Did you notice that the practice of cannabis growth is gaining traction across the US and Canada? 

If stats are to be believed, 81% of US adults have faith in the medical benefits of cannabis. Quite naturally, cannabis growth is now considered one of the most lucrative commercial activities.

However, I have a point here buddy! Growing cannabis is not that easy as it might sound. You can either grow cannabis outdoors or become an indoor grower. 

In the outdoors, plants can spread their roots without any limitations. But when the same plant is grown in the pots, it can become a problem. Now, you might be asking why? 

The reason is root-binding. This is one such issue that can happen, and something needs to be done in this regard. Many of the growers, grow the plant indoors or in colder climates, in dedicated rooms or tents. Growing indoors means there is a high chance of plants becoming root bound. 

In this situation, it can lead to many growing problems which can affect the plant’s health. If you are one of those enthusiastic cannabis growers, we have something for you. 

This blog will provide in-depth information on this topic. Hope it helps!

What does the term ‘root-Bound’ mean?

When the cannabis plants are root bound, it indicates the roots have outgrown the container. Now there is not much space available for the roots to grow. It happens when the container is too small. 

Encountering the same problem outdoors is less likely, but it can happen if the roots hit the restricted boundaries. However, as a grower, you need to know certain signs that will let you know whether the plant has become root-bound or not. 

Here are some signs which will indicate the plants have root-bound issues. 

Check Out The Signs Of Plants Being Root-Bound

A healthy root system is necessary for the growth of the plant. Afterward, the roots will provide nutrients and water that the plants require to grow. Cannabis plants with root bounds can lead to many issues. 

Here are some exclusive symptoms that will indicate the fact that a plant might be facing such an issue. Go through each of the signs to help you understand that it’s time to rescue the plant. 

• Deficiency In Nutrients: The plant may have some symptoms indicating the nutrient is deficient. It can be spots, yellowing, wilting, crumbling leaves, etc. Other issues can be overwatering, incorrect pH. All these signs indicate that the plant is suffering from root-bound.
  
• Plants Get Way Too Big: When plants have grown too tall and easily tip over, it shows that plants might have root bound problems. Keeping that in mind, you should transplant the plant into a bigger container.
• Pots Drying Out Quickly: If you find that the solid dry up in a day or two, watering the plant often is necessary. It indicates the plant needs more water than the container can hold.
  
• A Clear Disparity Between Plant And Pot: You can detect this issue by simply observing the pot and plant carefully. If the plant looks too large, you should transfer them to a bigger container. If not, there is a high chance that it might die. Moving the plant at the right time can reduce the chances of eliminating further health problems.
   
• Soil Dries Up Quickly: Find out if the soil gets dried up too quickly, for which you have to water the plant frequently. If you are encountering this problem, it means your plant needs more water. A suitable solution would be to transfer the plant to a bigger container to hydrate the soil.
  
• Nutrient Burn: The opposite of deficiency in nutrients can be another problem to encounter. Check if the cannabis plant seems like it is getting more nutrient burn. It can damage the plant, causing over-fertilization. If a plant encounters this problem, the symptoms that can notify this are browning or yellowing leaves. The situation can arise when you are lightly feeding the plants.
  
• Constantly Sick Appearance: Does your cannabis plant always look sick? In this situation, its root-bound nature can be one of the problems. It indicates that the plant might not be getting sufficient water or nutrients. You can detect this problem by seeing the overall appearance. With that, you can take the necessary steps and ensure that it looks healthy.
  

Hopefully, all these signs will indicate that root-bound can be a problem, and you must solve the issue at the earliest. Here is a quick process that will guide in fixing the problem. 

Go through the step-by-step procedure and have a healthy cannabis plant. 

The Process To Fix Root-bound Cannabis Plants

The first step to fix a root-bound plant is to identify the problem. After discovering the reason behind this, check out the necessary remedy that will eliminate the problem. 

The size of the pot and lack of space are the two most common reasons for this. The following steps to help you out in fixing the root-bound cannabis plant are: 

1. Optimizing The Growing Environment 

Before transplanting, you must ensure that the growing medium reaches optimal consistency. In too dry or too wet conditions, the soil might crumble or break while transferring. 

I can assure you that it will leave roots far more exposed and stressed than necessary. Before transplanting, you must water your plants two days before. It will keep the moisture content intact and make the process easier. 

2. Preparing The New Container

The next step is to prepare the new container before removing it from the original spot. 

• Take up a larger pot than the old one and fill the bottom with a massive amount of high-quality organic matter. 
• Fill up the pot to such an extent that the plant base does not exceed the rim height of the new pot. Make sure to water the container to make sure that it is welcoming. 
• In this way, it reduces the transplant shock and lowers the growth. 

3. Liberate The Plant 

Along the entire diameter, you must give a firm squeeze and apply pressure from the opposite sides of the container. It losses up the root ball, decreases the amount of friction, and dislodges the growing medium. 

• Now put your hand above the top of the growing medium. After that, place the stem loosely between the base of your ring and middle fingers.
  
• Tip the pot upside down and slowly lower the plant out from the old pot. 
• After that, put it upright and start squeezing the root ball and untangle large roots where you can. It might seem to be a difficult task, but loosening will help the root system to expand into the new pot. 

4. Moving Into The New Container 

Phew! You have done a majority of the steps at this stage.

Now, place the plant in the center of the new pot and pour some more soil on the sides. Make sure you pour soil till the base of the plant. 

As you go, pack the soil and ensure that it feels firm after finishing. In order to minimize the transplant shock, place the plant into the center and put it back in the same atmosphere.  

5. Fixing Root-Bound Cannabis Plants: The Right Solution 

The idea of a bound and entangled root system can lead to many problems that growers have to encounter. It can develop conditions that can damage the health of the plant and reduce yields. 

Identifying the problem at the first stage will help solve the issue at the earliest. Make sure to keep an eye on all the symptoms and track how the plant is growing. 

Don’t let your plants stay root-bound

There you go!

If any of your plants become root-bound, a good transplanting job can help get them back on track. You can get in touch with suppliers like i49.net who can help you with the necessary process if required. 

You can also purchase the seeds from them. Remember that providing enough attention to your plant is essential to maintain its health. So, get going on your way to a blockbuster harvest.