Most Common Reasons for Leaf Death and How to Save Your Plant
Marijuana leaves are a sure indicator of the health of your plant. By looking at them, you can tell what is wrong with the herb and what you need to do to cure it.
Marijuana leaf issues are the main thing that you need to be aware of when cultivating plants. At the first indication that something is off with the leaves, you have to determine the cause and take measures. It is clear when your leaves are dying. They are losing their healthy color and becoming yellow or brown. In addition, they can start curling under or over. When leaves wither and fall off, they are officially dead.
There are a few problems that can cause this abrupt death. Usually, the most common of them are: the pH level is wrong, the amounts of nutrients is unacceptable, or you water your lady too much (or too little).
To determine the problem, first of all, you have to measure the level of pH—it is the most frequent reason for leaf death. The pH imbalance, in its turn, leads to nutrient deficiency in the plant. The wrong level blocks the ability of the roots to absorb nutrients. Thus, these two problems are connected, and treating one of them will deal with the other.
Adjusting pH Level
The range of the pH level goes from 0 to 14. Strictly speaking, there are two conditions of the soil solution. If the number is below seven, then it is acidic. If the number is higher than seven—it is alkaline. Thus, seven is neutral. It is the golden middle that all growers have to reach. Remember to measure the pH level near the roots because they are the ones responsible for nutrient intake. The number does not necessary has to be seven—anything near is allowed as well. If you are using hydroponics, the range of 5.5-6.5 is even better.
The right pH is easy to maintain by using the pH Up/Down Control Kit by General Hydroponics or other similar appliances. If you favor natural means of adjusting, resort to vinegar and dolomite lime. The first will lower the level of pH, the second can boost it. In addition, whisking the water will also increase your pH.
However, adjusting the solution is not the only way that can help your plant. You can also measure the pH level of the drainage water that accumulates at the bottom of the pot. If its number significantly differs from that of the feeding solution, then you can start your “keep the plant safe” operation. The easiest way to regulate the matter is flushing the system. It means that you have to use pH-balanced water at least three times. You can also do it at once using three times the amount of water. If the plan works, resume the normal feeding scheme. Flushing is a common way many growers use to prevent salt buildup.
Watering Problems
If you have already adjusted the pH level and the leaves are still dying, it is time to pay attention to watering. Many people follow this rule of thumb: A fifth of the water you put in should come out from the bottom of the pots. After some time, put your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle and check whether the top layer is dry. However, both overwatering and underwatering can be damaging for the herb. Do not let the roots of your plants rot. They become brown, smelly, and mushy. Check your drainage and change the temperature.
In the case of hydroponics, there is no watering problem per se. Here, it is the matter of oxygen deficiency. To deal with this problem, you can buy a simple airstone and put it in.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiency is a tricky issue to combat. If you have already normalized the pH level, soon enough, the plant will receive the necessary amounts of nutrients itself. However, if the problem lingers, you have to adjust your nutrient regime. There are specific symptoms that are expressed due to the lack of one or another nutrient. Do proper research to find out what has to be changed.
