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Environmental StressModerate

Slow Growth in Cannabis

If your plant looks healthy but just isn't growing, the issue is usually environmental — not nutrient-based. Go through the checklist.

What it looks like

  • Healthy-looking but static — no new growth in a week
  • Small leaves and short internodes
  • Plant not getting bushier in veg

Quick diagnostic checks

1Check: light, temp, pH, pot size. One of those is the issue.
2Seedlings grow slow for first 2-3 weeks — be patient

Causes ranked by likelihood

1. Not enough light

Most common

Signs

  • Light too far or too weak
  • Stretchy growth

Fix

  • Lower LED to 18-24" from canopy
  • Upgrade to a stronger light

2. Root-bound

Common

Signs

  • Plant needs transplanting
  • Roots circling pot
  • Water runs right through

Fix

  • Transplant to a larger pot (double current size)

3. Cold temperatures

Common

Signs

  • Tent below 70°F

Fix

  • Raise temp to 72-78°F
  • Add heater

4. pH out of range

Common

Signs

  • Runoff pH outside 6.0-6.8

Fix

  • Flush with pH 6.5 water
  • Feed at correct pH

⚠️When to worry

No growth for 10+ days is a problem. Work through the checklist systematically.

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