Hermaphrodite Weed

A hermaphrodite weed plant can cause real havoc to cannabis growers. This natural process facilitates the co-existence of male and female buds on the same plant, which results in a yield exacerbation, qualitatively and quantitatively speaking. This phenomenon, which can also be seen in other plants and animals, can be caused by plenty of factors, therefore, it is important to exercise caution in order to avoid it. Consequently, this post is going to explain the possible causes of hermaphroditism in marijuana plants and how to prevent it from happening or at least palliate its consequences and save the crop.

Why are some marijuana plants hermaphrodite?

Hermaphroditism manifests itself in plants when male (yarns) and female (pistils) sexual organs are both present at the same time in the one bud. This natural process can take place due to different genetic and environmental causes that all growers should know in order to ensure the best possible conditions to obtain a good quality marijuana yield.

Genetics can sometimes be the cause of hermaphroditism in weed. Knowing the origins and genealogical tree of the strains could be helpful (Thai sativas, for example, are more prone to this process); alongside with other considerations such as selecting cannabis cultivars that are more resistant towards these kinds of occurrences. Knowing the technique under which seeds have been produced (GA3) should also be taken into consideration.

On the other hand, it shall be mentioned that hermaphrodite weed could be caused by environmental factors that generate stress over the plants. Certain aspects are particularly relevant when it comes to preventing hermaphroditism, such as proper nutrition, controlled watering, temperature and humidity of the growing area, possible photoperiod alterations, plagues’ prevention, using stakes, implementing different pruning techniques or harvesting at the right moment.

What to do if hermaphrodite weed plants show up

Check your cannabis plants daily. This task can hugely facilitate finding male buds on female plants as soon as possible, saving the grow.

This natural process gives some early signs that could be helpful towards differentiating male flowers. For example, they exhibit a yellow coloring at the early blossom stage and they have a banana appearance. It’s crucially important to remove male buds as soon you see them. Their presence puts the entire grow at risk of pollination, resulting in seeds being growing inside buds.

During the flowering period it is relatively easy to detect male flowers on female plants, which facilitates their removal a fair bit. Carry out this task with with scissors or tweezers. Sterilize the tools with alcohol before using them. Spray the entire plant with water before proceeding to cut the male buds. Once the removal of buds is over, the plant should be in perfect conditions to produce a good yield. However, maybe male buds continue blossoming and you need to do this again.

Albeit, if hermaphrodite weed is appreciated once the generative phase is well advanced, there is no turning back. You have to remove all the affected plants. Be extra careful to prevent the pollination of the remaining cannabis plants. If male buds appear during the last weeks of the flowering period, it is best to harvest before time to stop the buds from producing seeds.

How to Prevent Hermaphrodite Weed Plants

Growers that want to guarantee a grow free of hermaphrodite weed should provide a proper environment. This would prevent plants from suffering stress, especially during the flowering period. There are some preventive methods that could be effective at preventing this process from taking place, hence, obtaining a good quality yield.

Pruning or staking the examples during the flowering period increases hermaphroditism risks. For this reason, such techniques should be performed during the growth period or at the start of the generative phase (stretch), before buds are formed, as this will avoid all forms of manipulative stress.

Take into account Proper climatic parameters of the grow room. Make sure temperature doesn’t go over 26-27°C under any circumstances. Relative humidity percentages must range between 50-60% at the start of the following period and at 40-50% towards the end. In order to obtain exhaustive and periodic values of these parameters, it would be most helpful to use different grow tools like thermohygrometers or timers.

Indoor grows should be provided with an extreme sanitation of the grow area to prevent the proliferation of plagues, fungi or other pathogens as well as promoting healthy plants’ vital cycles. Applying phyto-toxic products inadequately, like pesticides or fungicides, could also increase plants’ stress.

Pay special attention to photoperiod and harvest

Properly grown marijuana plants should have a favorable and stable constant photoperiod that will foresee modifications or lighting alterations. It is extremely important not to interrupt night time darkness, especially during the flowering period.

Ensuring a good nutrition program is also very convenient. Over fertilization or inappropriate levels of macro or micro nutrients could cause major stress to plants. Cannabis plants need frequent irrigation to prevent hampering water-logging or dehydration symptoms. Don’t use cold water.

Observe the trichomes every day. Harvesting at the right moment can keep weed plants from turning hermaphrodite. Purchasing a magnifying glass or microscope could be very handy to perform this chore with as much precision as possible. Numerous researches have concluded that some strains are more susceptible to this problematic natural process than others.

Are hermaphrodite buds suitable for smoking?

Most marijuana growers wonder this question and the answer is affirmative, although some considerations play an important role. Hermaphrodite weed buds need hand-shredding or to use a pair of scissors. Removing seeds is very important. Otherwise, they can modify the original flavor of the strain when smoking it. Extracts of hash, ice-o-lator, Bubble Hash or Crumble are also an option. The main organoleptic properties and terpene profile of the plant will remain intact.

Following the advice and recommendations here written, it is possible to beat hermaphroditism in weed plants. As overwhelming as this problem might seem, especially for rookie growers; There are different techniques that can save the yield and guarantee that buds acquire their maximum quality. However, monitoring plants on daily basis is a must. The resulting buds will be an absolute source of joy and satisfaction.