Almost every grower has encountered a situation where, as a result of mechanical stress, a hemp stem fractured, causing it to hang limply or break off completely. At first, this situation may seem hopeless, but not everything is so bad. Simple electrical tape or adhesive tape can help solve this problem while preserving the damaged part. The main thing is to do everything quickly, clearly and correctly.
Please note that this article is presented for informational purposes only and does not encourage the cultivation of cannabis. This is strictly prohibited in Ukraine, and we advise you to comply with the laws of the country in which you are located.
Causes and types of damage to hemp
Most often it breaks where it is thin. But in the case of marijuana, everything happens differently. Damage to stems can occur for the following reasons:
- Water too frequently. Watering the bush is required regularly, but a cannabis plant that is oversaturated with moisture is much easier to break. Typically, a fracture occurs purely by accident during movement, so before moving the bush to another grow box or other place, it is best not to water the plant for at least 24 hours.
- The branches and stems are very tough. This is natural, the bush grows and gets stronger, it needs to hold branches, leaves, and inflorescence. Stiff branches are very difficult to bend, so all stress training with bending stems is best done at the beginning of the growing season.
In addition, different types of damage to hemp bushes are also classified:
- Bent stems. This is the most common injury and less traumatic. Most regularly this occurs under the influence of the weight of heavy inflorescence. When the shoots are bent, partial damage to the internal tissues occurs. In this case, the transport of water and nutrients higher up the shoot may be disrupted. The marijuana bush will continue to grow, but the branch may remain underdeveloped and produce less yield.
- Broken stems. This damage occurs due to rough impact. In this situation, the fracture site must be covered with adhesive tape or a medical plaster to reduce the load on this place. The cannabis branch also needs additional support. With proper care, after a couple of weeks the damaged area will regenerate and heal. In addition, even broken branches can produce crops.
- Torn off stems. Due to rough impact, branches can be torn off completely. This is the most difficult type of damage. But at the same time, there is a chance to save the torn part of the bush, but you must act quickly and harmoniously. A piece of the stem should be applied as tightly as possible to the tear site and secured with a band-aid. Also, the branch itself must be provided with support so that the tear site does not move, does not lag behind, and heals quickly. In this situation, recovery will take the most time, but if you try hard, you will be able to save a promising branch.
In general, breaking a cannabis stem does not mean all is lost. If you approach the problem correctly, you will be able to save the branch and ensure the harvest.
How to restore a broken cannabis branch: first aid rules
Many injuries to hemp branches can be cured. If you notice a problem, you need to immediately begin solving it:
1. Wash your hands well. As with human wounds, where germs can easily enter, broken cannabis branches should also be treated with clean hands. Afterward, you should treat your palms with an antiseptic or wipe with alcohol.
2. Cover the damage with plaster or tape. A broken branch can heal on its own if it is tied up and secured well. Make a good bandage at the injury site and place a support in front of the fracture site.
3. Leave the plant alone for 2–4 weeks.
It is worth noting that in nature, hemp plants constantly break down as a result of exposure to various factors: the severity of raindrops, wind gusts, etc. Therefore, the bushes are quite ready for the possibility that a branch may break. Most often, a lump appears at the site of the fracture, which will cover the site of injury. At the same time, other branches will not begin to wither, but will continue to grow and produce a harvest.
