Is It Bad to Transplant Cannabis During Flowering?

Transplanting cannabis during the flowering stage is a controversial topic among growers. There is debate over whether it stresses the plant too much or if done properly, has minimal impact. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision for your grow.

An Overview of Cannabis Flowering

Before getting into the effects of transplanting, let’s review what happens during the flowering stage.

Cannabis flowering occurs when the plant receives less than 12 hours of light per day, This signals to the plant that winter is coming and it’s time to reproduce Flowering takes 6-15 weeks depending on the strain

During flowering, the plant directs its energy toward developing flowers rather than vegetative growth. THC production ramps up and trichomes begin forming on the buds.

The two main objectives for the cannabis plant during flowering are:

• Develop flowers/buds for reproduction and seed production.
• Maximize THC and other cannabinoid production in trichomes to attract pollinators.

Anything that interferes with these objectives, like stress from transplanting, could potentially impact yields or potency. Next, we’ll look at the arguments on both sides of whether to transplant during flowering or not.

The Case Against Transplanting in Flowering

Here are the main arguments against transplanting in flowering:

• It’s stressful for the plant – Flowering cannabis plants are devoting energy to developing flowers and trichomes. Transplant stress can slow or even stop growth for days or weeks.

• Potential root damage – Care must be taken when transplanting to minimize root disturbance. But some damage is often unavoidable. Damaged roots are more prone to problems like root rot.

• Shock induces hermaphroditism – Stress from transplanting may cause feminine plants to develop male flowers. This results in seeds and less bud production.

• Risk of mistakes – Transplanting is intricate work. Tired or rushed growers are more likely to damage roots, stems, or branches.

• Difficult timing – Transplanting risks interrupting peak flower production. And root recovery delays harvest if done too late.

Many growers believe the cons outweigh the pros and avoid transplanting after the flowering stretch. However, others have success when the process is properly executed.

The Case For Transplanting in Flowering

Here are the main arguments in favor of transplanting in the flowering stage:

• Bigger pots and rootspace increase yields – Assuming the plants recover well, more room for roots allows better growth.

• Prevents rootbound plants – Rootbound plants may experience stunted flowering. Transplanting gives roots room to expand.

• Opportunity to improve soil conditions – Transplanting lets you amend soil with nutrients or beneficial microbes.

• No issues if done correctly – Keeping root disturbance to a minimum prevents major stress or growth delays.

• Flexibility for changes mid-grow – Transplanting allows adjusting plant counts or pot sizes if situations change in flowering.

Growers who exercise great care when transplanting and have healthy flowering plants report little or no problems continuing through harvest.

Key Considerations For Transplanting in Flowering

If you decide to transplant flowering cannabis plants, following these tips will help avoid issues:

• Select healthy specimens – Only transplant plants showing vigorous growth and no deficiencies. Weak plants are more prone to stress.

• Transplant soon after the stretch – Transplanting 1-3 weeks into flowering causes less stress than later on.

• Water 1-2 days before transplanting – Well-watered plants recover faster with less transplant shock.

• Avoid root damage – Carefully remove from pots and gently place in new containers to keep root disturbance minimal.

• Use mycorrhizae – This beneficial root fungus reduces transplant shock and helps new root growth.

• Give light feeds – After transplanting, go easy on nutrients to prevent salt buildup until roots recover.

• Allow 1-2 weeks recovery – Don’t expect vigorous growth immediately. Give plants time to generate new roots before assessing their health.

When To Avoid Transplanting in Flowering

While it can be done successfully, transplanting is best avoided in certain situations:

• Plants showing signs of disease or pests – Added stress makes problems worse. Only transplant the healthiest specimens.

• Late flowering (after week 6) – Interrupting peak flower production can reduce yields.

• Stunted or nutrient deficient plants – Weak plants struggle to bounce back from transplant stress.

• When flowering time is tight – Transplanting may delay harvesting beyond your schedule.

• If grower is inexperienced – Without proper technique, transplanting risks damaging flowers and branches.

As with any growing technique, experience brings familiarity. While complex, transplanting in flowering does not have to be problematic. With attention to detail and care for plants, it can be used to increase yields in the right circumstances.

The Best Practices For Transplanting in Flowering

For those determined to transplant in flowering, here are some best practices:

• Start with smaller containers – Beginning plants in 1-3 gallon pots allows transplanting to larger ones in flowering.

• Use fabric pots – These air prune roots and prevent plants becoming rootbound. Makes transplanting easier.

• Transplant quickly – The longer plants sit out of pots, the more stress. Prevent roots from drying out.

• Follow a consistent process – Develop a routine to avoid missing steps. Be gentle yet efficient.

• Keep soil intact – Stop soil crumbling to protect roots and minimize disturbance.

• Use pencil-sized holes – When planting in new pots, make holes just big enough for roots to fit without curling.

• Water immediately – Hydrate transplants quickly to prevent wilting and kickstart recovery.

• Support stems – Use stakes or trellises to support branches and prevent damage from foliage weight.

• Increase airflow – Good ventilation lowers humidity and helps transplants dry out faster.

• Monitor closely – Check for signs of stress like drooping or yellowing leaves. Intervene at the first hint of problems.

With the right conditions and a careful, practiced technique, transplanting during flowering can be highly successful for some growers. It offers the advantage of adjusting plant counts, root space, and soil conditions mid-grow.

While the conventional wisdom advises against it, transplanting flowering cannabis is possible. The key considerations are:

• Only transplant very healthy, vigorously growing plants.

• Do it soon after the flowering stretch, around weeks 1-3.

• Avoid any root damage during the process.

• Allow 1-2 weeks for plants to fully recover afterwards before assessing health.

• Be prepared to extend the flowering period and harvest date.

Transplanting flowering plants is one of the most technically challenging grow techniques. When executed perfectly under optimum conditions, it can boost yields. But the margin for error is small. For novice growers, it may be better to avoid transplanting at this delicate stage altogether.

The evidence on both sides of the debate is inconclusive. In the end, every grower must weigh the risks and potential benefits based on their individual situation. With prudent decision-making, either choice can produce a bountiful, high quality harvest.