Cannabis is a fascinating plant with a complex structure. Understanding how a cannabis plant is constructed will help you better understand how it grows and how to best care for it. Here is a simple guide to introduce you to the most important parts of the cannabis plant and their functions.
1. The Roots
The roots of a cannabis plant are crucial to its health and growth . They anchor the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients. Healthy roots are white and well branched.
Tips:
- Ensure good drainage so that the roots do not stand in water and rot.
2. The stem
The main stem is the main axis of the plant that connects all other parts. It supports the leaves, branches and flowers and transports water, nutrients and sugars throughout the plant.
Important points:
- A strong and stable stem is important to support the weight of the flowers.
3. The leaves
Cannabis leaves are easy to identify and play an essential role in photosynthesis. There are two main types of leaves:
Cotyledons : The first two leaves that appear after germination.
Fan leaves : Large, palmate leaves responsible for photosynthesis.
A notice:
- Healthy leaves are an indicator of a healthy plant.
- Look for discoloration or spots , which may indicate nutritional deficiencies or disease.
4. The branches
The branches carry the leaves and flowers of the plant. They develop from the nodes on the main stem and distribute the weight of the plant.
Important:
- Through pruning and training, you can control branch growth and maximize yields.
5. The flowers (buds)
The flowers are the most valuable part of the cannabis plant as they contain the psychoactive and medicinal compounds such as THC and CBD. Female plants produce the resin-rich flowers, while male plants produce pollen.
Features:
- The calyxes contain the ovules and are covered with trichomes that produce resin.
- Pistils (the hairs on the flowers) change color as they ripen and are an indicator of when it is time to harvest.
6. Trichomes
Trichomes are the tiny, resinous glands on the flowers and leaves of the plant. They contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Recognize:
- Trichomes look like small, glittering crystals and are more clearly visible under a microscope.
- The condition of the trichomes can tell you when the plant is ready for harvest .
Perfect conditions for growth
Temperature: Cannabis prefers temperatures between 20-30°C during the growth phase and 18-26°C during the flowering phase.
Humidity: The humidity should be 40-70% during the vegetative phase and reduced to 40-50% during flowering.
Light: Cannabis needs a lot of light. At least 18 hours of light in the growth phase and 12 hours of light in the flowering phase are optimal.
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