Transplanting cannabis is all about giving your plant room to grow. It involves moving your plant from a smaller container or pot to a larger one, sometimes even transferring it from one growing medium to another. By giving roots more space to stretch, you’re setting your plant up for stronger branches, fuller buds, and overall better health. So, if you want your cannabis to thrive, transplanting at the right time is essential.
- Why is Transplanting Cannabis Important?
- When to Transplant Cannabis Plants
- Choosing the Right Size Pot for Your Cannabis?
- Why Not Plant Cannabis in the Biggest Possible Pot?
- What Type of Pots Should I Use?
- Can You Dig Up a Cannabis Plant and Replant It?
- How to Transplant Cannabis
- Is It Better to Transplant Plants Wet or Dry?
- Size of Pots for Indoor and Outdoor Plants
- What About Transplanting Autoflowers?
- Plan Ahead to Avoid Transplanting
- Cannabis Transplanting Aftercare
- Conclusion
Why is Transplanting Cannabis Important?
Transplanting helps cannabis develop larger, more sturdy root systems to anchor the plant and access more nutrients, which leads to stronger growth and, ultimately, bigger yields. Roots will naturally grow until they fill up the entire pot. When they reach their limits in a small pot, they start circling and become rootbound, meaning they’re all tangled up with nowhere to go. Moving them to a larger container prevents this, allowing roots to spread out, absorb nutrients, and develop a robust structure that supports your plant’s growth.
When to Transplant Cannabis Plants
Your plant will give you clear signals when it’s time to move to a bigger pot. Keep an eye out for:
- Roots poking out of drainage holes: This is a sign that roots have outgrown their space.
- Slowed growth: If your plant isn’t growing as quickly as before, it may be out of room.
- Yellowing or wilting leaves: Leaves that lose color or wilt could mean the roots are stressed.
It’s best to transplant during the vegetative stage, giving your plant time to bounce back before flowering.
Best Time of Day to Transplant Cannabis
The best time to transplant is in the morning. This gives your plant a full day of light to settle into its new home and start recovering. Avoid transplanting late in the day, especially if growing outdoors, as cooler night temperatures can add stress.
How Often Do You Need to Transplant?
When starting with a cannabis seed, after it has been successfully been germinated and planted for the fist time, generally needs just one or two more transplants all the way through to harvest. Moving it too often may cause slight delays or stress, but leaving it in a small pot too long leads to rootbound issues, which can be more frustrating for the plant and the gardener. A common schedule for photoperiod plants is one transplantation early into its vegetative growth period and then once more before flowering. Autoflowers, on the other hand, often do best when planted directly in their final pot as they have less time to get over transplantation stress.
Choosing the Right Size Pot for Your Cannabis?
Cannabis plants need different pot sizes as they grow. Here’s a rough guide:
- Seedlings: Start in a 1-gallon pot.
- Vegetative Stage: Move to a 3-5 gallon pot.
- Flowering Stage: Large outdoor plants may need 7-10 gallon pots.
This gradual increase in pot size helps avoid issues with overwatering while giving roots the space they need at each stage. It is also remember that there isnt a one size fits all situations here and to always assess the available space you have for your plants. Especially as they tend to double in size in the flower stage!
Why Not Plant Cannabis in the Biggest Possible Pot?
While it might seem easier to start with a large pot, cannabis roots do better with gradual space increases. A massive pot can retain too much water, leading to overwatering, nutrient build-up, root rot, and other issues. Slowly sizing up allows roots to fill out each container, promoting healthy growth without overwhelming them.
What Type of Pots Should I Use?
Pot choice matters more than you might think. Here’s a quick overview:
- Fabric pots and Air-Pots: These “air-prune” the roots, which reduces root circling and promotes healthy growth.
- Plastic pots: Affordable and effective, but ensure they have good drainage.
- Clay pots: Less common but stable for outdoor growing; be mindful of their weight.
If you’re growing indoors, fabric pots are usually a great choice for promoting healthy roots.
Can You Dig Up a Cannabis Plant and Replant It?
Yes, you can, though it’s best done early in the plant’s life cycle to minimize stress. If you need to move a plant growing in the ground outdoors, do it carefully. Using the span of the plant’s biggest branches as a guide, dig around the rootswithout disturbing it, then transplant following the same steps for moving to a larger pot.
How to Transplant Cannabis
- Preparing Both Old and New Pots: Fill the new pot with enough soil that the transplant will sit comfortably at surface level, with room to grow wider and deeper.. If the pot doesn’t have drainage holes, add some for proper water flow.
- Removing the Plant from the Old Pot: Gently squeeze the sides of the old pot and hold the plant at its base. With one hand supporting the base of the stem (like you’re giving the place where the stem and earth meet a high five, with the stem between two of your fingers) and one hand on the pot, turn the whole thing upside-down and carefully remove the pot from the plant, keeping the root system and surrounding soil intact.
- Placing It in the New Pot: Turn the plant right-side up as you gently place the roots and their soil into the hole you made in the new pot. Fill around it with soil, pressing down with flat hands around the stem to ensure roots are well-seated while avoiding compacting the soil.
- Watering and Settling in the Plant: Give the plant a light watering to help the soil settle around the roots. This encourages the roots to start spreading into their new space.
Is It Better to Transplant Plants Wet or Dry?
Generally, it’s best to allow the soil in the old pot to become slightly dry bit not too dry for it to crumble, which makes handling easier. The soil in the new pot should be moistened to help the plant settle with minimal shock.
Size of Pots for Indoor and Outdoor Plants
- Indoors: Start with a 1-gallon pot, moving up to a 3-5 gallon pot for vegetative growth, and 5-7 gallons for flowering.
- Outdoors: Begin with a 3-5 gallon pot for young plants and move up to 7-10 gallons (or larger) for flowering.
Each growing environment has specific needs, so adjust based on your setup and goals.
What About Transplanting Autoflowers?
Autoflowering cannabis plants have a set growth timeline and don’t rely on light cycles, so they’re more sensitive to transplanting. It’s best to start them in their final container, typically a 3-5 gallon pot, to avoid disrupting their rapid growth.
Can You Transplant Autoflowering Cannabis Seedlings?
While possible, it’s not ideal due to their short lifecycle. Start autoflowers in their final pot to avoid transplanting and reduce the risk of stunted growth.
How Does Transplanting Affect Autoflowers?
Transplanting an autoflower can slow its growth, as they don’t have time to fully recover like photoperiod plants. If transplanting is necessary, do it once, early on, to limit any setbacks.
Understanding Rootbound Plants
A rootbound plant is one whose roots have filled the container, wrapping around themselves. This can lead to:
- Reduced nutrient uptake
- Slowed growth
- Lower yields
Prevent this by transplanting when roots start to peek out of drainage holes or growth slows significantly.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Transplanting
Planning your final pot size from the start can save time and stress for you and your plant. If growing outdoors, consider preparing a large container right away or, for autoflowers, transfer to the final pot as early as 10-14 days after the first true leaves appear. This minimizes extra transplanting steps and helps keep your plants healthy.
Cannabis Transplanting Aftercare
After transplanting, go easy on the nutrients for a few days to avoid shocking the roots. Keep the soil moist and monitor the leaves for signs of stress, like wilting or yellowing. If you notice any issues, give it time; most plants bounce back after a few days.
Pro tip: Transplanting is a good time to add beneficial microbes to your plant’s rootzone.
Conclusion
Transplanting cannabis may seem intimidating, but with the right timing and care, it’s manageable. Following these steps will keep your plants happy and healthy, setting you up for a productive grow. Just remember: a little planning goes a long way, and your cannabis will reward you for it!
Happy growing!
I have seedlings that are “leggy” . Almost two weeks since I planted the seeds, Can I add more soil to my pots to stabilize the stems like tomato plants?
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your message. Yes, this does help. Make sure they are getting sufficient light, as insufficient lighting is often the root cause of stretching.
Using a ventilator on your seedlings helps them grow stronger stems as well.
Happy growing,
Alex ILGM
Can you tranplant a plant thats been growing out doors for 2 months and about 4 ft high and 4 foot around in the ground
I started my clone off in a big pot and I have an indoor how would I switch over to a 5 gallon pot for a 14 inch pot
Cant you just plant a seed directly into a 5gal container from the start?
Thanks for the tips.
I have 3 cannabis stems actually flowering way too early but am wondering if I should transfer them because right now they are in a flowerbed type planter. I had no idea it was actually going to work let alone start flowering so early. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I started my plants in an aero garden i transplanted the three plants to 5 gallon buckets in order to get roots apart I had to cut them. Do you think this will hurt plants?
I have seedlings that are “leggy” and not upright. Should I transplant them so the stem is below the ground level to give them more support or stake them?
I want to move my mature plants just starting to flower from their outdoor bed into large pots that will be outdoors in a sunnier location Can I?
Is it bad to transplant once it has started flowering?
Is it too late to transplant if it’s on the verge of flowering? I’m afraid it’s run out of room and needs a bigger pot….
Hi Robert,
I’ve got multiple plants in 5 gallon fabric Smart Pots that are well on their way. 3 pots – 1 with 4 plants – 1 with 5 – and 1 with 6. How can I separate and transplant them successfully without damaging them? Are 5 gallon pots a good size to be a permanent home for them? And what are peat plugs?
Thank you!
this is wonderful knowledge thank you!
What happens after to transplant and the leaves start to wilt , what do you do to save it ???
If the seed come from female will it be a female seed
Thank you for your thoughtful articles.
Thank you for the tips.
I have 2 plants that I started in a Aerogarden (hydro) I need to know if it is OK to move them into the soil (pots) and move them into the outdoors. Do you have any tips and recommendations?
Thank You
JB
My White Widow is in its 3rd-4th week of the bloom cycle and it is a female non-autoflowering. I’m growing it indoors in a 2’x2′ grow tent and it’s doing great. Some LST has caused it to develop upwards of 50 buds. It’s in a 3-gallon cloth-type pot so water seepage is great. But, I’m worried about it getting root-bound.
Is it too late to consider transplanting to a 5-gallon container? I don’t want to put it into irreversible shock at this point in its grow stage but I also don’t want problems that might arise from it being root-bound.
Any thoughts?
What if is wrong with the roots if they are not white but have a brownish tint to them? One of my plants had that and the other three are growing great and that one is not. However when it’s sprouted it looked different than any other plant I have ever seen and I really don’t know what to do for it.
hello!:) im starting seeds off with rapid rooters after a 24 hour soak for the seeds, and a 7 hour soak for the rooters, ill be putting the fresh seedlings in mothers earth coco mix filled non woven cloth feeding bags of the appropriate size , my question is once the beginning bag size is grown to its limit and it is time to transplant, i was going to go to my 7 gallon smart pots , the brand of feed bahs i purchased state they do not need to be removed for the transplant, that roots will easily go through it and it will biodegrade , in your experience does this statement hold any weight?
Is there anything I can do if I transplanted my purple haze fem plant.And the bottom fan leaves died?
im a newbie to growing indoors and id like to try the scrog technique but with the screen being so low it seems like it would be hard to pot up. Would it be ok to go from a starter container straight to a 7 gallon pot To start topping and get the plant under the screen?
I hI have a question is it OK to transplant while they’re sleeping ? Or while light ?,
Cynthia, Personally I transplant at the beginning of the light photo period so that I can see. There are varying opinions but, it really does not matter. Try to keep everything as simple as possible for the best results, when learning to grow. Happy growing.
Real good feedback thanks a bunch. 2TMCRONRON1
Is it better,or does it matter what time of day or night you transplant!
Should I transplant 2nd day of bloom) before sun or before sleep,which is best? Thanks
You should transplant before bloom period, at least 2 weeks. Unless you induce flower period; You can tansplant and establish roots well before flowering. Happy growing
How impor is it to leave a layer if soil at the bott of the new conta
Container
Frank, You would have to have something at the bottom of the bigger pot…Don’t you think? Happy growing 🙂
I was working in my vegetable garden this summer and decided to take a smoke break…well I found a seed and gave it a fling a week later there it was lol well it frosted a week ago and now it’s in bud what is the easiest way to trans plant it in doors…..thank you
I want to transplant an outside plant in the ground that is starting to bud to a 5 gallon container also outside to a sunnier spot. What are my chances of success?
John, This idea will kill some roots and it is a crap shoot from there. You could try it and results will be proportionate to how well you preserve the established roots.
Can I put pot in bigger pot after they bud they are Autoflowers
Maureen, No! Autoflowers should be put in the size pot you want to grow in. They should not be transplanted or cloned or anything that would stress them and cause them to stunt. Stress causes autos to stunt.
I have a plant outside its growing taller, but there’s no buds yeti I could show you a picture you could probably tell
FANIE, iF YOUR POT IS TOO SMALL; tRANSPLANT IT. pERHAPS YOU HSOULD JOIN OUR SUPPORT FORUM WHERE WE CAN TEACH YOU TO GROW SUCCESSFULLY FROM START TO FINISH. Oops (sorry about the “caps”)
Danny, Personally, I transplant whenever I get to it and I put them under my lamps in the growspace immediately. Different growers have different methods and ideals. I would not worry too much about when to transplant.. Outdoors under Sun might be different so I would want to get them out in the mmorning just at Sunrise.
Very helpfull but my plant is in flower stage and pot is to small i like the link
Fanie
What time of day is best to transplant? Morning, noon, or early evening? You say to avoid intense light for the first day, so i would assume sometime between noon and evening.
Danny, I do not subscribe to the idea that transplanting has to be done any certain time, and I have never had a plant fail because it got full sun after transplanting because, you water them in. If you transplan at night, the plant will not be drinking. I would do it in the morning or anytime in the day that gives the plant some time, allowing the roots to uptsake moisture which will not happen in the dark.
Thank you for your in put. It was very helpful.
I have a small pot not even a gallon and I wasn’t really intending to grow anything but I did and it wasn’t in soil just outside dirt and there’s currently 5 in one small pot how would I transplant them? Like would I separate them or what ?
bella,
It is hard to seperate roots. You can try but, in the future, never plant more than 1 cannabis seed ina pot.
Thanks so much for the great information! MMJ patient for 4 years now.
Good basic gardening tips if you’ve never even planted a marigold or tomato if you have you’re golden.
When transplanting can I bury the stem up to the bottom of the first leave like I do with tomato plant
Jack, Always keep the stem at the same height it was originally. You should not bury the stem at all. I also do not bury my tomato stems either.
Thank you so much helped me alot more knowledge is better than no knowledge
What happens if the plant is ripped from pot an put back in will it live.
Sean, If you can transplant a plant from pot to pot….If all the roots are ripped apart, you still would be able to re-plant the plant into a pot and let nature takes it’s course. You will lose some, while some parts may die off due to root damage or stress.
JUST TRANSPLANTED MY 2 FT PLANT,WAS GROWING WELL,NOW THAT I MOVED IT,LEAVES ARE DROOPING,DID I KILL IT, WILL IT BOUNCE BACK TO ITS SMELLY SELF. HOPE I DIDNT KILL IT,ITS THE ONLY ONE THAT SURVIVED FROM YOU,THE REST WERENT WORTH A CRAP.NO ONE CARED.
George,
We guarantee all of our seeds and we all care. Kind of hard to read your jumbled “All Caps” but, I suggest you learn confidence by joining our forum at: ilgmforum.com Here in the blog we cannot answer as to whether you killed your plant. II do not see merely transplanting as the issue.
Getting ready to repot. Just want to say thanks for all the tips. Keeping my fingers crossed for a great crop.
Hey guys, great article!! Thanks for the info…I have a couple of questions in regards to peat plugs:
1. Based on this article, you said that “The peat plug mesh perimeter usually acts as a hindrance to the roots, and they stop growing as if they were contained in a plastic pot. This will cause them to stop growing as well”.
Well, I was under the impression that this “mesh” was specially made so that the roots “follow their way” to the next pot once they are transplanted. Am I missing something here? Would you guys recommend to put the germinated seed directly into soil? Again, I heard this (peat plugs) was a great method for seedlings.
2. Now, you guys also mentioned that ideally we should transplant seedlings once the plants’ roots have reached as far as they can grow within the constraints of their container. However, you also said that for peat plugs, I should transplant to a bigger container as soon as the root tendrils are emerging from underneath. My seedlings don’t even have their first two internodes so I’m unsure if I should transplant them to a bigger container now or if I should let my seedlings create a bigger and stronger root base.
If so (transplanting), would you recommend that I transplant them into a cup or a larger pot instead? I’m worried that I cannot calculate week 1 of the growth stage correctly or give an incorrect amount of nutrients because I didn’t measure the times properly.
Thank you in advance for the information provided.
Andy,
First. You never give seedlings nutrients!
2. A container is not a peat pellet. So when roots appear transplant to a a cup or a 1 gallon nursery pot…whatever. Your choice. Never transplant into large container as 1.2 the medium will be wasted because roots will grow down and not out…
Nutrients should not be given to a plant until it has 4-5 true alternating set of leaves.
Always remove the cheese cloth around a peat pellet before transplanting. Hope this helps. 🙂
All great words of wisdom! Thank you! Where do I go to find out about snipping the tops of the plant to encourage fullness, not height?
Kelly Hartford,
ilgmforum.com 🙂
My first seeds germinated indoors. In a couple of days the stems are long and splinlyabout 4 inches with 4 small leaves. How do I handle these 3 plants.
Donald,
This is from inadequate lighting that is too far from the tops of the sprouts, so the plant reaches for the light until it stretches to the point of falling over. Get a T5 and place it 1-2″ above seedlings. They will come back. Next time, do this from the first sign of sprouting. 😉
I just transplanted one of my Dr.who girls into a gallon pot …so a few of her under side leaves are turning yellow and Browning at the tip. Not alot just like 3leaves ..did I put her in shock? And if so can I save her
Jen Jensen,
That sounds like the soil you transplanted into was too hot. Best to join us at: ilgmforum.com so we can help you get on track 🙂
ILGM IS THE BEST SEED PLACE TO BUY SEEDS AND GET HELP GROWING THOSE SEEDS, BY FAR THE BEST!! I HAVE ORDERED FROM THEM MANY TIMES AND ONLY ONCE DID I HAVE ANY TROUBLE AND ILGM AND ROBERT HIMSELF TOOK CARE OF IT!! SO WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT A COMPANY WITH THAT KIND OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT SAY THEY ARE THE BEST PERIOD!! TO BUY FROM ANYONE ELSE IS JUST STUPID WHEN YOU CAN BUY FROM THE BEST!! ALSO ILGM HAS THE BEST QUALITY SEEDS YOU CAN GET TO START WITH!! SO START WITH THE BEST SEEDS TO HAVE THE BEST BUD IN THE END!!
After germination can’t I just plant the open seed into the 5 gallon bag I intend to grow in?
It would save the repotting problem.
The reason we advise to start in a smaller pot first is to give your plant the chance to grow a strong and solid root system.
I had to move a flowering purple granddaddy indoors because we started smelling it from inside our house and were worried someone else could smell it and recognize what/where it was coming from. I dug a 15 inch circle around the stem/base and went 18 inches deep. All went well!
They are the best ever the first time my seeds got crushed not there fault with in ten days got fresh new amber golden seeds day one in water cup seed is starting to split slightly the best qaulity team and customer service ever
hi,
I have a question please, I planted my cannabis “2 sativa” and “1 indica” in a single pot and I want to separate and transplant them each, but I’m afraid that their root have been rounded the pot, an “if I separate each of them the root may damage” so please help me on how to separate and transplant them without causing any damage.
2- can I transplant those seedlings when they are 4weeks old? (remember they are in the same pot “2 sativa” and “1 indica”).
Hi there,
Firstly thank you for all the info; I’m a first timer. Anyways I had a question. Say you have decide to grow in a greenhouse, and have successfully transplanted into the ground. 2 weeks go buy and the plants are thriving!! But there is a problem.. for unforeseen reasons I may have to move my plants. So to my question..can I dig them up and transplant them safely into 5 1/2 gallon planters pots?? Or is it too late and if I dig them up they die? Please help me if u can!!
Mark,
It is hard for us to tell you whether you can dig them up. You said you had to dig them up, so whatever risk there is is moot. I imagine you could move the plants but, no telling where the roots have traveled. Do some research on digging up a bush and moving it. Same thing. You have to dig away from the stem far enough so entire hole is slightly wider than the branches on the plant. 🙂
Good Luck
Fabulous information.
What do you think of the air pruning / fabric bag technique ?
Hi bro! First of all, I want to say thank you for helping other people! Secondly, I want to ask a question about the transplant. All transplants from small to large pots need to be done during the growth period, or during the flowering period is also possible? Thank you in advance!
Art,
It is not recommended to transplant after flowering is induced, but can be done if the growers is experienced and causes little or no stress. Happy growing – I❤️GM
I am uncertain as to the timing of germinating indoors and moving the plants outdoors given the light and darkness balance necessary for flowering. I did find a daylight duration table on line which tells me that the 12 hour balance point comes in the last week of September her in SE Washington. The seeds that I have are 50-55 (Sat/Ind: 80/20) and 60-67 (Sat/Ind: 20/80) days to harvest. That suggests that I could germinate them before mid-July and move them outdoors by that time or before. It seems that I could germinate them as early as March or April to achieve more vegetative growth. Is maximizing vegetative growth prior to the flowering stage an advantage to a better quality product or a higher quantity bud yield or both? Please advise. Thanks.
Funny thing!
I am blind and just listened to this entire article on “textspeaker”. text to speech software, and I did not hear one off word. I thought the article was thorough and easy to comprehend.
I would like to add the following concepts for Indoor, and “Sativa” growers.
I find it real easy to go from peat pellet, transplant to 1 gallon pot, then to a 3-5 gallon smart cloth pot (depending on space available). This allows for easier control of plant size; Especially indoors, growing in tents.
Size and length of harvest time can be controlled to some degree by limiting pot size. As mentioned above; “Leave a plant in a pot for too long and it stops growing”. A plant vegetated in a 1 gallon pot will grow into a nice healthy bush. For example: Transplanting into a 3 gallon pot allows the plant to thrive and build a strong root zone in a limited area. By limiting the final pot size, growers can “trick” the plant into finishing faster as it becomes root bound. Although limited in size, the plant will ripen normally, as long as you continue to provide adequate nutrition.
In relation to Sativa:
Apply the above methods of limiting pot size and after the seedling stage; PLace the Sativa into a 12/12 photo period from start to finish.
As always, We wish you happy growing. Peace
All you people must be stoned! I’ve never seen so many typos and misspelled words.
Diana,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, this happens when articles are written in Dutch and translated to English.
Diana,
Thanks for sharing. Personally, I am legally blind and cannot edit after I post. I apologize for offending you with my typos. Have a great day 🙂 Peace
My question is in relation to peat plugs, I have some plants growing hydroponic and some in the ground, but until reading this article, I was unaware I had to remove the netting for transplanting, all bar one is thriving in hydroponic ,so do I carefully take it out of the perlite and remove the net, as I gather the other have broken through it.
Steve if plant is thriving, leave it alone. Plant roots should break through. I have seen them rip a small net pot apart. Just remember to apply thjs step in the future.
Be happy, lw
I started with 4 plants 2 I could tell was male, I removed them. Now the 2 I have left 1 of them seam to be male…. is that normal for 1 out of 4 to be female?
Hiya, that depends on what seeds you got. Regular seeds can be any number of male/female. If you bought feminized seeds from ILGM you should contact [email protected] 😀
Shelby Cobra,
Most growers recommend starting and finishing auto flowers in the smae pot. I suggest you place your seedling (if starter in cubes of some sort) in a 3 gallon pot. This is all you will need for a quicker finishing auto flower plant. For more guidance, and support from many members; I suggest you join our friendly support forum. 🙂
HI–With Autoflowers do you start them in smaller pots & transplant or start them in a final pot. Like a 5-7 gal smart pot? Also can I start them indoor and then bring outside or should the whole process be kept to the final growing area–in or out? Not sure how they handle transplant/relocation since they are flowing right away.
Hi, is a 5 gallon bucket a good container? Should I poke a few holes on the bottom? Do I have to use plant food? And when will buds start to appear?
Hi ginarice, I suggest you download and read our free grow bible, they answer a lot of those questions. Then join our support forum. We have many helpful and knowledgeable experts in the forum willing to help you grow successfully 🙂
hi there just wondering if anyone knows if it’ll affect my plant if i smash the clay pot around it to transplant as its roots have taken over the whole pot…….
Hi haydo, if the plant has become rootbound it might be the best way to save it. Be gentle and good luck 😀
Well, this is a nice little article about transplant from container to container.
Where’s the stuff about going to ground and prepping the ground for the plant??
Can one successfully transplant a small indoor plant outdoors into 90 degree weather??
I’ve read of ‘hardening’ one’s plant for colder weather, but nothing about dealing with high temps.
Should I throw some ice cubes into the feeding water or into the ground hole? Argh!
Extremely informative and concise. Thank you
The how to book is stuck at 50% . Will this clog up my computer and make it slow , if so I will probably just buy a beginner book .I’m only interested in growing 2 or3 plants . ………how long can I keep a plant in a 5 gal. bucket ? thank you
I am an outdoor grower, from start to finish, this year I am Starting my seeds indoors Then moving them out after a two week period. I am currently in week one and thanks to this article I am better aware of when and how to move them. I was also unaware of the Cotyledons falling off and didn’t recognize the time they did this out doors. This was quite interesting as I am watching this occur now.
Dino,
We have no idea what you are talking about. Best thing is for you to join our support forum. You will be able to ask and get answers to all your questions there.
Robert E. You best try to quit transplanting too early. This is a waste of medium and does nothing to help the plant. You need to fill one pot with roots before you transplant to a bigger pot.
Perhaps you would like to join our support forum. Many growers there have a lot of experience and can help guide you through your grow.
Sounds like a plan
Hi Robert. I was hoping you could tells the best way to go after terminating seeds using hydro systems. Do I still but them in soil or should I use another medium
Hi Robert, first time grower, long time user. Now that my needs are medicinal I need to grow my own. I have started some of my own seeds and transplanted probably too soon to 2-3. Gallon containers. I am growing outdoors in Containers as a friend has had good luck with this method. Mobility being one. I have five plants about three inches tall in 2 gallon containers. You really schooled me on the moisture. I was overwatering. They look pretty good right now. Lots of sun in Southwest. Have my card and grow license. Will k be able to transplant these again into bigger containers (size?) in a couple weeks? I’m definitely going for your seeds and help. Thanks so much.
After transplanting month 2 is it normal for leaves to droop and I have lights on for 12 hours should I turn them off after transplanting or leave on at 50%
Growing in a 1 gallon pot is going to mature your plant early. When the roots get bound up; The plant has the tendency to finish as if it is dying.
Do the veg cycle in 1 gallon pot, and before flowering occurs, or you induce flower photo period. Transplant to 3 gallon pots. I guarantee you will double your yield 🙂
I live in a hot climate (Greece) I have to use pots for growing outdoors. My plants are never taller than 12inches. Is this normal. How can I increase growth? By using a larger pot? I put one plant in a gallon pot thanks
Dwana,
It is best to transplant before flowering stage. Yes; You can transplant now,, and be sure to do it delicately. Damaging the roots at this stage will effect your final product and yield.
Happy growing 🙂
First time grower have a plant that has been in flowering stage for 1week and it needs a transplant and food. I just placed my order for nutrients but need to give it something in mean tim. Will I have a problem transplanting at this time?
Elvis,
5 feet apart is great, if you are planning on growing large bushy tree type plants. Given so little information I cannot elaborate beyond that. Happy growing.
We have a great grow support forum and I advise you to join. We have many helpful knowledgeable members and grow experts.
lw
How far apart should I plant my clones outdoors together? I am thinking 5′ on center. Thanks for any help
A million thanks for posting this inoafmrtion.
Bobby,
This all depends whether you are growing from seed or clone.
Assuming you mean from seed, the answer would be; It all depends on your grow methods, amount of veg time, & lighting schedule.
There is no guaranteed amount of days to finish a plant. However; Best way to estimate a finish time would be to look in the Seed Shop, and read the description of your genetics. Most all descriptions have a finish time listed
I bought the blueberry auto flower seeds and thinking of growing them outside. I live in VA when will be the right time to start them so i can transplant them outside to get the best out of my plant.
steven thompson,
You do not want to plant your Auto flower plants outdoors until after any chance of frost is past. Check your local county planting advisory for Tomatoes, and Peppers. County Agenyt, and Professional Garden store mentors can help you out in your local area more precisely than I can. Happy Growing 🙂
I have we and super skunk how long does this strain need to flower?
Is it true that clones does not produce a taproot if yes outdoor growing with clones would be harder wouldn’t it are is that not true about cloned
ak47luver
A taproot is the main root produced when seed p[ropagation occurs. All other roots come from this taproot.
From clones many roots appear off the cutting. Now Other roots will form of these new roots but, I would not call them a true taproot.
It does not make any difference which root system you use; Indoors, or Outdoors. It is about your medium and methods of growing that make or break you outside. Most new growers do not plan ahead for weather ro environmental conditions, and this is what presents most issues during an Outdoor grow.
I agree and i disagree on your transplant ideas. I use a propagator to germinated my seeds, along with 1 inch rock wool cubes. I soak the cubes in 5.5 ph’ed water for a couple of hours. Next i place my seeds inside the hole provided in the rock wool cube. Then i pull a small piece of rock wool off the side of the cube and cover my seed with it. Now this is only a small piece big enough to cover the seed. I open the four vents on my propagator and turn on the lights. My propagator is only about 8 inches long, 6 inches wide and 6 inches tall. I take my rock wool cubes out of the ph’ed water and let them drip a few seconds, but i do not shake or squeeze water out of them. P place the rock wool cubes on a bed of perlite, which covers the bottom of the propagator, about 1/8 inch deep. I do nothing to the seeds before placing them into the cubes. The seeds pop within 24 to 48 hours. I wait up to 5 days before transplanting my seedlings, rock wool cubes included, into their final containers. So i have germinated my seeds, turned them into seedlings, and transplanted the seedlings into final containers. I have done this in a five day period from the time i placed the seeds into the propagator. My success rate is 98% using this method. If a seed is not viable of course it will not pop, and sometimes you do have seeds that pop for you but do not make it past a week. I also spray my seedling each day with two or three squirts from my misting spray bottle with 5.5 ph’ed water, and i do this EVERY day until they are transplanted into final containers.
I transplant my seedlings into final containers by wetting the complete container of grow medium the seedling will be transplanted into one day before transplant. Next i did a small hole in the middle of the final container that will allow 1/2 inch of the seedling stem to stick above the medium line (so if the seedling and rock wool cube together are 5 inches, then i dig a 5 1/2 inch deep hole to place the seedling and rock wool cube into. Next i push a small amount of grow medium around the rock wool cube and pour enough water around the cube to compact the grow medium. I continue to do this until the 1/2 inch of the top of the seedling is left sticking out. I usually only use 400ml of 5.5 ph’ed water for each seedling. Now i am done with transplanting. I grow in coco/perlite mix (75% coco/25% perlite), so i give my seedlings 400ml of water every other day for a week, or 7 days. My success rate is 98% using this method. I used this method on my current grow, which includes 7 Blackjack feminized seeds, 7 Pure Power Plant seeds, and 5 Swiss Cheese Auto seeds. The plants are now six weeks old. I had 100% success with my germination and transplanting. I try not to stress my auto plants in any way, especially when they are seedlings, and the same with my photo period plants, so this is why i transplant when they are this young. It works great for me, and i don’t see why it would not work for anyone else. My plants start getting nutrients when they are one week old from the date of transplanting, so they can grow a massive root system, which we all know, turns into the reason we are growing cannabis. Peace
Thanks for sharing Harley24!
Great info appreciate all the help 1st grow . 7 to 10 days to transplant
My seedings are about 2 inches
Harley24, are you serious, or just trying to make us go blind? Stop it.
Put spacing in your text! CARE enough to do it right…or don’t bleeding do it! Sheesh!
your book download doesnt work! I have been trying for about ten times and no luck. Is any body there?
Hi Kent, all grow guides will be send to you when you start the download here: https://ilgm.com/grow-bible
Contact support if you have a problem with the download.
You do not want to plant into a big pot at the beginning, becuase the plants roots will grow straight to the bottom. By stepping up from a starter pot, to a 1 gallon-6liter pot, then to a 3-5 gallon pot; You get much more advantage from your medium, and more all around vigorous growth.
I’m a beginner at growing and I have a question about the whole transplanting concept. After germinating your seed and planting it in a small pot or container, why can’t you just plant your seedling straight into a large pot or container and eliminate the whole process of transplanting?
Bruce knowles,
FFR: You should never start more than 1 plant per pot.
I can only advise you, that if you do attempt to separate them, you will have to be very careful not to damage the tap root. One method that may help you, would be to fill a large vessel with cool to luke warm water. Take plant out of container, and bathe in the vessel of water. All medium should break down ad fall off from around the root ball. At this point, you may be able to separate the 2 plants.
Another idea would be to transplant the entire thing into a much larger pot, and allow both plants to thrive..
I have 2 plants in th some pot 8/10 week old can I split them up
Not at all. Go ahead with your transplant. Be aware to not damage the roots too much. If plant were still in veg; I would advise you to scruff up the roots a bit, but in flower, you do not need stress or a bunch of new useless little stems growing at the bottom of the main stem. 🙂
Is it too late to transplant when plants are just beginning the flowering stage?
Hey! Good stuff, thanks for sharing. I posted a video on the transplanting process for 4 clones… maybe this is helpful for others? But mostly, would love any tips / suggestions on how I could have gone better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqk8LLPk7fw
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Hello
I have several new plants growing Hydroponic with Rapid Rooter in 2 inch starter plugs.
When should I transplant these and into what method Dirt or continue with the Hydroponics.
Newbie here and want my plants to survive.. Also what should I use to keep my plants standing up as the are almost a foot tall now.
thanks
You are not growing hydroponically. You are starting your genetics in rapid rooters. Once the seedling has roots penetrating the outer walls of the RR, you can transplant into any medium or method you choose.
Hello
I am growing gold leaf strain outside. it is over 8 ft tall and into the second week of flowering. its in a 5 gal. cloth smart pot. It is so root bound now its getting top heavy and is getting hard to water.
My question is i just got a 10 gal smart pot and i am wondering if i should transplant it ?
It is very healthy and starting to bud nicely. A huge monster in a small pot.
Thanks
thai
This is a touchy subject.
ON one hand; If you do not re-pot the plant; it will finish faster. We use this method of growing in a smaller pot in order to trick Sativas into finishing faster. If you are happy with the potential yield you may get; Leave it alone in the pot. For watering; Buy a watering wand that allows you 2-3 feet of extra reach.
Alternatively; I just removed a plant from a smart pot, and it was hard to remove. So; Iust say you would be taking a chance. This is going to have to be your call. However; If i really wanted to put this plant in a 10 gallon SP; I would consider carefully cutting the 5 gallon SP off the plant. The yield is worth considerably more than the cloth pot. 🙂
If the plant is top heavy; Get some metal fence stakes, drive them into the ground all around the plant, and tie the main stem off with twine.
Thank you latewood.
I was not worried about yield as much as plant health. This was a extra plant that out grew my grow room so i put it outside. The gold leaf strain was awesome inside. I cant wait to see how it turns out grown outside. But i am thinking its over 8 ft now it should get over 10 ft. when ready to harvest. 10 ft tall in a 5 gal pot looks funny.
But i have 8-9 weeks left of flowering maby i will transplant it and see how big it will get.
Thanks again for your time and help.
Thanks for the follow up. I am thrilled to hear you have a 10 foot tall plant….YyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHHHH!!!
We look forward to supporting you all.
Join our support forum for expert advice.
Copy/Paste a “support ticket”; It is easy to find.
You have not provided any info on how you were growing or what method was used; Etc…Etc
Place each one in a 5 gallon of water to kep them alive.
Or; wrap them in a cloth and keep them moist
Hi D,
If you want fast answers and tips, join our support forum. Expert and fellow growers will be happy to help.
How do I join? Lol
Hi New2this just click here and sign up.
If the seed come from female will it be a female seed
Thank you…I will sign up to join the post
Hey Peter, please contact our customer service at [email protected].
Thanks Jennifer, I am glad you handle the seed issues. Peace, lw
Meanwhile; I suggest you all join and post your questions at our Free support forum. Peace 🙂
Any good composted soil would work good. Make sure it is ammended and not too hot for the roots. If you can afford it Foxfarm is a great soil, but expensive. They make 2 or 3 different mixes. Miracle grow makes a soil called Organic choice. I have used this and had good results. Very affordable 🙂
Finally; You can mix your own.
1. Sterile dirt. (clean topsoil dirt with no additives or fertilizer value)
2, Perlite 1/3
3. Promix BX (nursery product) Ingredients:
SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS (75-85%)
PERLITE
VERMICULITE
LIMESTONE (buffers PH)
WETTING AGENT
MYCORRHIZAE™ PREMIER TECH (Glomus intraradices)
ProMixBX is available at farm and ag supply stores. 4CF for approx. 35-40 bucks. Great deal B
Soil* not soul
Thnx for your response 🙂
Any particular soil/dirt I should use?? I’m going to use some of the soul it started growing with so I don’t shock the babies lol…and surround it with new soil/dirt
New2This. Either replant them each in there own pot, or cull them. 🙂
Kevin. This is hard to say. Some genetics “Indica” will stay shorter and bushier. Auto-flowers tend to be smaller. The problem is; You have given us no indication of what type seeds you used. 🙂 Please join the forum, and post this topic there so we can help you more efficiently. Peace
Hey! I’m in need of help. I have to explain my situation but I’ll try to make it brief 🙂
Ok, sometime when breaking down my herb (very rare this happens) I find a seed, or a friend finds a seed. I have a house plant and i just started to stick the seeds that were found inside my plant pot. It’s probably been about 6 months since I found a seed, and 8 months to 1 yr for the other seeds I’ve found and just put in plant pot. My friends told me it wouldn’t grow but I said “what the heck, why not put it in the pot with my house plant”…so allllllllllll these months pass by, and I happen to look at my plan & see two sprouts growing up from the dirt. One is longer than the other. The one that is a little longer has spread two long leave + two short leaves…
My question to you is what should I do next??? I was not expecting it to grow! And remember it has been many months since those seeds have been in dirt. AND it’s in a pot with my actual house plant..HELP!!!!
plz n thnx in advance
Last year we planted six plants. The plants were very small (short). What did I do wrong, they were very healthy and produced a good amount. We planted them on the south west side of a shed they missed the morning sun but got the afternoon and evening sun. Could this be why I lie in the California dessert. Thanks so much for all the info you give
It would be better if you placed your plants to receive Morning Sun. Avoid “hot” Afternoon Sun; Or, Supply shade cloth to keep from burning up your plants .
Is most of Ur evening sun redish?? Morning sun the light is more blue witch will. Abuse Ur plants to grow tall just like using a Bleu led light for indoor grow but during evening and afternoon the sun is going down witch gives out a redish color in the sky using a red led light during indoor grow will cause Ur plant to get short stems will also give u a good enough yield but just won’t grow as tall. Try and make sur Ur plant gets the morning sun and after noon chears
robert please tell me when to transplant from indoor light box to large outdoor pots ? thank you
I live in the USA. I noticed that it is not listed in the country list. Does this mean we are sanctioned (haha)
Hi there A few days after the passage of light into the plant should be 12/12?
I downloaded your free marijuanan bible, but I can’t download the plat care e book what can I do thanks
robert ,,a friend have a plant bt it is in no so good soil , i want to transplant it in a new prepared soil , but the soil where now is to thick and roots cant spread easy,how to take all the bad soil out of the roots?and how to tranplant it?
I have transplanted one of my babies into its permanent growing pot and while i was transplanting one of the many many roots kinda was stuck to 2 liter bottom and while transplanting got pulled off just a little though was curious if any thoughts on if that will be the one thing that kills it or does it matter since there are so many others could you email with resopnse please..
you buy seeds
I cant manage to download your free e-book on growing – can youplease e mail to me
I can not download either [email protected] thanks
Hey Josh, there was some trouble with the mailserver but you should’ve received it by now. Enjoy!
cant seem to be able to download growers bible. tried several times.
Hi Jeff, be sure to contact our customer support. Maybe they can help you out – I❤️GM