Calcium helps provide structure to the cannabis plant and helps it withstand stress like heat. When your cannabis plant has a calcium deficiency, the main symptom that you’ll be able to notice is brown or bronze splotches or spots on your leaves. It is also often associated with yellowing (though leaves don’t always turn yellow). Occasionally the splotches may appear purple especially under LEDs. Calcium deficiencies are often caused from low pH at the roots, but also occasionally from growing in soft/filtered water. Calcium deficiencies are common when growing in coco or using soft or filtered water, but the most common reason to see a calcium deficiency is low pH at the roots.
Some of the most noticeable signs of a calcium deficiency will appear on newer or growing leaves which may display:
Dead spots
Crinkling
Spotting / Mottling
Small brown spots
Stunted growth
Small or distorted new leaves
Curled tips
Leaf die-off
Affected leaves may appear green besides the spots
If you suspect your growing cannabis plant has a calcium deficiency, flush your system with clean, pH’d water that contains a regular dose of cannabis-friendly nutrients that includes calcium. This will remove any nutrient salts that may be affected the uptake of calcium and help restore pH to the proper levels.