Cultivating Flora

Why Your Weed Plant Is Growing Sideways

Marijuana plants are known for their tall and straight growth, but sometimes they can grow sideways, which can be a cause for concern for many growers. Sideways growth can lead to a decrease in yield and quality of your cannabis plants. In this article, we will discuss why your weed plant is growing sideways and how you can fix it.

Lack of Light

One of the main reasons why your weed plant is growing sideways could be due to a lack of light. Cannabis plants require a lot of light to grow properly; if they don’t receive enough, they will start to grow towards the light source. This can cause the plant to lean or bend towards the light, resulting in sideways growth.

To prevent sideways growth due to a lack of light, make sure your cannabis plant receives at least 12 hours of direct light every day. If you are growing indoors, consider using high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, which provide the necessary intensity of light for proper growth.

Imbalanced Nutrients

Another reason why your weed plant may be growing sideways is due to imbalanced nutrients. Cannabis plants require a specific balance of nutrients to grow properly. If they receive too much nitrogen or not enough phosphorus, they may start to grow sideways.

To avoid imbalanced nutrients, make sure you are using the correct fertilizer for your cannabis plant’s growth stage. Additionally, check the pH levels of your soil or hydroponic solution regularly to ensure that your cannabis plant is receiving the optimal amount of nutrients.

Wind Damage

Wind damage is another common cause of sideways growth in cannabis plants. Strong winds can cause the plant to sway back and forth, which can lead to bent or broken stems and sideways growth.

To prevent wind damage, consider using a trellis or support system to keep your cannabis plant upright. Additionally, make sure your cannabis plants are not placed in a windy area.

Genetics

Sometimes, cannabis plants can grow sideways due to genetics. Some strains are more likely to grow sideways or have a bushy growth pattern. If your cannabis plant is growing sideways due to genetics, there may not be much you can do other than to accept its natural growth pattern and adjust your growing techniques accordingly.

How to Fix Sideways Growth

If you’ve identified the cause of your cannabis plant’s sideways growth, there are several things you can do to fix it:

FAQ

Q: Can I fix sideways growth on a mature cannabis plant?

A: It depends on the severity of the sideways growth. If the stem is slightly bent but not broken, you may be able to use a trellis or support system to straighten out the stem. However, if the stem is completely bent or broken, it may be too late to fix it.

Q: Will sideways growth affect my yield?

A: Yes, sideways growth can lead to a decrease in yield and quality of your cannabis plants. This is because the buds may not receive adequate light and nutrients, resulting in smaller buds and lower THC content.

Q: Can genetics cause all my cannabis plants to grow sideways?

A: No, genetics alone cannot cause all your cannabis plants to grow sideways. If all of your plants are growing sideways, it is likely due to an environmental factor such as lack of light or wind damage.

Q: Should I prune my cannabis plant if it’s growing sideways?

A: It depends on the severity of the sideways growth. If the stem is slightly bent but not broken, you may be able to use a trellis or support system to straighten out the stem. However, if the stem is completely bent or broken, you may need to prune it to prevent further damage to the plant.