top of page
More Coming Soon!
New Update Every Friday By 5pm CST
Root Problems
Have Photos?
Photos Coming Soon
Cannabis plants with root problems can exhibit various symptoms that indicate their distressed state. Overwatering is a common cause, leading to symptoms such as the plant appearing droopy or overwatered, curling or cupping of leaves, wilting of individual stems or the entire plant, slow growth or stunted size, yellowing or discoloration of leaves (which may even manifest as purple or red), brown or burnt spots on leaves, and other nutrient-related issues. Brown or slimy roots often indicate the presence of root rot, which emits a foul odor when present in the runoff water. As the root problems progress, leaves may start dying and falling off rapidly, and the plants may exhibit reduced water consumption.
Cause of Issue
◉ Overwatering: Providing excessive water to the plants, resulting in waterlogged soil and poor oxygen availability to the roots.
◉ Unsuitable growing medium: Using inappropriate growing mediums like pure perlite, which hinders proper air and water circulation to the roots.
◉ Underwatering: Chronic lack of water supply, leading to insufficient hydration for the plant, especially when it's growing and requires more water.
◉ Lack of drainage: Absence of drainage holes in the container, causing water to accumulate at the bottom and suffocate the roots.
◉ Unsuitable soil conditions: Muddy or dense soil that lacks adequate oxygen, impeding root health and growth.
◉ Inadequate container size: Planting small seedlings in large containers can impede oxygen availability to the roots, leading to overwatering issues.
◉ Rootbound plants: Roots circling the outside of the container due to inadequate space, hindering nutrient and water uptake.
◉ Hydroponic issues: Insufficient oxygen in the water, often caused by high temperatures or poor aeration, leading to root problems.
Symptoms
◉ Drooping or overwatered appearance
◉ Curling or cupping of leaves
◉ Wilting of stems or entire plant
◉ Slow growth or stunted size
◉ Yellowing or discoloration of leaves (including purple or red shades)
◉ Brown or burnt spots on leaves
◉ Brown or slimy roots (indicative of root rot)
◉ Foul odor in the runoff water
◉ Rapid leaf death and shedding
◉ Reduced water consumption
Corrective Actions
◉ Address the underlying issue causing the root problem:
Adjust temperature to maintain optimal conditions.
Water plants only when necessary, avoiding overwatering or underwatering.
Ensure containers have proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
Use well-draining and aerated soil or growing medium.
Choose appropriately sized containers to accommodate root growth.
Transplant rootbound plants to larger containers.
Address hydroponic issues by improving water oxygenation and temperature regulation.
◉ Consider using beneficial root supplements:
Botanicare Hydroguard, Piranha, VooDoo Juice, Great White, or Rooters can aid in promoting root health and combating root problems.
◉ Understand that damaged leaves may not recover fully, but look for signs of improvement in new growth.
bottom of page