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by Lee G . Lyzit
Q
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Hello . New grower here . My plant strain , Gelato OG , stopped flowering and is turning yellow / brown . This is my first grow and I was wondering if you could help me save it ? Or if there ’ s any hope for it at all ? I watered it , it ’ s less droopy now , but there are lots of yellow and brown leaves .
— Julez
Thank you for your question . Although the video you included does show some droopy , yellow , and brown leaves , it appears to me that you have a more significant problem going on in the flowering room . When cannabis plants produce single-leaf growth , as your plants are exhibiting , it is most commonly associated with an incorrect photoperiod or significant light leaks during the “ lights off ” period . For a cannabis plant to begin its flowering cycle , it must be exposed to an increased “ dark ” or “ lights off ” period . Aside from the autoflowering strains ( cannabis ruderalis ), which are rarely cultivated indoors , cannabis will not produce its reproductive organs ( flowers or pollen sacs ) until it has experienced a long enough period of darkness . The most commonly used light cycle for flowering cannabis indoors is a photocycle of 12 hours lights on and 12 hours lights off . The 12 hours of darkness are enough to trigger a hormonal response within the cannabis plant , thus beginning the reproductive cycle . During “ lights off ” is also when much of the actual flower development occurs . An incorrect photoperiod or a reoccurring disruption during the dark cycle could cause a flowering plant to revert back to vegetative growth . One of the most common traits of a cannabis plant reverting back to a vegetative stage is single-leaf growth . This is what I believe is happening to your plants as they appear to be converting back to a vegetative stage of growth . Again , this could be caused by either a light cycle that does not provide at least 12 hours of darkness or a significant reoccurring light leak during the “ lights off ” period . The goal for the flowering room is to achieve complete darkness during the “ lights off ” period .
To troubleshoot your flowering room ’ s “ lights off ” period , you should physically check the room ’ s darkness . This involves more than just flipping off the lights for a few seconds and thinking that the room appears dark enough . It ’ s a good idea to spend at least five minutes in the garden during the dark cycle to see how dark it truly is . After waiting five minutes for your eyes to adjust , turn around very slowly to get a full 360-degree view of the flowering room . Take careful notice for any signs of light leaks . This includes lights on electric devices in the room , such as atmospheric controllers , power strips , or light timers . The tiny lights on these devices don ’ t seem like they would affect the growth of plants but any light in the “ lights off ” period should be considered bad light . Electrical tape over the small lights on power strips and controllers will cover up the light . Other common areas for light leaks to occur are around and through ventilation ports . Look closely at intakes , exhaust , and air-cooled ducting systems to ensure no light is entering the garden .
It is also a good idea to take a close look at your light timers to make sure they are functioning properly . A failing or incorrectly set timer can cause significant issues with the photoperiod of an indoor flowering garden . Once you identify and correct the lighting issue , your cannabis plants should produce dense flowers throughout the flowering stage instead of single-leaf growth . I hope this answers your question and helps you get back on track .
Keep on Growing , Lee G . Lyzit
LL
Lee G . Lyzit has been involved in the cannabis industry for nearly 20 years . His passion for natural healing motivates him to learn as much as he can about the miraculous cannabis plant . Lee ’ s knowledge of cannabis gardening stems from his own extensive cultivation experiences and his past work as a hydroponic shop owner and manager .
12 Maximum Yield