Transplanting of cannabis plants
In this article we will guide you through the steps of transplanting a plant that has grown in a smaller pot into a larger one. This action allows the roots to expand into a smaller space creating a larger root mass, then when moved into a larger space it allows the roots to develop into their full potential. Indeed, the root system of a plant occupies all the place it has at its disposal. The stronger the root system the stronger the overall health of the plant. Repotting is one of the important stages in the cannabis cultivation cycle. The procedure is simple but can be a bit tricky. The following tips allow everyone to succeed in this manipulation. The primary objective is to maintain the integrity of the root system. Therefore, repotting must be carried out with great delicacy. If the roots break, the plant will suffer from stress, and thus resulting in less than optimal development.
A semi dry to dry soil
The first item we must pay attention to is the moisture levels in our soil. To moist and the soil will fall apart under it´s own weight, to dry and the soil can crumble when we go to transplant. We recommend watering about two days before the date planned of transplanting that way the soil will have an even moisture level throughout the substrate.Things to avoid
After we first germinate our seeds we must avoid having them in a pot that is to large. This can easily lead to overwatering and the rotting of the root system. We recommend for a "starter pot" one of our 1L pots with a good Light Mix.After Germination
Once our seeds have germinated we recommend for a "starter pot" a 1L pot (this will limit the risk of overwatering and the roots will expand quicker as they seek water) and with a good Light Mix soil. This way the root system can develop and flourish. Also a soil with less additives will allow the roots will seek out more nutrients and thus grow at a faster rate.Transplanting Before Flowering
Transplanting a week or two before flowering is also recommended as this give the plant´s roots time to recover from the transplanting before the switch to flower. For this method we can transplant right into an All Mix Soil which will need no extra feedings for up to 3 weeks after transplant.For the Roots
If we used this method and transplants before flower and since we do not need any nutrients added. We highly recommend for the first two weeks after transplanting to use a root stimulator as this will boost the health of the roots and give it that added boost and recovery time we are after. We have three root stimulators we recommend as we have used them for years and have never let us down:- Startbooster from Aptus,
- Voodoo Juice from Advanced Nutrients,
- or Stimulator 1 from House & Garden.
Repotting Steps
Successful repotting depends on proper follow-up of the following criteria. This method is approved by our professionals and proves to be highly reliable:- Place a thin layer of clay beads at the bottom of the pot about 2 centimeters.
- Pour some soil (Light Mix or All Mix Soil) onto the clay balls.
- Then use a small pot of the same size you´re transplanting in the center and build up the soil underneath to level the top of the small pot evenly or depending on stretch of the plant a little under the lip of the new larger pot. Then add soil on each side, up to the top of the pot..
- Press lightly on the walls of the small pot to compress the soil and to form the shape. Carefully remove the smaller pot.
- The purpose of the maneuver is to get the precise footprint of the small pot size in the larger pot. Which will in turn lessen the stress of the transplant.
- To remove the pot from the plant, we recommend lightly pressing the edges of the pot. Placing your hand over the top of the pot, with the stem of the plant between your middle fingers, turn the pot over. The old smaller pot can then be easily extracted.
- Place the molded root ball into the imprint previously made inside the large pot. Be careful not to pull the plant through the trunk or damage the main roots.
- Then add a light layer of potting soil on the surface. Do not press down on the top as this will not allow the roots to breathe properly.
- The repotting is finished, it is time to water your plants.