How often to water your cannabis

Cannabis growers often make the mistake of over-watering their field. You should know that proper watering of your cannabis is just as important as rehydrating your weed to get the best results. As the plan goes through different stages of development, knowing how often to water your cannabis is a must.

Like us, cannabis contains about 80% water. But that doesn't mean you keep a pot full of water 24/7. This will only affect the yield and you may end up with less yield than expected.

In this article we will talk about the frequency of watering cannabis and how to do it correctly.

How often should you water your cannabis?
First, you should ask the seller about the watering requirements for the variety you are purchasing. Moreover, autoflowering and feminized varieties require different watering schedules due to their biological needs.

Watering cannabis is influenced by several factors, which we will discuss later. You should remember this technique to check if your cannabis plant needs watering. Dig your finger into the soil and see if it is one inch dry. This means that cannabis needs water.

Another method is to check the weight of the pot. If it is light, water the plant.

The four stages of cannabis development also influence how often you should water your cannabis.

Stages of Cannabis Development
Every cannabis plant goes through the following four stages.

Germination
The germination stage does not require daily watering, especially in a humid region. Ambient moisture keeps the soil moist, allowing the seeds to remain hydrated.

Experts suggest watering your cannabis seeds every 3-6 days during germination.

Seedling
You also don't need to water your cannabis pot every day while growing. Although the emerging seedling looks tender and fragile, it gets its moisture needs from moist soil. You can damage the seedling if you overwater it.

You can check whether the seedling needs water by dipping your finger into the soil. If it's there, water the pot. Remember that the size of the container also matters when watering seedlings. The recommended watering cycle at the seedling stage is 4-7 days.

Vegetative
This stage requires more water than the seedling and germination stages because the plant is now growing with leaves and branches. Follow the soil moisture test method and decide if your cannabis needs watering.

Overwatering cannabis during the vegetative stage also harms its growth. Therefore, check the water level in the soil and water the pot every 2-4 days.

Bloom
Once mature, cannabis plants have special nutritional requirements. They need different watering cycles, and some even need specific types of soil.

During the flowering stage, the cannabis plant absorbs water faster than any other stage due to the growing flowers. So, water your cannabis plant after 2-3 days and keep checking the soil to avoid overwatering.

Factors to consider when watering cannabis
The following factors will help you water your cannabis correctly.

Growth stage
You must know the growth levels of the cannabis plant. Each growth level has different watering requirements. If you do not meet or exceed these requirements, you may not receive the expected harvest at the end of the season.

So, the above four stages of growth need to be understood. You may also want to consult with an experienced grower regarding the watering requirements for your first cannabis grow tent.

Temperature and humidity
Cannabis plants grow faster in moderate temperatures. Remember that hot temperatures increase evaporation, which is beneficial for cannabis. However, this will increase humidity, which can lead to overwatering.

So make sure the temperature in your weed control tent is moderate to ensure proper humidity.

Pot size
The pot size should be optimal for your cannabis plants. For example, during the germination and seedling stage, cannabis requires less space to grow. When the plant reaches maturity, it can be transplanted from one pot to another.

Increasing the size of the pot is important because as your cannabis plant grows, it needs more space. Also, make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Draining excess water from the pot is another important thing.

If the water does not drain from the pot, it will take longer to evaporate and the soil will remain moist all the time. This leads to the growth of mold and fungi, which damage the plant.

Middle
Two types of soil are used to retain water in cannabis pots:

Perlite is an acidic rock formed by volcanic eruptions. This soil can absorb almost 2-3 times more water than its own weight.
Cococoir is a fibrous soil that also holds water in your cannabis pot.
Therefore, you must choose the right environment to keep your cannabis healthy and hydrated.

Correct and incorrect watering of cannabis
Experienced growers differentiate between proper and improper watering of cannabis. Here's the guide.

Signs of proper watering
The cannabis leaves will be fresh, green and erect. You won't see any curling weed leaves on the plant. Moreover, you will not see mold or mildew growing either inside or outside the pot.

When watering, you will see how the soil quickly absorbs water and remains moist for a long time. This is a sign that your cannabis plant needs water and will stay hydrated for a day or two.

Signs of improper watering
First, the leaves of the cannabis plant will turn yellow due to lack of moisture. This usually happens when you forget to water the plant for more than 3 days. In addition, the leaves will become drooping. This is another sign that your cannabis plant is dehydrated.

Remember to water the dehydrated plant carefully as its leaves have become more fragile. Strong water pressure can damage leaves and branches.

If overwatered, your plant will have fresh green but droopy leaves.

Conclusion
You should check the need for watering by inserting your finger into the soil. If it is dry, you need to water your cannabis plant. When watering the plant, make sure that the water reaches the bottom layer of soil.

When the water reaches the bottom of the pot, some of it will flow out. This is a sign that you should stop watering. A cannabis pot full of water will be heavy and may not require watering for 24 to 48 hours.

You can also keep a log of your cannabis watering to ensure you follow a proper schedule and get a better harvest later in the season.

How often to water cannabis: Stages and rules of watering
Growing cannabis requires careful care, and one important aspect is proper watering. Errors in watering frequency can significantly affect the yield. Let's look at how often to water cannabis at various stages of its development.

Watering Frequency for Cannabis: Key Points
1. Determination of variety requirements

The first step should be to discuss with the seller the variety you purchased. Different strains, especially autoflowering and feminized strains, may have different watering needs due to their biology.

2. Soil testing techniques
Two basic techniques for determining the need for watering:

Testing the soil with your finger: Dig your finger into the soil to a depth of about one inch. If it is dry, the plant needs watering.
Assessing the weight of the pot: A light pot may indicate the need for watering.
Stages of cannabis development and frequency of watering
1. Germination
Watering frequency: Every 3-6 days.
Why: Ambient humidity helps retain moisture so the seeds stay hydrated.
2. Seedlings
Watering frequency: 4-7 days.
Why: Emerging seedlings meet their moisture needs from moist soil.
3. Vegetative period
Watering frequency: Every 2-4 days.
Why: The plant is actively growing with leaves and branches, requiring more water.
4. Bloom
Watering frequency: Every 2-3 days.
Why: At this stage, the plant absorbs water more actively due to the growth of flowers.

Additional factors affecting watering frequency
Soil Type: Different types of soil hold moisture differently. For example, clay soil retains moisture longer than sandy soil.
Pot size: Larger pots retain moisture longer, so watering frequency may vary depending on the size of the container.
Climatic conditions: Air humidity and temperature also affect the frequency of watering.
Following these watering recommendations at different stages of cannabis development will help you ensure optimal growing conditions and achieve the desired yield. Remember that each plant is unique and you may need some adjustments depending on your specific growing conditions.

Factors important when watering cannabis
Proper watering of your cannabis is key to ensuring its health and maximizing your yield. Here are a few factors to consider when watering your cannabis:

1. Growth stage
Each stage of cannabis growth has its own unique watering requirements. For example, the germination and seedling stages require less water compared to the vegetative or flowering periods. Understanding these stages will help you manage your watering optimally and get the results you want.

2. Temperature and humidity
Temperature conditions affect the level of moisture evaporation from the soil and the growth of cannabis. Moderate temperatures promote healthy plants. However, at high temperatures, excessive evaporation may occur, requiring additional watering. It is important to maintain moderate humidity to avoid overwatering.

3. Pot size
The size of the pot directly affects the amount of soil available and watering requirements. In the initial stages, smaller pots can be effective, but as the cannabis plant grows, they may require transplanting into larger containers. It is also important to ensure good drainage to avoid moisture retention in the pot.

4. Soil type
Using the right type of soil plays an important role in moisture retention. For example, perlite and coir help retain moisture in the soil. Choosing the right growing medium will help maintain optimal humidity levels and ensure healthy plants.

Correct and incorrect watering of cannabis
Experienced cannabis growers differentiate between proper and improper watering. Here's a guide to the signs of each:

Signs of proper watering:

Fresh Leaves: Cannabis leaves will be green, fresh and erect.
No leaf curling: The plant will not develop leaf curling, which may be a sign of lack of moisture.
Free from Mold and Mildew: No mold or mildew will appear in or around the pot, indicating proper humidity levels.
Rapid water absorption: The soil quickly absorbs water during watering and remains moist for a long time.
Signs of improper watering:

Yellowing leaves: Lack of moisture can cause leaves to turn yellow, especially if the plant is left without watering for more than 3 days.
Drooping leaves: The plant becomes dehydrated and the leaves begin to droop.
Brittle Leaves: Dehydrated plants have more fragile leaves, so water carefully to avoid damage.
Droopy leaves due to overwatering: If you overwater, the plant may have green but drooping leaves.
Conclusion
Testing the soil by sticking your finger into it will help determine if the plant needs watering. It is important to ensure that the water reaches the bottom layer of soil. When the water reaches the bottom of the pot, some of the excess should flow out. Keeping a watering log will help you create an optimal watering schedule for maximum yield later in the season.