All living things need water to survive, and cannabis plants are certainly no exception. What not all novice growers realize when it comes to watering is that more isn’t always better. Overwatering can create just as many problems as underwatering, but figuring out an effective watering schedule doesn’t have to be difficult. Just read on to find some tips from the experts on how to tell when it’s time to water cannabis plants.
When to Water Outdoor Plants
Outdoor plants receive water not just from their growers’ watering cans but also from rain. This can make figuring out when to water your marijuana plants a bit of a challenge. Cannabis plants put down very deep roots, so moisture levels in the top layer of soil aren’t a good indicator of whether the plants are getting enough water. To make matters worse, no one can predict the weather with absolute certainty, and it’s not uncommon for growers to water one day only to find that it starts raining the next.
When growing cannabis in outdoor gardens, the best solution is to pay close attention to the plants themselves. As long as growers start with well-drained soil, it should be easy to get the water levels right because there’s a lot more leeway. As long as growers aren’t drowning their plants, there should be no problem with setting up a weekly schedule.
When to Water Soil-Based Indoor Plants
Not all soil-based grows happen outside under the sun and the rain. Indoor growers often prefer soil-based setups because they are easier to care for and less expensive to establish than hydroponic grows. It takes a little bit more precision to get the watering schedule right when plants are grown in pots, though.
The best way to tell whether a plant needs water is to feel the soil. Some gardeners call it the finger test. Just stick a finger into the soil to the depth of the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Otherwise, check back the next day.
What About Hydroponic Grows?
Opinions are divided on watering frequency for hydroponic grows. Some growers prefer to leave the roots fully submerged 24/7, so there’s no need to establish a watering schedule. Others like to expose the roots to water only intermittently. Either way, growers should look for signs of water stress and overwatering and take appropriate actions to resolve the problems.
The Best Time of Day to Water
While there’s no universally accepted standard regarding the best time of the day to water cannabis plants, most growers water their plants in the morning. Watering before the heat of the day can help plants absorb light more readily and reduce the potential of heat stress. Watering at night, on the other hand, can leave plants grown in cooler conditions more prone to pest infestations and diseases.
Signs of Underwatering and Overwatering
Both underwatering and overwatering can create health problems in any plant. In cannabis plants, underwatering tends to cause:
- Drooping leaves
Lackluster color
Yellowing foliage
In overwatered plants, on the other hand, growers might notice:
- Deep green coloring
Leaves that droop from the bottom upward
An oversaturated appearance
Set Up a Schedule and Get Growing
Don’t be intimidated by this wealth of information about when to water plants. It may take a season or two, but even novice growers can determine what kinds of needs their plants will have based on their climate or grow room setup. From there, it’s easy to establish a watering schedule.
