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Potassium Deficiency
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A cannabis potassium deficiency primarily manifests in the form of symptoms observed on older leaves, although it may also affect the top of the plant. Affected leaves display yellow, brown, or burnt edges and tips. These symptoms may resemble nutrient burn, but with a potassium deficiency, the affected leaves also show yellowing in the margins. The veins inside the leaves generally remain green.
Cause of Issue
◉ Overwatering
◉ conditions (e.g., heat, transplanting)
◉ Keeping the grow lights too close to the plants
Symptoms
◉ Yellowing leaves with brown edges and tips
◉ Stretching of plants and weakened stems
◉ Curling of leaf tips with brown, burnt, and dying edges
◉ Leaves turning white, yellow, brown, or appearing burnt
◉ Yellowing between leaf margins, resembling tip burn
◉ Pale, bleached, or yellow appearance of burnt areas
◉ Initial symptoms resembling nutrient burn
◉ Potential confusion with light burn symptoms when grow lights are too close to the leaves
Corrective Actions
◉ Rule out light burn: If the symptoms resemble a potassium deficiency, ensure that the grow lights are at an appropriate distance from the plants to avoid light burn.
◉ Use nutrient-rich sources: High-quality soil or cannabis-friendly nutrients usually provide sufficient potassium. Heavily filtered or reverse osmosis (RO) water may increase the likelihood of potassium deficiencies.
◉ Adjust pH: Maintain the pH level within the optimal range for potassium absorption. In soil, aim for a pH range of 6.0-7.0, while in hydroponic or coco coir setups, the range should be 5.5-6.5.
◉ Monitor recovery: Flush the system with clean, pH-balanced water containing cannabis-friendly nutrients. Note that previously damaged growth may not recover, so observe the plant over the next few days to ensure that the issue does not spread to new growth.
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