Live to Plant

Canabis Plant in a Pot:
How to Care for Your Container Plant

Updated: April 29, 2023

Growing cannabis in a pot can be a great option for those who want to grow their own plants, but don’t have access to outdoor space or want to keep their plants discreet. However, growing cannabis in a pot requires a bit of know-how to ensure that your plant thrives and produces high-quality buds. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about growing cannabis in a pot.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in growing cannabis in a pot is choosing the right container. You want to choose a pot that is the right size for your plant and has proper drainage. A pot that is too small can stunt your plant’s growth, while a pot that is too big can lead to overwatering and root rot.

As for drainage, make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If your pot doesn’t have holes, drill some yourself. This will allow excess water to escape and prevent root rot.

Soil and Nutrients

Choosing the right soil and nutrients is crucial for the health and growth of your cannabis plant. You want to choose soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Avoid using garden soil as it can contain pests and diseases that can harm your plants.

When it comes to nutrients, cannabis requires a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) throughout its growth cycle. You can purchase pre-made nutrient mixes specifically designed for cannabis or make your own with products like bone meal, blood meal, and worm castings.

Lighting

Cannabis plants require a lot of light to grow and produce buds. If you’re growing indoors, you’ll need to invest in some high-quality grow lights. LED grow lights are a popular choice as they are energy-efficient and emit little heat.

Make sure your lights are positioned close enough to your plants so they receive enough light, but not too close that they burn them. You’ll want to aim for around 18 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage and 12 hours during the flowering stage.

Watering

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made when growing cannabis in a pot. You want to water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. When you do water, water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to mold and other issues. It’s also important to note that tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your plants over time. Using filtered or distilled water is recommended.

Temperature and Humidity

Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and around 10 degrees cooler at night. Humidity levels should be around 40-60% during the vegetative stage and around 40% during the flowering stage.

It’s important to monitor temperature and humidity levels regularly as fluctuations can stress your plants and affect their growth.

Harvesting

Harvesting your cannabis plants at the right time is crucial for getting high-quality buds. You want to harvest when most of the trichomes (the tiny crystals on the buds) have turned from clear to milky white or amber.

Once you’ve harvested, you’ll need to dry and cure your buds properly before consuming them.

FAQ

Q: How often should I fertilize my cannabis plant?

A: It depends on the type of soil you’re using and the nutrient mix you’re using. Generally, you’ll want to fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the vegetative stage and every 1-2 weeks during the flowering stage.

Q: Can I grow cannabis in a small pot?

A: Yes, but it’s important to choose a pot that is appropriate for the size of your plant. A small pot can lead to stunted growth if it doesn’t have enough room for the roots.

Q: How much light does my cannabis plant need?

A: Cannabis plants require around 18 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage and 12 hours per day during the flowering stage.

Q: Can I use tap water on my cannabis plant?

A: Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your plants over time. Using filtered or distilled water is recommended.

Q: When should I harvest my cannabis plant?

A: You should harvest when most of the trichomes (the tiny crystals on the buds) have turned from clear to milky white or amber.

In conclusion, growing cannabis in a pot can be a fun and rewarding experience if done correctly. Choose the right pot, soil, nutrients, lighting, watering schedule, temperature, humidity levels, and harvesting time for optimal growth results. Remember to follow local laws regarding growing cannabis at home!