Marijuana Sativa Care

It doesn’t like wet feet or long dry periods, so regular soil checking is the way to go. Water the soil when it feels dry a few inches (2-3 cm) from the top. Another indication that the plant needs watering is when the pot feels dry when you pick it up. The best watering method for Cannabis is bottom watering. This method allows the plant to soak up moisture from the bottom of the pot, which can help prevent fungal diseases and root rot in the long run. To bottom water, place your potted Cannabis in a deep dish or bowl with water and leave it to soak the moisture for about 15-20 minutes. Then, return the plant to its original spot.

To maintain your Cannabis’ shape and size, pruning can be done during the vegetative phase.

Sativa strains need less frequent and intense fertilizing than Indicas. They are susceptible to fertilizer buildup, which can cause their buds to wither. There are many ways to fertilize your Sativa Cannabis, but we recommend Cannabis-specific chemical solutions that can be bought in garden centers. Choose the best option available to you and the one that meets your budget. Remember that high-quality fertilizers will result in high-quality yields and vice versa.

During the vegetative stage, feed with a solution high in nitrogen to promote foliar growth. During this stage, nutrient deficiencies are common, so it’s recommended to test the soil frequently. Use your product according to the package instructions. Lastly, during flowering, the plants need more phosphorus and potassium.

The more light your Cannabis plant receives, the more buds it will develop. Established vegetative plants require 18 hours of artificial growth daily when grown indoors. 

As the plant ages and begins to flower, you need to increase the wattage of your grow lights. This will encourage the plant to produce a large amount of flowers. Be aware that many grow lights emit heat, so avoid placing the plants too close to the light or opt for a non-heat-emitting light option, such as LED.

Choosing the correct soil for your Cannabis plants is essential, as they are picky about their pH levels. The pH level should be around 6.0, even though a range between 5.8 and 6.3 is acceptable, but avoid letting the soil pH fluctuate too much, as this can harm the sensitive roots. If you can find a soil mix curated explicitly for Cannabis cultivation, we recommend choosing this option above any other soil type. However, you can amend your soil mix by combining coco coir, perlite, natural compost, or worm castings into standard potting soil.

To propagate:

1. Snip a small piece (2 inches / 5cm) off a healthy mother plant.
2. Make sure you take cuttings from female plants that are currently blooming.
3. Stick the cutting in moistened soil and place it under a grow light. If you can access one, a special Cannabis cloner can also be used.

Freshly planted seedlings must be in a temperature range between 65-75°F (18-25°C). As they age, they need warmer temperatures. Thus, at their flowering stage, aim for 80°F (27°C) and avoid cold weather below 65°F (18°C). These plants require relatively highly humid environments. Aim for 50% or higher, placing a dome over your plants or adding a humidifier will increase the humidity significantly and prevent brown leaves. As the plants begin to bloom, reduce humidity to lower than 50% to prevent fungal issues.

Growing Sativa strains in small pots is good for maintaining the plants’ growth. However, if you have the room, larger pots will equal larger yields. A 1 to 1.5 gallon (5-7 liter) pot will be ideal, depending on your room for this plant. Ensure that you have a pot with drainage to prevent overwatering by allowing excess water to escape from the pot.

Only the female version of Cannabis sativa produces flowers. The males make a “pollen sac,” which is needed to pollinate the female’s flowers. However, if you want to harvest the flower buds for your consumption, avoid keeping male plants near the female plants. After the flowers are pollinated, the females will produce seeds, and seeded buds lack flavor potency and don’t burn well.