Why Cannabis Plants Grow Slow: 7 Main Reasons

Posted by sophiebelmore on January 4th, 2021

It can be frustrating to plant cannabis seeds; the seedlings appear, but the plant experiences a very slow growth or does not grow. Reasons for this could be improper nutrients, unconducive environmental factors, or something else entirely. Let’s explore further reasons for marijuana plant stunted growth.

Reasons for stunted or slow growth

•  Insufficient nutrients
•  Old or low-quality seeds
•  Grow light
•  Unhappy roots
•  Bugs and other pests
•  Calcium deficiency
•  Stress from cannabis training techniques

Insufficient nutrients

Seedlings growing in soils derive their nutrients from the soil.  Improper pH levels at the root result in the plant not taking in nutrients correctly because, at low or high pH, nutrients take a different chemical form. Weed plants growing in coco or hydroponics derive nutrients from the nutrients you feed them. If you deny the plants enough nutrients, they will experience slow growth and turn yellow.

Old or low-quality seeds

Old or low-quality weed seeds may not even grow at all, leave alone growing slowly. Quality seeds will increase the chances of the weed turning out great and guarantee a meaningful yield.

Grow light

Slow growth will be unavoidable if the plant is not getting enough light. In such a case, you should the light's power, move the light closer, or get a bigger light altogether. Too much light causes stress in the plant, leading to stunted growth.

Unhappy roots

Unhappy roots are usually caused by overwatering and this usually ruins seedlings and young plants.

Roots get air from the pockets in the soil. Overwatering usually clogs up the air pockets, denying the roots much-needed oxygen and therefore causing the plant to drown. This results in the slow growth of the plant.

Underwatering causes the seedlings to grow slow, remain small, and leaves turn dark green.

Bugs and other pests

Spider mites, broad mites, and fungus gnats are pests that destroy the plant, and all energy is directed towards repairing the damage, causing slow growth in a plant.

Calcium deficiency

A plant needs calcium for healthy growth. Calcium deficiency manifests in the following ways:

•  The plant lacks vigor and vitality as it grows.
•  Discoloring of young shoots. They turn yellow or purple.
•  Twisted, curled, and slow fresh growth.

You can prevent a calcium deficiency by putting dolomitic lime in the soil.

Stress from cannabis training techniques

High-stress training techniques result in delays of the plant’s growth. Also, over-pruning or pruning too frequently makes the plant spend energy on repair and not growth.

How to make a plant grow faster

•  Use proper pot sizes for efficient watering.
•  Ensure proper air circulation in the grow place.
•  Maintain the temperature at 73F at night and 79F during lights on.

Conclusion

When you buy cannabis seeds USA, ensure that the seeds are of high quality as low-quality seeds will cause stunted growth. Slow and stunted growth will prolong the maturity period of the plant and cause low yields. It will be a grower’s responsibility to eliminate any factor that may cause the plant to grow slow.