Cannabis wind burn refers to damage to the leaves of cannabis plants caused by exposure to strong winds. The leaves of the plant can become dried out and develop brown or white spots, which can lead to decreased photosynthesis and reduced plant growth.
Wind burn can also cause the leaves to become brittle and break off, leaving the plant vulnerable to further stress and damage. To prevent wind burn, it is important to provide adequate protection for your cannabis strains, such as planting them in a wind-sheltered area or using windbreaks like walls, fences, or dense vegetation.
How Does Wind Burn Happen?
Wind burn in cannabis plants occurs when the leaves are exposed to strong and persistent winds, which can cause the plant’s cells to dry out and become damaged. This is because winds can strip away the protective layer of moisture that covers the leaves, leaving them exposed to the elements.
The loss of moisture can cause the plant’s cells to become desiccated, which can lead to the formation of brown or white spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves may become brittle and break off, leaving the plant vulnerable to further stress and damage.
What Are Cannabis Wind Burn Symptoms?
Your marijuana plant’s leaves will most likely show signs of wind burn if it has been affected by the condition. The following are some of the most typical symptoms of wind burn:
Clawed Leaves
Clawed leaves are a common symptom on many marijuana plants and it’s often caused by strong winds which can rip their delicate foliage apart. While this may seem like an irreversible sign of damage, the truth is that it could simply be your plant’s way of protecting itself from further harm. The tips of the leaves will curl under as a way to shield themselves from the wind and other environmental factors.
It is easy to misdiagnose this issue for other plant problems such as nitrogen toxicity, but there are clues you can look for if you believe your plant has been affected by wind burn.
Usually, the severity of the damage will be in direct correlation with how close your weed plants are to the fan or other source of excessive airflow movement; if only certain parts of the foliage near the fan are damaged, then it’s likely to wind burn rather than a separate issue.
Fortunately, once the winds die down then most cannabis plants should recover without any lasting physical effects. Despite this, it’s important to keep an eye out as too much exposure could lead to more permanent damage over time.
Burnt Leaf Edges
Wind burn, or wind desiccation, is a serious issue that can happen to plants. When leaves are exposed to strong winds, they become dry and brittle. Over time, the moisture evaporates from the foliage and causes the leaves to become burnt around the edges – this discoloration is an indicator of wind burn damage. In very severe cases, the leaves may even curl up and drop from the plant altogether.
Stunted Growth
Wind burn can cause stunted growth in cannabis plants. When the leaves of a cannabis plant are exposed to strong winds, they can become damaged, which can interfere with the plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy from the sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This process is essential for the plant’s growth and survival, as it provides the energy needed for growth and the development of new tissues.
When wind burn occurs, the damaged leaves may become desiccated, brown, or white, which can reduce their ability to perform photosynthesis. This can cause the plant to grow more slowly, as it is unable to produce enough energy to support its growth. In severe cases, wind burn can also cause the leaves to break off, which can further reduce the plant’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Spots on Leaves
Spots on leaves can be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause is when winds are too strong and cause what looks like burn marks on parts of the foliage. Typically, these spots appear when the growth process of the leaves is hindered or disturbed due to environmental conditions such as heat or direct sun exposure. Other potential causes of leaf spots include disease, insect pests, and nutrient deficiencies.
Signs of such damage can vary greatly depending on the plant species and the severity of the incident. Some leaves may only have singe spot while others can have multiple burnt-looking areas.
It’s important to identify and try to fix whatever it was that caused the leaf to become damaged in order to help ensure a healthy growing environment for your plants in future seasons.
How To Get Rid Of Wind Burn On Cannabis Plants?
Preventing wind burn can protect your marijuana plant from stress and promote healthy growth. Wind-burned leaves will eventually wilt, but in the meantime, they drain vital energy from the plant, hindering its growth. By taking steps to eliminate wind burn, you can ensure that your plant has the resources it needs to thrive.
Can Plants Recover From Wind Burn?
Yes, in some cases, plants can recover from wind burn. However, the extent of the recovery will depend on the severity of the wind burn and the overall health of the plant. If the wind burn is minor and only affects a small portion of the leaves, the plant may be able to recover on its own by producing new, healthy growth.
However, if the wind burn is severe and widespread, the plant may not recover and may need to be replaced.
To help a plant recover from wind burn, it is important to provide it with adequate care and protection. This may include providing it with adequate moisture, fertilizing it to promote healthy growth, and protecting it from further exposure to strong winds.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to prune away any damaged or dead leaves to encourage new growth.
How To Treat Wind Burn On Cannabis Plants?
While it is not possible to reverse the damage caused by wind burn on cannabis plants, you can support your plant’s recovery by providing proper care and attention. Here’s how to alleviate wind burn in your cannabis plants:
Adjust Fan Settings
To treat weed wind burn on cannabis plants, you can adjust the fan settings in your grow room to reduce the amount of wind exposure that the plants receive.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Place your fans in strategic locations: Fan placement should be near the plants, but not directly on them. You can also use fans to create a gentle breeze that moves in a circular pattern, which will help to distribute the wind evenly across all of the plants.
- Adjust the fan speed: Start by setting the fan speed to the lowest setting and gradually increasing it until you reach a comfortable level. The goal is to create a gentle consistent breeze that provides enough adequate airflow circulation without causing wind burn.
- Monitor your plants: Pay close attention to your plants to see how they are reacting to the fan settings. If you notice any signs of wind burn, adjust the fan speed accordingly.
- Use screens or barriers: Consider using screens or barriers around your plants to reduce wind exposure. For example, you can place a screen around the plants or use a fan guard to direct the wind away from the plants.
In addition to adjusting fan settings, it’s also important to make sure that your plants are well-watered, as dry soil can make wind burn worse.
Prune Your Cannabis Plant
Pruning is another effective way to treat direct wind burn on cannabis plants. Pruning helps to remove any damaged or dead leaves, which can improve the overall health of the plant and encourage new normal foliar growth. Here’s how you can prune your cannabis plant to treat wind burn:
- Identify the damaged leaves: Look for leaves that have been affected by wind burn and are brown, crispy, or discolored.
- Use sharp, clean tools: Use sharp and clean pruning tools, such as scissors or pruning shears, to avoid damaging the healthy parts of the plant.
- Cut at the base of the stem: Cut the damaged leaves at the base of the stem, as close to the stem as possible.
- Avoid over-pruning: Be careful not to over-prune your plant, as this can weaken the plant and slow down its growth. Only remove the damaged leaves and any leaves that are blocking light from reaching the lower parts of the plant.
- Monitor for new growth: After pruning, keep an eye on your plant for new normal growth. If the plant is healthy, new leaves should start to grow within a few days to a week.
Protect Leaves From Drying Up
Protecting the leaves from drying up is another important step in treating marijuana wind burn on cannabis plants. Dry leaves are more susceptible to wind burn, so keeping them hydrated can help to prevent and treat this issue. Here’s how you can protect your cannabis leaves from drying up:
- Water your plants regularly: Make sure that your plants are getting enough water, especially during periods of high wind or dry weather. Cannabis plants prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Use a humidifier: If your grow room is dry, you can use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels and protect the leaves from drying out. A relative humidity of around 50-60% is ideal for cannabis plants.
- Mist your plants: Misting your plants with water can also help to keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out. Just be careful not to over-mist, as this can lead to mold and other issues.
- Use proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for preventing wind burn and keeping the leaves hydrated. Make sure that your grow space has adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air and keep the humidity levels in check.