It's possible that you may be overfeeding your Quick One auto-flowering plant, especially if you've been following the feeding schedule intended for photoperiod plants. Auto-flowering strains typically have shorter life cycles and may have different nutrient requirements compared to photoperiod plants.
Here's what you can do to address the issue:
Flush the Medium: Consider flushing your growing medium with pH-balanced water to remove excess nutrients and salts that may have accumulated. Flushing can help reset the nutrient levels in the soil or coco coir and alleviate stress on the plant.
Adjust Nutrient Strength: Reduce the strength of your nutrient solution by diluting it with water. Start with a lower concentration than what's recommended on the feeding schedule and gradually increase it as needed based on the plant's response.
Monitor pH Levels: Check the pH of your nutrient solution and ensure that it falls within the optimal range for cannabis cultivation in coco coir (around 5.5 to 6.5). Fluctuations in pH can affect nutrient availability and uptake, leading to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
Observe Plant Health: Keep a close eye on your plant for any signs of nutrient burn, nutrient deficiencies, or other stress-related symptoms. Darkening of leaves could indeed indicate nutrient excess or other issues, so monitoring the overall health of the plant is crucial.
Consider Light Intensity: While it's less likely that LED lights would cause nutrient burn compared to high-intensity lights like HPS, excessive light intensity can still stress the plant. Ensure that your LED lights are positioned at the appropriate distance from the canopy to prevent light stress.
Patience and Observation: After making adjustments, give your plant some time to respond. It may take a few days to see improvements in its growth and health. Continuously monitor the plant for any changes and adjust your approach as needed.
By taking these steps, you can help alleviate any nutrient-related stress on your Quick One auto-flowering plant and promote healthy growth and bud development. Remember that every plant is unique, so it's essential to pay close attention to its specific needs and adjust your care accordingly.