Newbie here.. Yellowing curled up & dried out leaves..

Hi. First timer here with lot's gardening experience but very little experience growing an outdoor marijuana plant. I was recently given this blackberry kush plant that was in a small little plastic container. About four days ago I transplanted it outdoors into a wine barrel. Prior to transplanting it outdoors I noticed that some of the lower leaves we're yellow & curling. Since I've transplanted it seems that more leaves have continued to yellow, curl, shrivel and pretty much die off. The newer growth still looks pretty green and overall the plant looks pretty healthy but the yellowing look like it starts with a rust color at the base of the leaf and it gradually spreads up the leaf and towards the tip. The soil in the barrel was pretty much a mixture of potting soils, composted soil, etc. I've watered the plant and gave it a little sprinkle of miracle grow hoping that whatever nutrients it was lacking it might get from the miracle grow. But honestly, I'm only guessing at what's causing the leafs to turn from nice green, to yellow & curling. I've attempted to attach four photos that show what the plant looks like and you should be able to see the lower curled leaves and discolored leaves. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Maybe it's going through a little initial shock of going from inside to outside. No idea, that's why I'm asking. I don't think the plant is anywhere near death but I'd like to get it back to healthy green vibrant leaves. Thanks.

Sorry about replying to my own post but my 2nd, 3rd & 4th thumbnail really show the best examples of the yellowing. It's mainly on the lower leaves and runs right through the leaves until they start to curl at the tip. I think the pictures should clearly show what's happening. Thanks.

Hey F

Are you watering it? Check pH. Then, check the pH of your soil - it looks like your soil is "hot". Also, if you know how much compost is in there, it also looks like the soil is really high in nutrients and that is what is burning your plant.

Or some combination of both the soil composition and soil pH.

In case it's not the soil, and you feel as if it's due to LACK of nutrients, and you need to determine what, use this:

View attachment 2663691

But don't rely on it.

My biggest point - never use Miracle Grow. It is souped-up and laden with nutrients...look on the front of the MG container and see where it gives a X-Y-Z formula (that is your NPK ratio, or Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). This is what could be making your soil so nutrient laden. Not to mention that when/if you ever choose to harvest it, your buds will still have residual Miracle Grow in it. It's terrible for you.

If you don't want to do ANYTHING about it, just pluck off those really dead leaves, and hope for the best. The plant might just grow into it's nutrient levels in the soil (i.e. there is too many for it RIGHT NOW, but in 3 weeks, it may be better able to handle the soil).

That's my thought and totally my opinion!

Good luck!

Smacks.

Man she's hungry, feed her...start with 1/4 nutes and work your way up...shoulda been feeding her for a couple weeks by now..g/l

EDIT: That's a classic case of an N deff...again, feed her..

smacksjack said:

My biggest point - never use Miracle Grow. It is souped-up and laden with nutrients...look on the front of the MG container and see where it gives a X-Y-Z formula (that is your NPK ratio, or Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). This is what could be making your soil so nutrient laden. Not to mention that when/if you ever choose to harvest it, your buds will still have residual Miracle Grow in it. It's terrible for you..

Click to expand...

The Miracle Grow.... it will KILL you !

f6487 said:

Hi. First timer here with lot's gardening experience but very little experience growing an outdoor marijuana plant. I was recently given this blackberry kush plant that was in a small little plastic container. About four days ago I transplanted it outdoors into a wine barrel. Prior to transplanting it outdoors I noticed that some of the lower leaves we're yellow & curling. Since I've transplanted it seems that more leaves have continued to yellow, curl, shrivel and pretty much die off. The newer growth still looks pretty green and overall the plant looks pretty healthy but the yellowing look like it starts with a rust color at the base of the leaf and it gradually spreads up the leaf and towards the tip. The soil in the barrel was pretty much a mixture of potting soils, composted soil, etc. I've watered the plant and gave it a little sprinkle of miracle grow hoping that whatever nutrients it was lacking it might get from the miracle grow. But honestly, I'm only guessing at what's causing the leafs to turn from nice green, to yellow & curling. I've attempted to attach four photos that show what the plant looks like and you should be able to see the lower curled leaves and discolored leaves. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Maybe it's going through a little initial shock of going from inside to outside. No idea, that's why I'm asking. I don't think the plant is anywhere near death but I'd like to get it back to healthy green vibrant leaves. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Have you checked your PH yet?
Don't go cramming nutes down her throat until you know you don't have a lockout.

Hey Rinkstein, how can you tell?? Just wondering for my own curiosity.

I mean - I totally get that extreme N deficiency will just off the leaves, but isn't that one of the nutes that is more prominent in compost, miracle grow, laden soil???

I have been a total book-worm for the last 6 months....so I need to nail N deficiency down ASAP haha

Thanks,

Smacks.

smacksjack said:

Hey F

Are you watering it? Check pH. Then, check the pH of your soil - it looks like your soil is "hot". Also, if you know how much compost is in there, it also looks like the soil is really high in nutrients and that is what is burning your plant.

Or some combination of both the soil composition and soil pH.

In case it's not the soil, and you feel as if it's due to LACK of nutrients, and you need to determine what, use this:

View attachment 2663691

But don't rely on it.

My biggest point - never use Miracle Grow. It is souped-up and laden with nutrients...look on the front of the MG container and see where it gives a X-Y-Z formula (that is your NPK ratio, or Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). This is what could be making your soil so nutrient laden. Not to mention that when/if you ever choose to harvest it, your buds will still have residual Miracle Grow in it. It's terrible for you.

If you don't want to do ANYTHING about it, just pluck off those really dead leaves, and hope for the best. The plant might just grow into it's nutrient levels in the soil (i.e. there is too many for it RIGHT NOW, but in 3 weeks, it may be better able to handle the soil).

That's my thought and totally my opinion!

Good luck!

Smacks.

Click to expand...

I appreciate you saying at the end 'IMO', because there are plenty of people here that use MG with success, for whatever reason.
Some, like me, because they already had it, some because it was what was available, others, because it's what they could find or afford.
I'm not an advocate or a promoter or an employee of Monsanto, but it DOES work for me.

smacksjack said:

Hey Rinkstein, how can you tell?? Just wondering for my own curiosity.

I mean - I totally get that extreme N deficiency will just off the leaves, but isn't that one of the nutes that is more prominent in compost, miracle grow, laden soil???

I have been a total book-worm for the last 6 months....so I need to nail N deficiency down ASAP haha

Thanks,

Smacks.

Click to expand...

I would have said an N def, along with a couple others, but the OP didn't mention his PH, so we have no idea what the plants are really getting, (Even if it is there for them).

Those stems look a little hot. The red ones.

Have you used any pesticide ?

Miracle grow soil is ok if you use a core or plug of potting soil with no nutes. So like 6 inch diameter 6 inches deep in the middle of the pot for babies.

By the time the roots reach out past the core they are ready to use the nutes.

Check Ph of run off with test strips.

Speaking of which , how well does it drain ?

Looks a little over watered. Bright side is it is big enough to handle some stress.

You just need to find out what is stressing it.

smacksjack said:

Hey Rinkstein, how can you tell?? Just wondering for my own curiosity.

I mean - I totally get that extreme N deficiency will just off the leaves, but isn't that one of the nutes that is more prominent in compost, miracle grow, laden soil???

I have been a total book-worm for the last 6 months....so I need to nail N deficiency down ASAP haha

Thanks,

Smacks.

Click to expand...

Maybe this'll help ya dude.
Little experience, little help from everybody........ LOTSA studying and reading.
We all gotta do it, or kill a bunch of plants in the learning process.
View attachment 2663731View attachment 2663732

looks like poor soil aeration to me. plant looks to be waterlogged.

smacksjack said:

Hey Rinkstein, how can you tell?? Just wondering for my own curiosity.

I mean - I totally get that extreme N deficiency will just off the leaves, but isn't that one of the nutes that is more prominent in compost, miracle grow, laden soil???

I have been a total book-worm for the last 6 months....so I need to nail N deficiency down ASAP haha

Thanks,

Smacks.

Click to expand...

Well I'm basically a noob myself. I have a few good plants under my belt, and working on some of their clones now, but the yellowing of the lower (older) leaves is usually IMO an N deff, but this does depend on certain factors, PH, how you water, nutes you might have in the soil, and I have all respect for Bakatares opinion, he's the one that helped me the most when I was a stranger here

But I've learned to have good drainage in my MIRACLE GRO soil....and let about 10-20% of my feeding/watering drain off so I don't get a salinity build up from my nutes, so usually when I see that, I feed more..good luck & yes I actually use MG Soil & MG Nutes, they work fine for me and I'm happy with my results so far


These came off the lower branches of that same plant at 8 weeks into flower, wet they weighed 6 & 6.3, dried (with a quick cure ) they both came to 7.8 MG baby...wet total I got 42 grams off that plant...it's still curing so I can't say dry weight yet

Damn "f" I'm sorry, I thought that was you askin that question man, didn't mean to jack your thread

Guys, thanks for all the tips so far in trying to help me diagnose what's causing the yellowing leaves, curling, etc. Just a little more history on the soil. It's a barrel that's a mixture of potting soil, steer manure, compost, etc. That's well over a year or two old. I haven't used any pesticides on the plant and I have only given it one watering with a scaled back amount of miracle grow.

So here's how I'm understanding this. I've read where some people say give it Nutes ASAP because it looks like classic Nutes deficiency and its starved. Others are saying get a proper diagnosis with a PH test so you know exactly what's causing it. I'm sure both of these are correct ways of treating this but I am curious about the PH level. It's planted in a half wine barrel that has holes in the bottom for drainage. It sits on some concrete pavers. How well it drains is hard to me to determine. Can someone explain to me how I do a PH test. Obviously I need to purchase some type of kit. Also, when I was told to treat it ASAP with Nutes. What exactly is Nutes and how do I know what Nutes or lack of is causing my yellowing. How will I know if its missing one specific nute or is there a general mix of Nutes that's balanced and covers all the bases?

I'm not overwatering. Soil looks a little dark because I scratched some coffee grounds into the soil around the plant. Not a lot, just a little hoping it would help.

Appreciate all the help. Thanks.

Hello all! Those questions earlier were from me - so, my apologies on jacking the thread.

F,

I would scroll back to page one - there are a few diagrams that have been posted. Definitely utilize the pH one first. A "nute" is just short-hand for nutrients. I think many people are correct on this one. Here's what I would do, in my opinion...

1) Check pH of soil using a pH tester. The one I have is a bit more expensive than the simple paper strips, but I think it's easier to use and understand. They look like this (the below link)
http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-1817-Rapitest-Moisture/dp/B00026UTM6/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369070046&sr=1-4&keywords=pH+tester

2) Go back to page one and check out the pH chart for growing cannabis - Say your pH of your soil checks out, THEN I would move on to nutrients.

3) It seems to me that the contents of the barrel, though they have been there for two years, is WAY hot in terms of nutrients. You mentioned compost, steer manure, potting soil, and then even coffee grounds - not to mention the MIRACLE GROW (DUH DUH DAAAAAAAAAAAA). Uncomposted coffee grounds are extremely acidic - and as they break down, they also release loads of Nitrogen. Though I'm a newb at growing cannabis, I've been in the landscaping industry for years and coffee grounds are the biggest element to compost that landscapers need to watch out for...to much added to the heap, you can burn a whole garden right to death. It's why a lot of composting companies won't accept compost from coffee houses. I've seen it happen, then I've had to replant the whole damn thing like it was my fault...that's what i get for being a lackey.

4) That said - I would guess it is just swimming with nutrients - specifically extremely high Nitrogen contents...poop, coffee grounds, and compost all are really high in Humic Acid and Nitrogen (not to mention the NPK on Miracle Grow is probably 20-10-10 or something like that)...both things cannabis needs, but in controlled amounts.

5) As for a solution...a way to get around doing A LOT OF WORK (i.e. emptying the barrel and filling it with new soil) - you can take a 3 gallon container, or maybe even smaller than that, drill holes in the sides and bottoms, and fill it with a proper grow mix...Happy Frog Potting Soil by Fox Farms is loaded with the essential nutrients, is pH balanced and won't burn the little plant. Transplant that sucker into this container, add a little perlite (those little white stones in potting soil mix...should have a good amount in your soil for cannabis) then sink the container right back into your big barrel.

6) What this will do is allow for SOME nutrient exchange between the two soils, but will at least give your plant a BIG head start to get some feeder-roots and support-roots going strong. Once it fills that container (I mentioned 3 gallon, because it will give it a BIG head start), and you see signs of the roots being too-tightly bound in that container, you could probably transplant it back into the barrel and it would do just fine.

Again - just my opinion, but it looks OVER fed to me. Remember - coffee, poop, compost = Nitrogen - and Nitrogen doesn't decompose quickly in soil...rather, it gets locked in the soil by bacteria and minerals in a process called "Nitrogen Fixing". Very similar to why people grow beans/peas in their raised beds...because beans/peas are really good and holding on to Nitrogen...which you then re-introduce into the soil by eating the beans, and taking the rest of the plant, grinding it up (including the roots), and putting it right back into the soil. You do that for a year, and your soil will be right as rain...but from the sounds of it...you've been doing that for many years!! But with Coffee, horse poop and compost!! Think of all that goodness!

Oh - another option is to just take some of that soil OUT of the pot, mix it with something like coco-coir (which is nutrient free) and perlite and plant it in a 5 gallon bucket with holes in the bottom and sides. I am pretty sure you're plant will be 7 feet tall in a month or so!

Good luck with the grow! More than happy to help.

Best,

Smacks.

A last thought JUST hit me - and this is a general rule for growing MJ -

The more controlled you can make it's environment, the better. That makes growing outside pretty difficult, as you may not be 100% clear on what the nutrient contents are in your soil.

Things to always look out for when growing for product (i.e. growing for buds and not just for the awesome look of the plant):

-pH (up or down?)
-nutrients (too much or too little?)
-light (too much or too little?)
-temperature (do the night/day temps have big swings?)
-watering (too often or too little? pH of the water?)

Essentially, I have come to learn that growing cannabis for smoking takes getting into a long-term relationship with the plant. Getting to know when something is out of whack, recognize the signs (the plant will quite literally talk to you), and find creative remedies to the issues. Almost 99% of the time, it's a total mixture of what everyone says on these threads. So just don't take a single person's advice.

Good luck!

Smacks.
p.s. I am just an avid organic grower and am an angry protester against Monstanto and the likes - if it works for you, then do it. That is probably the BEST learning from RIU! If it works for you, do it!!!!!!!!!!

Guys, Thanks for all the advice. My plant looks like it's doing much better but honestly I haven't done anything but give it water. And probably a little bit more water than it actually needed to help flush out my nutrient rich soil. I really wish I had the time to do all the things that we're recommended like a PH test of the soil, replanting it in new soil, etc. but it's just not happening so I'm going to hope mother nature just does it's thing and my plant works through some of it's little issues. I did manage to get to my local hydro/supply store where a guy who seemed pretty sharp about growing indoors/outdoors told me that the only thing he noticed was that my plant most likely was started from seed indoors. He basically said the only thing he noticed going on with some of the leaves was bleaching from bringing it outdoors where it's getting long hours of pretty intense sun. He seems to think it will work through that and advised me in another week or two to start feeding it a fertilizer that he recommended during it's grow cycle and then another fertilizer when it starts to flower. I have to admit I'm not a huge smoker but more someone who loves the beauty of the plant. Yes, I still want to get some nice buds to give to friends but I'm not going to get myself crazy over a plant that has a few yellow leaves. It's a weed after all and with sun and water it should still grow into a nice plant. I was curious as to why with all the comments I received no one mentioned thinking the plant was just a little shocked and the yellowing and twisting was possibly from bleaching of the sun. Maybe it's more than that but for now I'm going to ride it out and see what happens. But thanks for all your feedback. I love reading all the suggestions and will continue to enjoy my little grow. Thanks.

Mother nature will take care of it - great advice by your hydro-shop guys...I'd agree as well. Give it a flush with water and nature will do the rest. They are really hearty plants and they are even more robust when they are out of doors. I missed that point, as I didn't even think about the seeds being germinated indoors rather than out. I just figured by you getting it from a friend, it was an outdoor plant already...that shock can really be a lot for a little plant to handle, so a really good call on the hydro-shop.

Good luck and am glad things to be smoothing out.

A quick side story - my father gave his mother-in-law (my grandmother) a pot plant in the 70's for mother's day and she kept it around for years...just pruning and trimming it because...well...it looked and smelled great and kept pests away from her garden!!!

The beauty of the plant gets forgotten because of the buds it produces...but it truly is a magnificent plant.

Smacks.

Its not n. Its iron or sulfur def. Caused by ph issues or not enough potassium.

Get ph right. Then apply kelp foliar and drench


Its funny. Each day every one on here have the same defs. Yesterday everyone had phos def. Day before it was mag. Today everyone has iron defs.