Growing big, frosty and terpene rich marijuana buds is a highly rewarding experience, but it can be a bit of a challenge, especially when mold gets involved! Mold is one of the most common problems that growers encounter, and it can ruin an entire crop if not addressed quickly.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the different types of molds that can plague your plants, how to identify them, and the best ways to prevent and get rid of them. By the end of this, you'll be better equipped to keep your cannabis mold-free and thriving, and will be able to harvest perfect and beautiful buds every time.
Key Takeaways
- A good quality extraction kit and oscillating fans improves air flow and humidity
- Powdery mildew, botrytis, cladosporium, aspergillus, and white mold affect cannabis
- Mold thrives in humid conditions where there is poor air flow and stagnant air
- Botrysis causes buds to become moldy from the inside out and spreads quickly
- Overwatering plants can be create high humidity conditions
- Powdery mildew thrives in warm, or cold environments
- Botrytis develops in cool, damp conditions, often inside dense buds
- Cladosporium causes dark spots on leaves and stems
- Aspergillus develops in overly moist conditions and affects plants and buds.
What causes mold growth on cannabis plants?
Mold loves certain conditions, and unfortunately, some of these are exactly what cannabis plants also thrive in. Moisture, warmth, and a lack of airflow are the key culprits. Let’s break down the main causes and see how mold can enter the grow room in the first place
Environmental factors
Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions. High humidity levels (over 60%) create a breeding ground for mold, especially in tightly packed grow spaces where air circulation is poor. Temperature fluctuations can also lead to condensation, creating the moisture that mold spores need to grow.
Improper plant care
Overwatering your marijuana plants can create a moist environment that’s perfect for fungus. Similarly, watering late in the day can leave plants wet overnight, increasing the risk of mold especially during the final 4 weeks of flower production. Also, overcrowding your grow room without trimming or pruning leads to poor air circulation, the development of stagnant air, causing trapped moisture around the plants.
Common areas where mold develops
Mold can appear in various places on your cannabis plants. The most common spots include:
- On the buds (especially deep inside dense buds, where bud rot can form)
- Leaves, where moisture can easily get trapped
- The base of the stem, especially if there's standing water around the plant’s base
Common types of mold found on cannabis plants
There are a few types of molds you’re likely to encounter on cannabis plants. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Knowing what each looks like will help you spot trouble before it spreads too far.
Actionable Tip: Keep humidity below 50% during flowering to reduce mold risk
Powdery mildew
What causes it:
Powdery mildew is an air-borne pathogen which thrives in warm, or cold environments and spreads quickly when plants are overcrowded with poor air circulation. The spores can travel through the air, making it easy for the fungus to spread between plants. Colder and humid grow spaces are the main culprit for mold spores spreading.
Effects on plant:
This white powdery mold attacks the leaf tissue and attaches itself to the surface of the leaves. and around the stems, hindering the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively. Left untreated, it weakens the plant, reduces growth, and significantly impacts yield quality. Buds that contain mildew are not safe to smoke and should be discarded.
How to identify:
Look for small white, flour-like spots on the leaves that expand over time. The mold typically appears on the top surface of the leaves and is easy to spot during regular inspections. Powdery mildew can end up covering all of the leaf surface and spread quickly.
How to treat:
Isolate infected plants to prevent the spread. Apply organic fungicides like potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Ensure proper airflow and reduce humidity levels in the growing environment. However, if treating flowering plants, be careful not to spray the buds.
Actionable Tip: Isolate infected plants to protect the rest of your grow
Botrytis (Bud Rot)
What causes it:
Botrytis develops in cool, damp conditions, often inside dense buds where moisture gets trapped. Poor ventilation and high humidity create the perfect environment for this mold to thrive. Bud rot can be devastating and most of the time, you will only notice it when harvesting and trimming your buds.
Effects on plant:
Bud rot starts by destroying the interior of the buds, turning them into a mushy brown and grey mess. It can spread rapidly, wiping out entire crops if not addressed quickly.
How to identify:
The first signs include small dark dots on the buds and browning or wilting leaves around the bud. Upon closer inspection, the bud’s interior will reveal a grey, moldy center. Regularly checking buds, especially in dense plants during the final 4 weeks of flowering, is crucial for early detection.
How to treat:
Remove infected buds immediately using a clean pair of scissors and gloves to prevent further spread. Use fungicides labeled for Botrytis control and improve air circulation and ventilation in the grow space. Reduce humidity and avoid overhead watering. Removing the infected cola and ensuring air flow has improved will usually stop Botrytis from spreading.
Actionable Tip: Inspect buds internally, bud rot often starts hidden inside
Cladosporium
What causes it:
This mold thrives in cool, damp conditions and is more common in outdoor plants exposed to consistent moisture or rain. Contaminated soil and plant debris can also harbor the fungus.
Effects on plant:
Cladosporium causes dark spots on leaves and stems, reducing the plant’s ability to absorb light and perform photosynthesis. While not as aggressive as other molds, it still weakens the plant over time and the infected leaves cannot be used for making hash.
How to identify:
Look for small, dark brown or black spots on the leaves and stems. These spots may be irregularly shaped and spread slowly compared to other molds.
How to treat:
Prune infected leaves and dispose of them away from the growing area. Apply organic fungicides, such as copper-based products. Keep plants dry and improve drainage to reduce moisture exposure.
Actionable Tip: Remove infected leaves early to stop slow spread
Aspergillus
What causes it:
Aspergillus develops in overly moist conditions and can affect both plants and harvested buds. It is particularly dangerous as its spores can be harmful to humans when inhaled.
Effects on plant:
The mold appears as black or greenish fuzz on leaves and buds, reducing the plant’s vigor and making the crop unsafe for consumption, or useful for extraction or hash making
How to identify:
Check for black or green fuzzy patches on leaves, stems, and buds. This mold often appears on plants exposed to excessive moisture or humidity. It may look like small patches of dirt or debris, however cannot be rubbed or cleaned off the leaf.
How to treat:
Remove and discard infected plant material immediately. Sterilize tools using isopropyl alcohol and growing spaces to prevent contamination. Reduce humidity levels and monitor using a hygrometer, improve airflow, and ensure proper drying of harvested buds.
Actionable Tip: Remove infected material immediately and avoid inhaling spores
White mold (Sclerotinia)
What causes it:
White mold thrives in humid conditions and spreads through contact with contaminated soil, tools, or infected plants. It often appears near the base of the plant and the roots.
Effects on plant:
This mold causes stems to wilt and rot, cutting off nutrient flow to the upper parts of the plant. It weakens the plant structure and can quickly spread to surrounding plants. Mature plants that are exposed to Sclerotinia can become pale, mushy and soft.
How to identify:
Look for a cottony white growth on stems or branches, usually near the base of the plant. Wilting stems and sudden plant collapse are additional warning signs.
How to treat:
Remove affected parts of the plant and improve air circulation. Apply fungicides like Bacillus subtilis or copper-based treatments. Avoid overwatering and sterilize tools to prevent reinfection.
Actionable Tip: Avoid overwatering, wet soil increases risk significantly
How to remove mold from cannabis plants
If you spot mold, act fast to save your plants. Here’s what I do:
Physical removal
Carefully trim away the affected areas using sterilized scissors. Dispose of the moldy parts far from your grow area to avoid spreading mold spores.
Application of natural remedies
Spray a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide on the affected plants. This can help kill surface mold without harming the plant, however air flow must be the optimal milk spray (milk mixed with water) is another natural option that can help curb powdery mildew, however can be more difficult especially if the environmental settings are not in balance.
Using commercial anti-mold products
There are commercial fungicides designed specifically for cannabis. Always choose products safe for marijuana and follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants.
Post-removal plant care
After removing mold from your cannabis plants, it’s essential to focus on creating an environment that discourages mold from returning while supporting the recovery of affected plants. Here’s a detailed guide to optimizing your grow room conditions and ensuring plant health:
1. Adjust humidity and temperature
- Lower humidity: Maintain relative humidity levels between 40-45, especially during flowering, as high humidity encourages mold growth. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity accurately.
- Temperature control: Keep the room temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C) during the day and avoid drastic temperature drops at night. Cooler temperatures can lead to condensation, creating a favorable environment for mold.
2. Improve airflow and ventilation
- Air circulation: Use one or multiple oscillating fans to ensure constant air movement around and through your plants. Proper airflow helps prevent moisture from settling on leaves and buds.
- Ventilation: Install a top quality performance exhaust system with carbon filters to remove stale, humid air and bring in fresh air. This is especially critical in enclosed grow spaces like grow tents.
3. Regular plant inspection
- Daily checks: Inspect your plants daily, focusing on areas prone to mold, such as dense buds and lower leaves. Look for any signs of recurrence, such as discolored spots or fuzzy growth.
- Use magnification: A magnifying glass or loupe can help you spot early signs of mold that might be missed by the naked eye.
4. Maintain cleanliness
- Sterilize tools: Disinfect pruning shears, scissors, and other tools using isopropyl alcohol before and after each use to prevent the spread of mold spores.
- Clean the grow space: Remove plant debris, sanitize surfaces, and replace contaminated soil if necessary and clean and sterilize pots. Mold spores can linger in the environment and reinfect plants.
5. Optimize watering practices
- Avoid overwatering: Only water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering increases soil moisture, which can lead to soil borne pathogens and mold.
- Water early: Water your plants early in the day so that excess moisture evaporates before nightfall.
6. Support plant recovery
- Prune damaged leaves: Trim off any remaining damaged or weak leaves to encourage healthy new growth and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Use recovery supplements: Apply organic plant supplements like seaweed extract or humic acids to boost plant immunity and recovery.
- Monitor stress levels: Mold removal can stress plants, so avoid additional stressors like extreme pruning or abrupt environmental changes during the recovery phase.
7. Preventative measures
- Mold-resistant strains: Consider growing mold-resistant cannabis strains, especially outdoors in regions with high humidity.
- Prophylactic treatments: Use organic fungicides like neem oil or sulfur sprays as a preventative measure, even if no mold is currently visible.
- Spacing: Ensure plants are spaced adequately to allow for better airflow and reduce overcrowding.
How to detect mold before consumption
Look for fuzzy, powdery dark or grey colored spots on your buds. Smell them too, as moldy cannabis often has a musty and earthy odor. If you suspect mold, it’s better to be safe and avoid using that bud. Never smoke moldy buds or use the buds or contaminated leaves for hash or extraction.
Safe usage and storage of cannabis to prevent mold growth
Store your cannabis in a cool, dark place in airtight containers. Keep humidity levels in check with humidity packs. Proper storage ensures your buds stay mold-free and fresh for longer.
FAQ:
What causes mold to grow on cannabis plants?
High humidity, poor air circulation, and overwatering create ideal conditions for mold to grow on cannabis plants.
How can you tell if your cannabis plant has mold?
Look for white, grey, or black fuzzy spots on leaves and buds, brown wilted leaves, or a musty smell.
What are the different types of mold that affect cannabis plants?
Common molds include powdery mildew, botrytis (bud rot), cladosporium, aspergillus, and white mold.
Is it safe to consume moldy cannabis?
No, consuming moldy cannabis can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even lung infections.
How can I prevent mold from growing on my cannabis plants?
Maintain low humidity during the final 4 weeks of bloom, ensure proper air circulation, prune plants regularly, and use organic mold preventatives.
Mold is a persistent problem for marijuana growers, but with the right knowledge and care, you can keep your plants healthy and mold-free. Regular inspection, proper plant care, and maintaining the right growing environment are key. Remember, it's all about creating conditions that favor your plants and not the mold. Keep those buds happy, and you'll avoid many headaches and have a much better harvest!
