Cannabis Zinc Deficiency: Just like every living thing needs nutrients to grow and have a longer life, so do plants. If you are growing cannabis yourself, then you must keep a check on its growth, the pH level of the soil, available nutrients, and many more. If there’s a deficiency of important things like Zinc, then your plant might die.
When Zinc is combined with manganese and magnesium, they all promote the enzyme function in the plant. Not only this, but Zinc also helps in the synthesis process and development of new cells. If you are experiencing any issues with your marijuana plants, then it might be a case of zinc deficiency.
Read this post till the end, as we have shared everything related to this problem and how you can fix the zinc deficiency problem in cannabis plants.
Why Do Cannabis Plants Need Zinc?
Although plants majorly need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as they are the macronutrients to them, other micronutrients like Zinc, calcium, and sulfur are required in enough quantity for adequate growth and development. Not only this, but Zinc also helps plants in building chlorophyll, which gives them their green colour. Since chlorophyll helps plants in the photosynthesis process, a lack of Zinc in the soil may lead to slower growth too.
Studies have suggested that Zinc also helps plants in converting starch to sugar and helps the plant survive cold temperatures. So, it is necessary to maintain a good amount of Zinc along with other nutrients in the soil to give your plant good growth, development, and longer life.
Signs of Zinc Deficiency In Plants
As we’ve said above, Zinc is required for the basic photosynthesis process of plants and for the production of chlorophyll too. As the plant starts experiencing a deficiency of an important nutrient, you will start noticing various signs. It is always better to check the growth of your plant and note vital signs. Not only will this help you in tracking the progress, but it will also help you in executing the rescue faster before anything serious happens.
Below we have mentioned some of the major signs that you will start noticing when your plants have a zinc deficiency. Do remember that there can be other effects, too, but the ones we have listed below are the most common among all.
Yellow Veins & Leaves – If you’ve started noticing yellowing between the veins on new leaves, then it can be a case of zinc deficiency. Since Zinc helps in the production and working of chlorophyll, the leaves will start shedding their colour because of its deficiency. Leaves close to the root will start discolouring first, and then the sign will move to the top.
No Flower Growth – There will be no new flowers in your plant if it has lower zinc levels. It depends on the stage of the plant; if it is in the flowering stage, you will notice this sign. Not only this but if the plant already has flowers in it, then it might start dying, but don’t worry because the effects can be reversed.
Leaning Stem & Branches – Since your plant does not have enough nutrients and vitamins to process its functions, it won’t have enough strength to stand properly. You might notice that new leaves, stems, and branches have started bending towards the ground. Despite giving it external support, consider playing with the nutrients.
Clustered Leaves – Zinc deficiency causes chlorosis, and that is the most common way to detect the issue. Since the leaf tissues are dying early, new leaves will grow close to each other. The shortened internodes will cause the leaves to become clustered, and they might start falling off from the branches as well.
Stunted Growth – Your plant will stop growing further, and that is because of zinc deficiency too. Since your plant does not have an adequate amount of nutrients and food to process its functions, it won’t grow any further. Yes, it will take some time to resume its growth but don’t worry because it can get back to normal pretty soon.
How To Fix Zinc Deficiency In Marijuana Plants [GUIDE]
Now you’ve got to know about the signs of zinc deficiency, and we think now you are ready to take action on the problem. The deficiency of Zinc is not a major issue, to be honest. Though if you don’t act timely, then it can even lead to the death of the plant. There are various methods available by which you can solve this problem and increase the level of Zinc in the soil.
Below we have mentioned the best working and proven ways to fix the zinc deficiency problem in marijuana plants. It doesn’t matter if you are growing only a single plant or multiple; this problem can arise anytime. Also, we recommend using different planters for every plant so the problem won’t spread from one plant to another.
1. The best way to fix zinc deficiency is to maintain the proper pH level of the soil. If you are using soil, then the pH level must be between 6.0-6.5, while for hydro, it must be between 5.5-6.0.
2. Another good way to solve this issue is by feeding micro mix compounds containing Zinc, iron and manganese to the plant. You can add these to the soil and wait for a couple of weeks before you start noticing the results.
3. There are some Marijuana Booster products available out there, and if you don’t know about the proper way to fix this problem, then you can buy those products.
4. Prevent overwatering plants as it can affect the health of the roots and your plant won’t be able to absorb the required things from the soil.
5. If the zinc deficiency problem is not solved, then you can connect with a professional or talk with other growers on the internet to get direct help.
NOTE: The deficiency of Zinc is mainly caused because of the soil and the imbalance in pH level. You must monitor day-to-day changes in your plant and keep a record of the changes to prevent further damage. It will take about a week or two before you actually start noticing the recovery signs. If the plant doesn’t show any signs of recovery even after two weeks, then stop adding more Zinc to the soil and consider flushing the soil, planter, and roots with balanced pH water. Dry out the entire system and start fresh again. This will help the plant to restart its functions, and in most cases, the zinc deficiency problem will be solved too.
Zinc Toxicity vs Zinc Deficiency In Plants
Zinc Toxicity – If you start noticing any of the deficiency symptoms mentioned above, then do not jump to conclusions and start pouring Zinc in large quantities. When a plant gets an excessive amount of Zinc, then it is called zinc toxicity or zinc poisoning. It is important to keep the zinc level in check, especially for cannabis plants, as too much Zinc can be harmful. It’s a good idea to have the soil, or hydroponic solution tested for nutrient levels, including Zinc, and adjust as necessary.
While treating your plants, if you start noticing that the leaves have started turning brown or dark in colour, then it means that you’ve added too much Zinc to the soil, and now it’s time to flush some out; else, it can cause issues with the development and growth.
Zinc Deficiency – As we have already told above, the deficiency of Zinc means the plant or soil does not have recommended level of Zinc to perform its operations. There are various reasons why you might be having this issue, and not providing zinc fertilizers is not the only problem here. Sometimes, an excessive amount of other nutrients can stop the plant from consuming Zinc, etc.
To fix this problem, you must figure out the real reason and then act accordingly. If you are growing it for the first time, then we recommend consulting a professional weed grower for help. If you want, then you can add zinc-based fertilizers to the soil and wait for about a week to see the desired results.
FAQs Related To Cannabis Zinc Deficiency
What Causes Zinc Deficiency In Cannabis Plants?
There are various reasons behind zinc efficiency in plants, but the number one reason is pH imbalance. If the soil is too wet, then Zinc and other nutrients can be leached out of the soil over time. Overuse of fertilizers that are high in other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to an imbalance in the soil and cause a zinc deficiency.
How To Treat Zinc Deficiency In Plants?
A solution of zinc sulfate or chelated Zinc can be sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plant. This allows the plant to quickly absorb the Zinc it needs. You can also adjust the pH level of the soil and hydroponic solution so that the plant can start absorbing nutrients and other important minerals naturally.
Can Cannabis Recover From Nutrient Deficiency?
Yes, plants can recover from Zinc and other deficiencies as well, but only if you address and start the recovery process early. You will have to perform the steps we have mentioned on this page to start the treatment. Also, try to maintain the pH level of the soil between 6.0 to 7.0, as it is suitable for every type of cannabis plant.
Does Zinc Deficiency Delay Growth?
Zinc does not affect the growth of plants directly, but yes, it can affect growth. It is responsible for cell division and elongation, which are crucial for plant growth. Not only this, but if there’s a deficiency of Zinc, then the leaves will lose their color, and the plant will not be able to execute the photosynthesis process properly.
What Happens If A Plant Has Too Much Zinc?
Just like the deficiency, toxicity, or excess Zinc is not good for the plants. If you observe darkening and dying of leaves, stunted growth, and poor overall health, then it means there’s a zinc toxicity problem with the plant. Additionally, high zinc levels can be harmful to the microorganisms in the soil, which can affect the plant’s ability to uptake other essential nutrients and also the soil structure.
Final Words
So, this is all about zinc deficiency in the cannabis plants, and we hope now you are able to fix the problem yourself. There are many other ways by which you can improve the overall zinc quantity in the plants and improve their health, but we have mentioned only the best, working and verified solutions on this page.
If you have faced and overcome this issue, then do share your views with us about the possible solutions. Don’t worry about anything because, at many times, your plant may face zinc deficiency issues, and it is not a major thing to worry about. Keep visiting this page if you want to know about the latest and updated ways to get rid of this problem.
