Any at-home cultivators will worry about their cannabis plants or even the already harvested stash becoming contaminated over time. The problem is figuring out how to avoid mold on cannabis? Like any plant, fungal growths can quickly harm an otherwise healthy specimen. Unfortunately, not all cultivators know what to look for in protecting their plants from mildew.
Discover how experienced growers prevent their cannabis from growing moldy. Doing so goes a long way towards keeping your garden and yourself healthy.
How Does Mold Grow on Cannabis?
Among the primary reasons for mold to grow on cannabis is their requirements. Not only does pot love to thrive in tropical environments, but so do mold spores.
Inside, you don’t have the sun’s heat and light to zap budding mold. Plus, if your plants grow in dark, cool spaces, they are equally at risk. Both cannabis and mildew enjoy moisture, thriving in wet conditions. Overwatering a plant can also lead to it developing mold.
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Finally, plants that don’t receive much attention may also see spores take hold. Inspect your cannabis carefully to ensure it stays free from mold.
Will All Cannabis Plants Grow Mold?
Mold is a constant threat to those who cultivate and enjoy pot. Although all plants stay at risk, some are better suited for them.
Mold-resistant plant strains offer an obvious advantage over traditional plant types. While not all stores will carry them, Herbies Seeds, for example, has many to select here.
Plants that don’t receive the proper airflow amounts will grow mildew. The stagnant air and water will lead to spores without receiving attention.
Those growers who are especially paranoid of seeing mold may gently wipe the leaves. However, make sure you aren’t yanking them from the stalk to prevent harming them.
Which Parts of a Plant Will Grow Mold?
Mold growth is a hazard that can affect any portion of the plant. Even the buds can grow mildew after you have harvested them. The leaves offer a great landing pad for mildew to take off. Eventually, the problem can spread to the root system if not treated.
Some growers insist on keeping their plants outside in hopes of keeping them safe. Unfortunately, mold can quickly grow in your yard, and there could be pests. Proper supervision is among the best ways of keeping your plants from molding. Make sure that they don’t stay out of sight for too long.
What Does Mold Look Like on Cannabis Plants?
Like many vegetative species, mold can take several appearances on your plants. That can also make them difficult to identify in enough time.
Many types of spores look like small specks of white baking flour. They can even appear on the top of the leaves rather than their bottoms. Other types look like soot, often caused by pests and insects. These issues may even cause your plants to yellow by obscuring sunlight. Finally, mold can appear brown or grey, making it challenging to locate. You may need to move your plant where you can closely inspect it temporarily.
Can I Remove Mold from My Plants?
Weed gardeners will want to know if they can clean off their plants. While possible, it’s unlikely that you will eliminate the entire threat.
Plants that are still growing may have some spores wiped away. However, it’s also easy to harm plants in the process, especially with stubborn spots.
Once mold spreads to the flowers, there isn’t much you can do. You might find a few good pieces, but don’t risk exposing yourself.
You may wonder about possibly cleaning your buds with an antifungal agent. We wouldn’t recommend covering any flowers in chemicals before trying to enjoy them.
Is It Dangerous to Smoke Moldy Weed?
According to Highway420, you shouldn’t smoke spore-laden buds just as you wouldn’t eat moldy vegetables. At best, it makes for a harsh session, and at worse, it leads to health concerns.
Those with mold allergies or sensitivities may see symptoms form right away. Others may not sense much of anything wrong other than the smell. While consumers love the distinctive skunkiness of cannabis, mold is much different. You will likely recognize something off about the odor once you smell it. Ingesting mold spores can mean developing problems breathing or even sinus pain. Avoid these common health concerns by keeping your plants free from mildew.
Avoid Mold on Cannabis
A better harvest begins with quality seeds and the right growing setup. After you buy your seeds, research what else your strains need.
Fresh circulating air goes a long way towards preventing spores. Although you might not grow outdoors, using a desk fan can help indoor plants.
Where you keep your plants also contributes to mold. They must remain in a warm place with plenty of air and sunlight.
When in comes to moldy buds, let your nose determine how healthy your flowers are before enjoying them. If it doesn’t smell pleasing, it could mean that they are already contaminated.
