How do I water my cannabis plant properly?

How do I know when the cannabis plant needs water?

The simplest and often most effective method to determine if your plant needs watering is to check if the top inches of the soil are dry. If the soil is dry, you can water; if it’s moist, wait a bit longer. Another way is to lift the pot and check its weight. A heavy pot means it is well-soaked, while a light one indicates that it’s time to water. Also, pay attention to your plant's signals. Even if the soil appears dry, signs of overwatering may suggest that you should wait a bit longer before watering.

Identifying overwatering and thirst in cannabis plants

Make sure to identify signs of dehydration in your plant rather than overwatering, as both can appear very similar at first glance. Ultimately, a thirsty plant is happier than one that receives too much water.

Overwatering:

Thirsty:

A dehydrated plant discoloration evenly and wilts in all parts. A dried-out specimen appears consistently dry, while an overwatered cannabis plant looks wet and very soggy.

How much and what do I water?

A principle that many growers follow states that 10-15% of the pot volume should be used for each watering. For example, with a 10-liter pot, this means using 1 to 1.5 liters of water per watering.

Was ist das beste Wasser für Cannabis?

• Unfiltered tap water

It is the most easily accessible and can be used in Germany without concern. Let it sit for 1-2 days so that chemicals like chlorine can evaporate.

• Water collection systems (rainwater)

Collecting rainwater is a cost-effective method and is excellent for your plants as long as it is not stored for too long.

• Table water

Table water is quite pure and can help support biological growth due to its nutrients. However, it is relatively expensive to purchase hundreds of liters at the supermarket.

• Reverse osmosis systems (filtered tap water)

If you can afford it (as they are quite expensive), purchasing a reverse osmosis filter connected to the main water supply ensures that you receive purified water directly from the tap. Additionally, this way you can also enjoy clean drinking water.

Other variables to consider

It is crucial to understand the factors in the water that could affect the health and vitality of your cannabis plant. Even if you think you have the optimal water source, it could be unsuitable if you do not consider the following points.

Water temperature:

In general, it is best to use cool but not cold water. The temperature of tap water is usually suitable. Hot water can harm the plants and kill organisms in the soil, while very cold water could shock the roots.

pH value and EC value:

Although pure water has a pH value of 7.0 (neutral), the pH value of most water is actually slightly above that. Since the root zone of cannabis prefers a pH value of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake, water that has not been adjusted for pH could slightly hinder growth. Additionally, when growing or fertilizing with mineral fertilizers, an EC meter is very useful.

Source: Growzilla on Facebook, used with permission. Text improved by AI.