As a general rule, cannabis growers tend to start the growth cycle with densely planted seeds in a small enclosure. As not all the seeds will actually grow, and some plants may not be viable, it’s by far the most efficient method. But once the plants grow past a certain point, their root systems can become entangled with others, causing the crop to become nutrient-deprived and sick. Before this happens, it’s important to transplant the plants, as well as carefully following the steps to do so.
Inspect Plants for Pests
Pests are one of the most consistent thorns in any planter’s side, making crops useless through eating them, causing disease, and laying eggs to continue the process. To combat this, be vigilant. It doesn’t hurt to perform routine checks for pests, but it’s absolutely essential during the transplant process. If you notice an infested plant, don’t transplant it. This will prevent any insects from spreading to the rest of the crop.
Pay Close Attention to Roots
Be mindful not only of the plant’s health, but its roots as well. If your plant’s roots have become tangled or wrapped around the pot, (rootbound) it won’t be able to grow properly, so it’s best to weed it out early. If the plant appears wilted, is growing slower, or if the stems are red, it may be rootbound. To save the plant, you may need to loosen or prune the roots before moving it to a larger container, but after that, the plant should continue to grow normally.
Time Your Transplant Correctly
It’s recommended to not transplant a cannabis plant more than once or twice in its lifetime, so naturally, it’s important to make sure the ideal conditions to do so have been met. A good rule of thumb is to transplant once the roots have filled the current container, but before they become entangled. Transplanting too early or too late can harm the growth of the plant, so a profitable harvest requires transplants to be performed during the proper time window.
Choose the Right Watering Method
Depending on how you plan to grow your cannabis plants, there are a number of irrigation systems you should consider. For example, fertigation maximizes large batch growth speed by combining the watering and fertilizing process, while a more standard drip system conserves resources, saving money on water and fertilizer. Before you start growing, decide how you want to go about it, and pick the irrigation system to match.
Use the Right Container
Of course, when transplanting your crops, you should be sure that their new container still provides for their needs. Be sure to account for proper spacing, as well as loosening any enrooted plants. Weighing all the options and factors can be a daunting task, but fortunately, we’re here to help.
