Spotting and Treating Heat Stress Before It’s Too Late

Too Much Heat a Deal Breaker?

Your cannabis plants are pretty good at communicating, but you have to know what to look for. During the peak of summer, heat stress can sneak up fast. If you don’t catch the warning signs early, your plants can suffer permanent damage, leading to stunted growth, hermaphroditism, or airy, loose buds come harvest time.

The first sign of heat stress is often “leaf cupping” or “canoeing.” This is when the edges of the fan leaves start curling upward, making them look like little canoes. The plant does this to reduce the surface area exposed to the sun and to conserve moisture. If you see this happening, it is a clear warning that the heat is getting to them and they need some immediate relief.

Here is another article writing on the same subject….Growing Cannabis in Triple Digit Heat.

Another sign to watch out for is leaf burn, which looks like crispy, brown, or yellow tips and edges on the upper leaves closest to the sun. This is different from nutrient burn because it only affects the parts of the plant getting blasted by the direct sunlight. If your leaves are starting to look like paper, they are literally getting sunburned.

If you spot these signs, take action right away.

Give them a deep, thorough watering and keep them 100% hydrated always…this in itself is your best defense when it comes to those long hot ‘dog days’ of summer.

Consider adding a kelp meal or liquid seaweed extract to your watering routine. Kelp is packed with natural hormones and micro-nutrients that help plants recover from heat and environmental stress.

Get some shade cloth over them to block the harshest mid-day rays.

Keep a close eye on the leaves, act fast, and your plants will bounce right back.