Common Autoflower Growing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Growers love autoflowering cannabis plants. The plants grow quickly, are resistant to pests, and don’t require specific light schedules like photoperiod plants — how could you not love them?! Plus, unlike photoperiod strains that flower according to the seasons, autoflowering cannabis plants change from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage with age. Needless to say, they are suitable for both beginners and professional growers as they require less maintenance and can grow anywhere throughout the year.

But, not everything is rosy here — yes, autos are pretty easy to grow, but they do have their challenges. Their short lifecycle means they are less forgiving of mistakes, which means any stress or misstep can decrease your yield and potency significantly. Unfortunately, new growers make mistakes that delay growth, impact bud quality, and even ruin the whole crop.

You don't have to make those mistakes, though. In this article, we will learn about the most common autoflowering growing mistakes and how to avoid them. Hopefully, you'll learn a thing or two and have massive yields next time! 

How are Autoflowers Different from Photoperiods?

Autoflowers come from the Cannabis ruderalis species, a resilient type capable of growing in tough climate conditions with short growing seasons. They are smaller due to this genetic background and have a limited window of opportunity to recover from mistakes. Unlike photoperiod plants, which can be kept in the vegetative stage much longer to fix mistakes, autoflowers run through their whole lifecycle fast — making mistakes leaves little room for them to recover.

Key differences include:

• Autoflowers have a fixed grow cycle that is usually completed in 8–12 weeks, so mistakes can be costly.
• Because they don’t grow very large, they can be grown discreetly, but this limits yield.
• They flower regardless of the light schedule, making them easier to grow outdoors or under inconsistent light.
• Mistakes such as overwatering, nutrient issues or transplant shock can greatly affect final yields as they have a limited recovery time. 

Importance of Avoiding Common Mistakes When Growing Autoflowers

Due to their fast-growing cycles, you need to be careful with autoflowers. This is because small errors can result in little plants with low yields. Overfeeding, poor watering habits, and improper training techniques may all be to blame as well. In contrast to photoperiod strains which allow corrective measures over an extended period, autoflower strains do not have that luxury, so you need to be on your toes. 

To increase success with autoflowers, it can help to understand common mistakes and how to avoid them. If you plan carefully, pay attention to your plants, and act before problems arise, your plants will be healthy and you will enjoy a good harvest. 

So, without further ado, let's talk about the most common autoflower growing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Strain

One of the most important things to do when starting a grow is picking your autoflower strain. Different strains have various growing habits, environmental needs, and yields. If you select an unsuitable strain for your setup, you will experience problems with slow growth, poor resistance to their environment, and a low yield.

Selecting the Right Genetics for Your Environment

Autoflowers are bred for different climates and growing conditions. When choosing a strain, consider the following factors:

• Climate Compatibility

Certain autoflowers can better withstand hot, cold, or humid climates than others. 

Choose a strain that works best with the climate in your area. For example, choose a heat-resistant strain like Amnesia Haze Auto or Sour Diesel Auto if you're cultivating in a hot and dry climate. For colder climates, pick strains with high resistance to cold, such as Northern Lights Auto or Blueberry Auto.

Similarly, choose strains that resist mold like White Widow Auto or Gorilla Glue Auto if humidity is high.

• Size and Space Constraints 

Short and bushy strains like Lowryder Auto or Purple Punch Auto should be chosen if you are growing in a small tent or inside with limited space.

If you happen to have a larger space to grow in, you would need to grow bigger-sized plants with high yields. In such a case, the best auto-flower strain for you will be either Jack Herer Auto or Green Crack Auto.

• Desired Effects and Potency

Think about what you want to feel when you use cannabis — relaxation, creativity, pain relief, energy, or something else. If you want to grow strains with high THC, then Bruce Banner Auto and Girl Scout Cookies Auto are good options. For medicinal benefits, use CBD-rich strains like Charlotte's Angel. 

Some autoflowers take up to 12 weeks to finish while others finish in as little as 8 weeks. If you want your plant to grow fast then you can use a quick finish strain such as Quick One Auto or Fast Bud Auto.

• Trusted Seed Banks and Quality Assurance

The quality of your seeds directly impacts your grow. Therefore, it's a good idea to buy from a reputable seed bank as you’ll get high-quality, genetically stable autoflower seeds. Here are a few things you should look for:

• Verified genetics: Legitimate seed banks have good info on strain description, the expected growth pattern, and cannabinoid profile.
• Reputation: Take a look at feedback from growers and check community forums so you know what people think of the seed banks you’re considering. 
• Customer Assurance: If your seeds don’t germinate, you can often submit a request for replacements.
• Stealth Shipping: Choose a seed bank that will wrap your seeds discreetly if you want them to be delivered stealthily.

2. Improper Germination Techniques

Germination is the first and most important step in the autoflowering plants’ life cycle. Since autoflowering cannabis plants have a limited growing period, getting them off on the right foot is key to ensuring proper strength and health as they grow. Many new growers are bound to make mistakes during this phase, which eventually leads to weak seedlings and slow growth or seed failure.

Best Practices for Germinating Autoflowers

Here are a few practices you should follow if you want to optimize your seeds for germination so that it can develop into a strong plant:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Seeds

Make sure you buy your seeds from a trusted seed bank and store them properly (cool, dark, dry place). Use fresh seeds wherever possible as older seeds have a lower germination rate.

2. Choose the Right Germination Method

The most reliable methods for autoflowers include:

• Paper Towel Method

Place the seeds between two moist paper towels. Put them in a dark, warm place (70–80°F or 21–27°C). Try to check daily and once the taproot appears (usually after 24-72 hours), transfer the seeds to the growing medium.

• Direct-to-Soil Method

Put the seed in lightly moist soil deep down ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.2 cm). Keep the soil warm (70–80°F) and avoid overwatering. This technique reduces transplant shock which is important for autoflowers.

• Water Soaking Method

Put the seeds in a glass of water at room temperature for 12-24 hours. After the seed sinks or cracks, move the seed to a paper towel or into the soil.

3. Maintain Proper Temperature and Humidity

• Keep seeds warm while germinating (70–80°F or 21–27°C). 
• Keep the humidity as high as 70-90% in the area to prevent the seeds from dying out. 
• Make sure there are no temperature fluctuations as it can slow and even stop germination. 

4. Be Gentle When Handling Seeds

• When transferring germinated seeds, use clean hands or sterilized tweezers.
• Don't touch the delicate taproot because it may stunt or even kill the seedling.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Germinating Autoflowering Seeds

Overwatering or Drowning Seeds

• Seeds want water, but too much water cuts off their oxygen supply and makes them rot.
• Keep soil and paper towels damp, but not too wet or soggy!

Using Poor-Quality or Contaminated Water

• Chlorine imbalance can inhibit the germination of tap water with high pH.
• Whenever possible, use filtered, distilled, or dechlorinated water.

Planting Too Deep or Too Shallow

• The seedling may have trouble pushing through the ground.
• The taproot may fail to anchor correctly.
• The ideal depth is one ¼ to ½ inches below the ground

Transplanting Mistakes

• Autoflowers aren't fans of transplanting and transplant shock. 
• If you are doing the paper towel method, gently transplant to the final pot once the tap root appears.
• The best way to avoid transplant stress is to germinate the seed directly into the soil.

Exposing Germinating Seeds to Light

• Seeds germinate best in darkness. Avoid placing them under direct light until they sprout.

3. Using the Wrong Growing Medium

The type of medium you use for your autoflowering cannabis plants can really affect the health and success of your grow. If you choose the wrong growing medium, it can stunt growth and cause problems. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of each nutrient mix. N

Choosing the Right Nutrient Mix

No matter how you grow your autoflowers, you need to feed them the right nutrients to stay healthy. In order to make sure your autoflower grows healthily, it can be in any medium you choose but providing the right nutrients is what matters.

• Soil Mix

If you’re using soil, then look for nutrient mixes made for cannabis or autoflowering specifically. These usually have a suitable amount of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium, and magnesium.

Best Soil Mixes

• Organic Soil Mixes – Best for those looking for a natural, low-maintenance option. Typically, organic soils are pre-amended with compost, worm castings, and other beneficial ingredients.
• Coco Coir with Perlite – Coco coir is a perfect alternative to traditional soil, and the aeration and drainage are second to none. When you mix it with perlite, it provides a good balance of moisture retention and root oxygenation. 

• Hydroponic Nutrient Mix

Use a nutrient mix specifically tailored for hydroponic systems. These mixes are made to dissolve well in water and be easily absorbed by the plant.

Best Hydroponic Nutrient Mixes

• 3-part Solutions: Some growers prefer a three-part nutrient solution (grow, bloom, and micro). This gives you more control over the nutrient ratios through the growing and blooming stages of the plant. 
• Ready-Made Nutrient Solutions: These are well-balanced nutrients that are easy to use, and perfect for beginners. Opt for products made for autoflowers or cannabis. 

Nutrient Management Tips for Autoflowers

• Begin with Weaker Solutions – Autoflowers are quite sensitive to feeding, so it is best to offer a weaker solution at first and ramp up gradually.
• pH levels should be at the right level for the medium you’re using.
• Soil should be with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Hydroponics should be with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Feed regularly but do not overfeed. Nutrient levels should be checked and adjusted as the plant grows. However, do not overfeed autoflowers as these plants are sensitive to overfeeding or nutrient burn.

4. Overwatering and Underwatering

Watering is essential to growing autoflowering cannabis but it's easily misunderstood. Thanks to their compact size and shorter lifespan, autoflowers are more sensitive to incorrect watering compared to photoperiods. 

Similarly, underwatering is a problem too and both these issues cause stress, stunt growth, and ultimately result in low final yields. Suffice it to say that it's important to know when and how much water you need to feed to get healthy and high-yielding plants. 

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

By spotting and fixing watering problems early, long-term damage is prevented.

Signs of Overwatering

• Yellowing leaves: The lower leaves start becoming yellow due to a lack of oxygen in the roots. 
• Wilting: The plants may start wilting even if the soil contains enough moisture. 
• Root rot: You can identify this from foul-smelling, mushy, brown, or black roots.
• Mold and fungus: Your plant may grow fungus, white mold, or similar growth on soil.
• Takes too long for soil to dry: If your soil remains wet for days without drying out, you are most likely overwatering it.

Signs of Underwatering

• Wilting: If the plant leaves are wilting/drooping or curling, they need more water.
• Dry Soil: Soil feels dry to the touch and may become hard or compacted.
• Brown or yellowing leaves: The leaves near the lower portion of the plant turn yellow, dry out, or the tips turn brown.
• Slow Growth: Plants show little growth or development.
• Crispy leaf edges: Dry, brittle leaf tips that suggest that the plants need water. 

How to Establish the Perfect Watering Schedule

Consistency is key when watering autoflowers. It’s tough to get the balance right so they don’t get too saturated.

1. Water When the Top 1-2 Inches of Soil Are Dry

• Before watering your plants, check the moisture in the soil. Stick your finger in the soil’s top layer to check for moisture. 
• When the top layer of soil feels dry, wait one to two inches before watering again.
• In coco coir or hydroponics, always keep it moist not wet.
• Lift your pots to see if your plants need water. If the pot feels light, it's time to water. If it’s still heavy, wait another day.

2. Water Deeply but Infrequently

• Water slowly so that the moisture penetrates the root zone.
• Don’t water lightly and often; it makes the roots weak.
• The goal is to saturate the soil without creating runoff.

3. Water Early in the Day

• Watering in the morning helps plants absorb moisture, as the day becomes warmer.
• Mold and mildew can be caused by dampness overnight.

4. Use pH-Balanced Water

• Soil: pH 6.0–7.0.
• Hydroponics/Coco Coir: pH 5.5–6.5.
• If your pH level is not right, it can look like a watering issue, but the plant will bounce back if you correct the pH. 

5. Monitor Humidity Levels

• High humidity (over 60%): the evaporation of water slows down which makes plants require less water.
• Low Humidity (Under 40%): Plants may require more frequent watering to prevent dehydration.
• Use a hygrometer for humidity and water accordingly.  

6. Adjust Watering Based on Growth Stage

Growth Stage	Watering Frequency	Water Amount	Notes
Seedling	Every 2-3 Days	Small Amounts	Use a spray bottle to prevent overwatering.
Vegetative	Every 2-3 Days	Moderate	Increase gradually as roots develop.
Early Flowering	Every 2-3 Days	Moderate	Be careful not to overwater during the stretch phase.
Late Flowering	Every 3-4 Days	Lower Amounts	Reduce watering slightly to avoid mold on dense buds.

Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid

• Always stick to a schedule and don't water randomly. 
• Don’t shock the roots by using cold water. 
• Do not allow the runoff water to sit in the trays as it leads to stagnant moisture. 
• Don't give too much water to the seedlings as they're prone to root rot.

5. Incorrect Nutrient Use 

Essential nutrients must be provided at the right time for healthy autoflower growth, but most growers use the wrong nutrients. And, as you already know by now, autoflowers are sensitive to a lot of things — nutrient imbalance is one of them. 

If you feed your autoflowers too much or too little, it can have serious consequences in the form of nutrient burn, deficiencies, and stunted growth. In the end, this could lead to lower yield and quality. Therefore, learning how to manage nutrients correctly is essential for maximizing your harvest.

Overfeeding and Nutrient Burn

When plants get fed more than they can handle, nutrient salts build up in the grow medium resulting in a toxic environment known as overfeeding. Many growers use the same feeding schedule for autoflowers as they do for photoperiod plants, leading to this common problem.

Signs of Overfeeding

• Leaf tips curling and browning (burnt tips)
• Yellow patches on leaves (nutrient toxicity)
• Canoeing or leaf edges curling upward
• Crispy leaf texture
• Slowed or stunted growth

How to Fix Overfeeding

• Rinse out all the excess nutrients from your plant with the help of pH-balanced water (2-3 times pot size).
• Cut down the amount of nutrients you use to 50% or less.
• Make sure your pots can drain well so there's no salt buildup. 

Underfeeding and Deficiencies

Underfeeding is nothing but a lack of nutrients the plants experience, making it difficult for them to grow. Autoflowers grow fast but a lack of nutrients can cause slow growth, weak stems, and yellowing leaves.

Signs of Underfeeding

• Lower leaves turning yellow (nitrogen deficiency)
• New growth's interveinal yellowing (magnesium/iron deficiency)
• Purple stems (phosphorus deficiency)
• Stunted growth and weak structure.
• Brittle or curling leaves.

How to Fix Underfeeding

• Begin by using a diluted or weak nutrient solution and increase the strength gradually. 
• Use cannabis fertilizers designed for autoflowers.
• Add supplements if you see a deficiency in calcium, magnesium, or iron.

Understanding Autoflower-Specific Nutrient Needs

Since autoflowers quickly reach each stage of growth, they will require different levels of nutrients. Loading them with too much or too little at the wrong time can affect their final yield a lot. 

Growth Stage	Nutrient Needs	Common Mistakes	Solution
Seedling Stage (Week 1-2)	Very Low Nutrients	Overfeeding young plants	Use plain water or mild root boosters
Vegetative Stage (Week 3-4)	Higher Nitrogen	Not increasing nutrients with plant growth	Gradually increase nutrient strength
Flowering Stage (Week 5-8+)	Higher Phosphorus & Potassium	Continuing high nitrogen levels	Switch to bloom nutrients and reduce nitrogen
Final Weeks (Week 8-10)	Minimal Nutrients	Not flushing plants before harvest	Flush with plain water to remove salts

Key Tips for Autoflower Nutrient Use

• Use half the dose recommended and adjust to how your plant reacts.
• Make sure to balance the pH of your water. 
• Avoid using strong nutrients during the seedling stage.
• Autoflowers require extra Cal-Mag compared to photoperiod plants because they grow quickly.

6. Poor Lighting Choices 

Lighting plays an important role in the cultivation of autoflowers. Although they don't use light schedules for flowering like photoperiod plants, light itself is very essential. 

Choosing bad lighting may slow growth, lessen yields, and even create stress-related problems like hermies or weak buds. Finding out how much light to provide and which grow lights are best will help you get the most out of your autoflowering cannabis.

Best Light Schedules for Autoflowers

First off, remember that the more light autoflowers get, the better and faster they grow. It is important to choose the right light schedule to offer energy as well as rest.

Recommended Light Cycles

18/6 Cycle (Most Popular)

• This schedule is great for beginners and experienced growers.
• 18 hours of light for food production and active development.
• Plants have 6 hours of darkness to gain rest and recover.
• Energy-efficient without compromising yields.

20/4 Cycle

This cycle offers faster vegetative growth but there are a few things to consider:

• Higher energy consumption.
• Can cause light stress in more sensitive strains.
• Gives only 4 hours of time to rest which may not be enough for some plants.

24/0 Cycle

Many growers think that continuous light results in the fastest growth but this practice is not recommended by experts as it can:

• Can cause light stress and stunted development.
• Increase energy costs and heat buildup.
• Better to use only in the seedling stage or not very long.

12/12 Cycle

Primarily used for photoperiod plants. Although autoflowers will still flower under this schedule, they probably won’t yield as much due to the limited light. 

Why Dark Periods Matter

Although autoflowers do not rely on darkness for flowering, they do require periods of rest for essential biological functions. Continuous light can do quite a few things including:

• Disrupt their circadian rhythm.
• Lead to light stress and stretched growth.
• Reduce overall plant health.

Plants require at least a 4 to 6-hour dark period each day to rest, strengthen their roots, and yield better.

Choosing the Right Grow Lights

Choosing the correct lighting system directly affects the health and yield of your plants as well as energy usage. Autoflowers do best with quality full-spectrum lights no matter how much light they receive. 

1. LED Grow Lights (Recommended)

Most autoflower growers prefer modern LED lights for their system due to many advantages including: 

• Energy efficiency (lower electricity costs).
• Low heat output, reducing the risk of heat stress.
• It has an entire spectrum with adjustable wavelengths. Blue for veg, red for flower.
• Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours).

What to Look for in LED Grow Lights:

• Smaller spaces require 300W-600W while larger spaces need more.
• LED grow lights should have a full spectrum and adjustable settings for different growth stages.
• Make sure the light's coverage matches the size of your grow tent or room. 

2. HID Grow Lights (MH & HPS)

Growers have been using HID lights for decades now. Primarily, there are two types including the Metal Halide (MH) for the vegetative stage and HPS for flowering.

Pros

• High light intensity.
• Proven results for large yields.

Cons

• High energy consumption.
• Excessive heat production, requiring ventilation systems.
• Shorter lifespan compared to LEDs.

3. CFL and Fluorescent Lights.

Good for small grows or seedlings but not strong enough for the whole life cycle. They produce low heat and are cheap; however, the light is not all that intense so you can't expect humongous growth. Usually, they are for seedling and early vegetative stage only.

Common Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Problem	Solution
Using Low-Intensity Lights	Weak, stretched plants	Use LED or HID lights with higher wattage
Keeping Lights Too Far	Plants stretch and grow tall	Adjust the light height to 12–18 inches above the canopy.
Too Much Light (24/0)	Stress, stunted growth	Use 18/6 or 20/4 for best results.
Poor Spectrum Choice	Weak vegetative growth or small buds	Choose full-spectrum LEDs or switch from MH to HPS during flowering.
Ignoring Dark Periods	Stress, poor yield	Always allow 4-6 hours of darkness for recovery.

How to Optimize Lighting for Autoflowers

• Use full spectrum LED lights for maximum efficiency.
• Keep lights at the right distance to avoid burning or stretching. 
• Use light cycles of 18/6 or 20/4 for higher efficiency.
• Ensure good airflow to prevent heat buildup.
• Make sure you clean and check your lights.

7. Transplanting Mistakes

Transferring cannabis plants from smaller pots to bigger ones is common; however, autoflowering strains do not respond well to it. If you transplant it incorrectly, it can badly stress, stunt the growth, or kill the plant. 

Yes, transplant shock is a serious issue with autoflowers and it’s because they have a fixed amount of time to grow and flower, and planting mistakes can have a seriously negative impact on the performance of these varieties. To prevent your autoflowers from dying, you’ll want to avoid transplant shock at all costs. 

Why Autoflowers Dislike Transplanting

Since they have a predetermined life cycle, autoflowers are sensitive. Because of this, they don't have too much time to recover from disturbances like transplant shock. 

1. Limited Recovery Time

Unlike photoperiod plants, autoflowers have a set growth period. Moving the plant to a new pot stresses it out, which can cause problems later on and may reduce the yields. By the time they recuperate, they are likely already in the flowering stage, missing important pre-flowering growth.

2. Root Development Sensitivity

Autoflowers grow fast and their root systems are more fragile and shallow than photoperiods. Transplanting might shock the roots which stops them from getting nutrients and can even limit their growth.

3. Stress from Environmental Change

When autoflowers are moved from one container to another, they can get stressed out. Stress can occur from light, humidity, and temperature changes. Transplanting stress can disrupt and damage a plant’s growth if done the wrong way.

4. Smaller Container Dependency

Autoflowers grow better when their roots are not disturbed. A lot of growers plant their autoflowers directly in the final pots (usually 3-5 gallons) to prevent transplanting. This lowers the chances of shock and makes the growing process easier.

How to Minimize Stress When Transplanting Autoflowers

Growing autoflowers can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, they do require some special techniques to make sure they flourish. These useful tips can make the transplanting process a little easier for you.

1. Use Larger Pots from the Start

If you don’t want to transplant auto flowers, you can just use bigger pots from the start. Typically, 3-5 gallon pots are sufficient for autoflowers, depending on the strain.

2. Transplant During the Seedling Stage

If you must transplant your autoflower, the best time to do it is during the seedling phase before it grows too big. Transplanting at an early stage will be less traumatic to the plant and is less likely to stunt its growth. Try and move your plant to another container once the seedling has developed a good root ball but just before the roots become too established. 

3. Avoid Disturbing the Root Ball

When moving the plant, try to disturb the root ball as little as possible. Don’t bang on it even if the roots refuse to come out. Instead, gently press the sides of the pot and tap on the bottom to free the root mass. If you’re moving to a bigger pot, make a hole in the new soil that is the right size for the root ball.

4. Water Before Transplanting

Before you move your plant to a new pot, feed it with water to decrease the shock and make it easier to remove the plant from its container. If the soil is well-hydrated, the roots won’t break off too easily.

5. Handle with Care

Be gentle when handling your autoflower. Don’t hold the plant by the stem or leaves for it will break the plant which will further stress it. To transfer the autoflower, gently grab the root ball and place it in a new container as gently as possible. Try not to tug on or stretch the roots.

6. Keep the Transplanted Plant in a Stable Environment

When you transplant, make sure your autoflower stays in a stable environment, especially temperature, humidity, and light. Don't move the plant too often or change its conditions, as this will only cause more stress. Make sure the soil is properly moist and the plant does not get too much direct light while it establishes. 

7. Allow Time for Recovery

Your autoflower will require some time to recover even with the best care. Don’t expect explosive growth immediately after the move. Give the plant a few days to settle in and start rooting in the new soil. For this period, don’t overwater, and don’t add anything at all until you see active growth again.

8. Topping and High-Stress Training (HST) 

Topping and High-Stress Training (HST) are quite different cultivation methods for cannabis. These techniques encourage multiple colas and may lead to larger yields. Nonetheless, due to their shorter life cycle, autoflowers may not have enough time to recover from these, so it is risky. 

Why High-Stress Training is Risky for Autoflowers

High-stress training (HST) involves methods that affect the plant's structure. For example, topping or FIMming involves cutting the tip of the plants whereas low-stress training or LST is only about gently bending the branches to help with light distribution. 

HST helps in shaping the plant and further encourages bud sites, but it involves a dangerous risk, especially for the autoflowering varieties.

1. Limited Recovery Time

As you already know, autoflowers can flower within 8-12 weeks. Topping an autoflower means cutting off the main growth tip, which can severely slow down the plant’s growth time by several days or even weeks. The plant might not have time to fully recover before it starts flowering, thereby lowering the yield and slowing the plant’s growth overall.

2. Stress-Induced Flowering

Autoflowers will start flowering at some point regardless of whether their light cycle changes. If you perform stress-inducing activities like topping or super cropping on these plants, they might flower as soon as they can without completing their life cycle. This means that you will not get the best possible yields from them. Unlike photoperiod plants, which can recover and keep growing after topping, autoflowers may not have enough time to recover and may start flowering instead.

3. Risk of Over-stress

Compared to photoperiod strains, autoflowers are more sensitive to stress. Methods like super cropping, where the plant's stem is intentionally bent or pinched, may result in stems breaking or buds getting damaged or growing stunted. These might stress out your plant. When growing autoflowers, you want to inflict the least amount of stress so that they can reach their full potential in the least amount of time.

4. Impact on Yield

Too much stress during the critical vegetative stage may reduce the yield potential of the plant. The energy of the plant will go towards healing the training wounds, not on growing bigger buds. This can be particularly problematic for autoflowers that have a short time to create and mature flowers.

Instead, go for safer techniques like LST, or ScrOG. LST, as mentioned already, is about bending the branches and is especially suitable for autoflowers since it would not interfere with their growth cycle or hinder their development.

Summary: Common Autoflower Growing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As you can understand by now, there are quite a few mistakes you can commit when growing autoflowers. Ultimately, it will prevent you from growing healthy plants; however, if you learn from your mistakes or avoid them in the first place, you can also expect great yields.