5 TIPS FOR REPOTTING CANNABIS PLANTS
If you've bought one of our top 10 cannabis seeds, of course you want to make sure your harvest is a great success. However, the growing process comes with many challenges and problems, so unfortunately it still sometimes ends up wrong with your cannabis plants. This can also happen, for instance, because you didn't repot them or because you did it wrong. Fortunately, we are happy to help you so you hopefully won't make these mistakes again. Below you will find useful tips for repotting cannabis plants!
Why do you have to repot marijuana plants?
The importance of repotting cannabis plants is made clear by Jorge Cervantes in his book Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible. But why is this actually the case? After all, it is much simpler to grow your cannabis plant in one pot and flower it in here too. This is possible in principle, but unfortunately it doesn't always work out or the harvest is disappointing. Therefore, you usually have a better chance if you repot your cannabis plants every now and then. This makes the roots firmer and stronger, which eventually shows in your harvest.
If you do choose not to repot your cannabis plants, chances are they will stay small. So they actually get a growth deficit because the roots have not developed properly. Not only does growth often disappoint if you don't repot them, this unfortunately applies to flowering too, according to many growers. If the cannabis plant is in too small a pot at the start of flowering, chances are that bud formation will be disappointing.
Scientific publication on pot restrictions and root development
- Source: NeSmith, D.S., & Duval, J.R. (1998). The effect of container size. HortTechnology, 8(4), 495-498.
- Link (abstract): HortScience - The effect of container size
This study shows that limited root space causes growth restriction. Repotting to a larger container can lead to significantly strongervegetative growth.
When should you repot cannabis plants?
According to experts, repotting cannabis plants is highly recommended, provided you do it at the right time. This is generally best determined by eye. It is especially important to see a good root ball. Do you see that the roots are twisted together? Then you are actually a little too late, but you may still be able to save the cannabis plant. Carefully loosen the roots and then put the plant in a larger pot.
Our tips for repotting your cannabis plants
Are you ready to repot your cannabis plants with our tips? Follow these steps to stand a better chance of growing cannabis successfully!
- Prepare: Make sure you have a new pot and so fill one-third with potting soil. You should also water your plant in the old pot a day before repotting.
- Loosen the cannabis plant: Carefully pull the plant out of the old pot. If necessary, you can cut along the edges with a knife.
- Inspect the roots: Take a look at the roots before putting the cannabis plant in the new pot. They are normally healthy if they are white and firm. Do you find dead or damaged roots? Experienced growers then cut them off.
- Place the cannabis plant in the new pot: Place the root ball in the centre of the new pot. Then fill the rest of the pot with potting soil. It is wise to put your cannabis plant down firmly, without burying it.
- Water: Again, you should water your cannabis plant. This way you let the soil settle and also make sure the roots get used to the new pot. We advise you to water occasionally over the next few days too, but don't make the soil too wet.
More information on growing weed here:
Scientific resource on cultivation techniques
Peer-reviewed or authoritative publications and platforms:
Search results of scientific studies on cultivation methods, soil conditions, lighting, etc.
Which pots are suitable for repotting?
So it's a good idea to repot cannabis plants regularly using our tips, but you need to use good pots for this. Below, we list a few options:
- Plastic pots: Plastic pots are used by many growers, purely because they are very cheap. In addition, it is convenient that you can buy them in many shops and webshops. Moreover, plants in plastic pots do not need to be watered as often. Unfortunately, the aeration is disappointing though, so the risk of root rot is fairly high.
- Fabric pots: Fabric pots have the great advantage of promoting air trimming. Here the roots stop growing when they hit the air, so they actually form new roots and therefore become stronger. The aeration and drainage of fabric pots are also great, but you have to water the plants in these more often.
- Terracotta pots: Terracotta pots usually look beautiful and come in all kinds of colours, designs and sizes. Their drainage is also great and they are also heavy, which ensures stability. Terracotta pots are on the expensive side and also they are fragile.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes. Growing cannabis may be illegal in some regions or countries. We advise you to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding growing cannabis plants in your region. We take no responsibility for any legal consequences that may arise from growing cannabis. Make sure you follow the laws in your country or region and always act within the limits of the law.
