vs. underwatering cannabis and to grow the most terpene rich buds and become a master at watering cannabis.
How Often Should You Water a Weed Plant?
Creating a cannabis watering schedule may sound easy enough, however how often to water a weed plant should be based on the growing medium, pot size and maturity of the plants, root development, light intensity, the different stages of a plant’s life cycle and making sure you are using the best pH for cannabis plants.
Watering weed plants correctly and knowing how often to water them can take time to perfect. A cannabis plant’s lifecycle starts with the seedling stage, vegetation stage, transition stage, flowering stage, flushing period, and harvesting.
Tools and Equipment for Watering Cannabis
Measuring Jug
As a beginner grower, basic tools and equipment are all you need to get started. Below is a list of all you will need to get your journey started and become a pro at cannabis watering
- A plastic measuring jug
- pH pen / pH test kit (potential hydrogen)
- E.C pen (electric conductivity)
- pH Up product
- pH Down product
Best pH for Cannabis Water
Cannabis Plants Access Nutrients With A Set Ph Parameter As Shown In This Image.
Potential hydrogen (pH) determines how acidic or alkaline your water source is. There are two types of water sources: soft water and hard water. Depending on where you live, the tap water you use will either be soft with a low E.C. level or have a higher E.C. level due to minerals it collects, making it hard water.
- Cannabis plants in soil need a pH water level of 6.0 – 7.0
- Hydroponically grown cannabis plants need a pH level of 5.5. – 6.5
Step-by-Step Guide for Optimal pH Levels
Once you are ready to water your cannabis plants, you will need to make sure the pH level is correct. Cannabis plants access nutrients at a specific pH range, so if the pH is too acidic or alkaline, nutrient uptake and accessibility will be affected. Below is a step-by-step guide to check and adjust the pH levels before watering cannabis.
Step 1: Fill the watering jug up using tap water.
Step 2: Insert a digital pH pen directly into the jug.
Step 3: Check the pH level indicated on the pen.
Step 4: Add drops of pH Up or pH down to adjust the pH.
The Different Ways to Hand Water Weed Plants
Two different methods of hand-watering cannabis plants exist. The first involves watering from the top of the pots and allowing a small amount of run-off solution at the base, and the second involves bottom feeding using a saucer underneath the pot. Before watering weed plants, you can lift the pot off the floor to determine how light or heavy the growing medium is.
Watering the Top of the Growing Medium
If you are not using an automated watering system and find it more practical to do it by hand, then watering your plants from above directly onto the growing medium can be straightforward.
- Pour the watering jug lightly and saturate the edges of the pot.
- It is best to pour the water slowly to avoid over-saturating the growing medium.
- Make sure the water is warm and avoid using cold water.
- Aim for a runoff at the base of the pots that is 10-20%.
Bottom-Feeding Cannabis Plants
When growing cannabis plants with pots and saucers, bottom feeding requires pouring the water directly into the saucer. The water will become absorbed and wicked upwards, saturating the roots.
- Only use a small volume of water at first to avoid overwatering cannabis plants.
- Do not let the water remain in the pots as this can starve the roots of oxygen.
- Do not let the saucers overflow, resulting in a small puddle on the grow room floor.
Overwatering vs. Underwatering Cannabis
Now that you know how to water your plants, the next important thing is to know the difference between overwatering and underwatering cannabis. An overwatered or underwatered weed plant will affect plant health, nutrient uptake, and the roots. Below is a list of symptoms and how to fix the issue.
How to Fix an Underwatered Weed Plant
These Cannabis Plant Has Been Underwatered.
Underwatering weed plants is easily done, especially if you have a busy schedule and are not always available. The leaves will wilt downwards, feel dry, and have a thin and brittle texture and characteristics. Due to nitrogen deficiency, fan leaves may have a pale green or yellow colour. The soil will be airy, dusty, and feel dry to the touch. The roots may appear dry, and the pots will be very light to lift up.
Step 1: Lightly pour water around the edges of the pots very carefully and slowly
Step 2: Wait to see how long the growing medium takes to become spongy and moist.
Step 3: Insert your index finger down the pot’s side up to the knuckle.
Step 4: If your finger feels moist, do not add any more water and wait 12-24 hours.
Step 5: Lift the pots to feel how heavy or light they have become before watering.
How to Fix an Overwatered Weed Plant
This Overwatered Cannabis Plant Has Drooping Leaves And The Soil Is Oversaturated And Soggy.
Overwatering weed plants will make the growing medium wet and heavy, creating unnecessary pressure on the roots. There will be a lack of oxygen inside the pot, which may result in anaerobic bacteria that, if not fixed, can cause pathogens and root rot. The leaves will claw downwards and wilt, followed by a slow rate of growth and stunted plants in some cases.
Step 1: Lift the pots to determine the weight and insert your finger down the edge of the pots.
Step 2: Wait 12-24 hours before lighting the pots again and testing the medium’s moisture.
Step 3: Prepare the water when your finger feels dry and the pots are light enough to pick up.
Step 4: Only use 50% of the original volume of water, and slowly water around the edges.
Step 5: Wait 12 more hours until you see the leaves and plant structure return back to normal.
Flushing Cannabis Plants
Flushing With Plain Water For The Last 2 Weeks Of The Flowering Stage Will Produce A Cleaner Smoke And Wash The Roots Of Any Undissolved Salts
Flushing a weed plant is done during the last 2 weeks of flowering to stop any more nutrients and salts from entering the growing medium, and to allow cannabis plants to use up their internal reserves. Flushing uses only plain pH-adjusted water, meaning a pH level of 6.0 – 7.0 for soil-grown crops and 5.5. – 6.5 for hydroponically grown plants.
Step 1: Fill your measuring jug with water.
Step 2: Check the pH levels are in the optimal zone.
Step 3: Pour the water into the pots slowly
Step 4: After 30-60 seconds, there will be a small amount of runoff
Step 5: Wait 24-36 hours to determine if the growing medium is close to dry.
Step 6: Repeat this process over a 2-week period until the harvest date.
What About Automated Watering Systems for Weed?
Automated Watering Systems Are Controlled With A Timer, Making Them Practical And Easy To Work With.
Using automated watering systems can oftentimes be achieved by creating the best cannabis watering schedule. Although it may sound like a complicated way to water weed plants, you would be surprised at how easy setting them up is and how reliable they are, especially for those who are not always able to water cannabis plants at the same time each day. Automated watering systems for weed can prevent underwatering and overwatering cannabis plants.
- Wilma systems are an excellent way to create a consistent watering schedule.
- Gravity-based systems connected to a reservoir work extremely well
- Home growers can be away from their grow room for 5-7 days.
- Busy individuals will have the peace of mind that their plants are being watered.
Spliff Seeds Conclusion for Watering Cannabis Plants
How often you should water a weed plant can be a learning curve that can take weeks to master. As long as you have an awareness of when you should be watering cannabis plants, how much water the growing medium can hold, and the differences between under and overwatered plants, it won’t take long until you can create the perfect cannabis watering schedule.
Automated watering systems for weed can be a practical and low-cost solution to growing top-shelf weed, and allow a grower time away from their garden. Always check the pH level of your water source before watering and be prepared to lift the pots and insert your finger down the side to assess how dry, moist, or soggy the growing medium feels.
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