Autoflowers are a god-send to most growers; they do well without the rigid light schedule of photoperiods and race from seed to flower.
But one thing autos don’t afford you the luxury to do as you wish.
Autos accommodate less stress, so when it comes to transplanting autoflowers, we tend to start autos in the pots or mediums they will grow in.
The truth is that transplanting autoflowers is no piece of cake; the myth is that you can’t transplant them.
In this article, we dive into why transplanting autos can be a nuisance, building a case against it, and for the knuckleheads, we share a few tips on how to transplant auto-flowering cannabis strains if you must.
What is transplanting – Auto flower marijuana plants?
Transplanting is the process of moving a plant from one location to another. This can be done for several reasons, including changing the size or shape of the pot, improving drainage, or getting it into a new growing medium.
Transplanting can be a stressful experience for a cannabis plant and should only be performed when necessary.
Dangers and Risks Associated With Transplanting Autoflowers
To experts, transplanting autoflowers is generally safe, but some risks often set back most growers.
Below are five of the common risks of transplanting auto marijuana plants:
- As with any plant, autoflowers can suffer from transplant shock. This is when the plant is stressed from being moved and can result in wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
However, transplant shock is usually only temporary, and the plant will recover given time and proper care.
But that is not a guarantee with autos. It is just too risky.
2. Auto flowers are susceptible to root rot.
This is a common problem when transplants are not done correctly and can result in the death of the plant. In addition, root rot is caused by overwatering, so it is essential to be careful when watering your autoflowers after transplanting.
- Autoflowers are also susceptible to bud rot. This fungal infection can occur in high humidity environments and cause the buds to rot. Bud rot is often fatal to the plant, so it is vital to care when transplanting autoflowers to avoid this problem.
- High humidity can also cause problems with autoflowers. If the humidity is too high, it can result in powdery mildew, a fungus that can kill the plant.
- Autoflowers are also susceptible to pests and diseases. Transplanting exposes the autoflowers to new pests and diseases that they may not be resistant to. This can result in an infestation or infection that can kill the plant.
We believe that you should only transplant autos only when you must.
Myths and Truths of Transplanting Autoflowers
There are numerous myths surrounding the transplanting of autoflowers. Here are some common myths and their truths;
MYTH: “Autoflowers can’t be transplanted.”
TRUTH: This is false. Autoflowers can be transplanted during their growing cycle without affecting their flowering.
MYTH: “You shouldn’t transplant autoflowers multiple times.”
TRUTH: While it is true that autoflowers do not like to be disturbed, transplanting them multiple times will not kill them. However, it is best to transplant them into their final pot as soon as possible to avoid stressing them out.
MYTH: “Autoflowers don’t need as much drainage as other plants.”
TRUTH: This is false. Autoflowers are just as susceptible to root rot like any other plant, and it is crucial to make sure that their new pot has adequate drainage.
MYTH: “You shouldn’t transplant autoflowers into a humid environment.”
TRUTH: While it is true that autoflowers do not like high humidity, transplanting them into a well-ventilated space will allow them to thrive.
MYTH: “transplanting will cause them to herm.”
TRUTH: This is false. Transplanting will not cause autoflowers to herm. Hermies are caused by stress, and transplanting is not a stressful experience for autoflowers.
MYTH: “Transplanting contribute to low yields.”
TRUTH: This is not entirely false. Transplanting will not contribute to low yields. On the contrary, transplanting can help to increase yields by allowing the plant to grow more roots.
MYTH: “Transplanting will hinder bud development.”
TRUTH: This is not entirely false. Transplanting will not hinder bud development. On the contrary, it can help to increase bud size and density. This eventually leads to high yields as opposed to low yields.
In general, transplanting autoflowers is not much different from transplanting any other plant type. However, as mentioned earlier, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the plant thrives.
So you have decided to go against our advice to transplant auto-flowering marijuana plants. Keep this in mind.
Autoflowers are unique in that they do not require a change in the light cycle to flower.
This means they can be transplanted during their growing cycle without affecting their flowering.
However, a few things to keep in mind when transplanting autoflowers.
- Autoflowers are generally smaller than traditional cannabis plants. This means that they can be transplanted into smaller pots without any problems.
It is essential to ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage, as autoflowers are susceptible to root rot.
- Autoflowers do not like to be disturbed. This means that it is best to transplant them into their final pots as soon as possible.
Transplanting them multiple times will only stress them out and cause problems with their flowering.
- Autoflowers are not fans of high humidity. However, if the humidity is too high, it can cause the plant to suffer from bud rot. This is why it is essential to transplant them into a well-ventilated space.
In general, transplanting autoflowers is not much different from transplanting any other plant type.
However, being delicate plants, autos tend to perform dismally when transplanted.
If you must transfer your autoflowers, you can ensure that your autoflowers will have a successful transplant by following these tips.
Tips on How to Transplant Autoflower Marijuana Seedlings
Although transplanting autoflowers comes with grave risks, there are a few things that you can do to minimize these risks.
Below are five tips for transplanting autoflowers:
- Choose the right time of year to transplant. The best time to transplant autoflowers is in the spring or fall. This is because the weather is mild, and there is less chance of extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves or cold snaps.
- Choose the correct type of pot. Autoflowers do not like to be disturbed, so it is best to transplant them into their final pots as soon as possible. Transplanting them multiple times will only stress them out and cause problems with their flowering.
- Make sure the pot has adequate drainage. Autoflowers are susceptible to root rot, so ensuring that the pot has sufficient drainage is vital. A well-drained pot will help to prevent this problem.
- Transplant into a well-ventilated space. Autoflowers are not fans of high humidity. If the humidity is too high, it can cause the plant to suffer from bud rot. This is why it is essential to transplant them into a well-ventilated space.
- Inspect the plant for pests and diseases. Before transplanting, it is crucial to inspect the plant for pests and diseases. It is best to treat the plant before transplanting it if you find any.
- Transplant to the same medium. If it is soil, transplant to the same soil. You can transplant from a hydroponics setup to soil, this will shock your plants.
In Conclusion
Although we’ve debunked the myths around transplanting auto flowers, it doesn’t mean you should do it.
If you are a new grower, if you’ve never transplanted before, the risks of transplanting auto-flowering marijuana plants outweigh the benefits.
So, avoid it. Start your plants in the final pot or medium you intend to grow them.
However, if you are in a position where you must transplant, considering the risks, mitigate them by following the tips above.
Done right, transplanting auto flowers can salvage a problematic situation in a smaller pot and will significantly increase your yield.
Solid info, really liked his it’s broken down barney style for the beginner. I’d like to see a post on outdoor summer grows for Southern AZ , covering genetics ,pot sizes/types, shade cloth percentages, calculate sun hours for photos, ect.