Cannabis transplanting refers to the act of "rehoming" cannabis plants, or moving them into larger pots with more soil. Because they don’t know if they will germinate or sprout, growers often start the cannabis plant process with many seeds planted in small pots. Only the female cannabis plants can produce buds. If you want to start growing regular seeds, you'll have to sex them and throw out the males.
Why is it important to transplant marijuana plants?
Transplanting allows a marijuana plant's roots more room to spread, which in turn gives it the opportunity to thrive and grow strong. Roots that are too tight can cause them to become "rootbound". This can lead to the plant becoming sickly and unable to spread out. Healthy roots will result in a healthy weed plant.The container in which a plant grows will affect how long it can spread out and how big it will grow. It will be stunted if the container is too small. It is not a good idea to plant seeds in large pots as you might end up with a lot of soil. If you are growing weed outdoors, it can be difficult to plan a garden or where to place your seeds if they don't succeed.When germinating, most weed growers use small 4-inch and 1-gallon pots. After several weeks of growth, seeds will need larger homes and must be transplanted into a bigger container or directly into the ground. Planting into the ground is a good idea. Don't crowd your roots so they don't get in between each other.A rootbound plant can be characterized by:
- Faint new growth
- Stunted flower production
- Stem discoloration (reddening).
- Nutrient sensitivity
- Nutrient deficiency
Rootbound plants may appear dry and unwatered. A plant that requires more watering than it gets in a day may need to be transplanted.
When is it safe to transplant marijuana?
Most marijuana plants will only need to go through one transplant in their lifetime, but they could be subject to more. Cannabis Transplant can occur from:
- After seed germination, first container (1-gallon), second container (2-gallon). This takes 4-8 weeks.
- Second container (2-gallon) to 3rd container (5-gallon). Transplant 8-12 weeks later or 2 weeks before flowering.
Some growers will only transplant one time: the above example shows how to go from a 1-gallon container to a 5-gallon container. The 2-gallon is skipped. You may also need to transplant larger pots depending on the size of your weed plants.You can also transplant outside in the ground. However, it all depends on the time of year and the weather. These are signs that your cannabis is ready to be placed in a new container.
Numerous leaves
Small containers can be used to grow young plants. However, this is not a guarantee that they will become ready for transplantation once they have sprouted at least 4-5 sets.
Root development
Make sure to check the drainage holes in the container. A plant should have a healthy root system that is visible and white. It's time for you to transplant if roots grow out of the holes. A plant that is discolored or darkening rapidly may be rootbound.
End of the vegetative stage
Before entering the flowering stage, a weed plant must be placed in its final pot or ground. A plant's size and volume will increase as it flowers. This happens as the plant grows and develops buds. It will need a lot of space to develop roots.
What is the space required for a marijuana plant?
Height of plants (inches).Pot size0-6''4-inch (16 oz.)6-12''1-gallon12-24''3-gallon24-42''5-gallon42-60''10-gallon60-84''20-gallonIf you are transplanting cannabis, make sure to give it at least twice the space in its old container. This will reduce the number of transplants required and decrease the chance of transplant shock. You could, for example, go from a 1-gallon up to a 2-gallon up to a 5 gallon or from a 2-gallon up to a 5-gallon and then to a 10-gallon.As a finishing pot, medium-sized indoor cannabis plants will be happy in 5-gallon containers. For large outdoor plants, larger containers may be required to achieve their full potential. Sometimes these bigger containers can hold up to 10 or 20 gallons. Always choose slightly more space when in doubt. For every 12 inches of vegetative growth, a plant will need 2 gallons of soil. It is important to know the potential height of your strain.
Start with the biggest pot possible for your marijuana plant.
Growers transplant weed plants typically 1-3 times and then move them to larger pots as they grow. The roots will not be able to absorb as much water if the pot is too large. This can lead to waterlogging and root rot. To avoid multiple transplants, you can place your weed plant in the largest container. However, water should only be applied to the stalk and young roots.
How to transplant marijuana
Transplanting marijuana is not without risks. Transplant shock can have a devastating effect on the growth and development and even death of cannabis plants. Properly executed, transplanting can be beneficial for the plant. It will lead to stronger roots and better flower production.
First cannabis plant transplant
A 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon container should be used to start cannabis plants. The pot should last for at least a few weeks before you need to transplant.Once the seedling has sprouted its fourth or fifth set of leaves, it is time to transplant. To transplant:
- To prevent contamination of delicate roots, wash your hands regularly and wear gloves.
- To minimize shock, give the plant a light spray of water. Don't soak it as it will make the soil difficult to work with.
- Soak the recipient pot in soil and leave enough room for the new plant.
- Avoid overpacking soil before and after transplanting. This can cause drainage problems and may even damage the root system.
- Don't disturb the roots or cause damage during transplantation. The first transplant is the most dangerous because shock can result from root damage or agitation.
- Avoid excessive light during transplants to avoid transplant shock.
- Once the plant is in its new home, water it well.
Additional transplantation of cannabis plants
To maximize your plant's potential, you may have to transplant the weed plant again. You should always monitor your plants for signs of distress or roots that are too crowded. Follow the above steps to do this. Make sure that the new container is at minimum twice the size of the original one.The final container is where a plant will live until it is harvested. This is the largest container you can use for a plant. You should always transplant it into this pot at least 1-2 weeks before the flowering stage. Remember that larger plants may need stakes or support in order to prevent structural damage from occurring after cannabis transplanting.