by Nebula Haze
Have you ever heard of the term “re-vegging” in relation to cannabis plants? If not, let me shed some light on this fascinating phenomenon. Re-vegetation, or “re-veg” for short, occurs when a flowering plant re-enters the vegetative stage. Most cannabis plants are photoperiod strains, which means they require long nights to initiate bud formation. Even the slightest exposure to light during the dark period can trigger a re-veg.
Key Takeaways
The Intricacies of Re-Vegging
Re-vegging happens when a flowering plant receives light during its 12-hour dark period. This can be as minor as a blinking LED light in your grow tent. The consequences of such interruptions are truly astonishing.
During re-vegetation, cannabis plants exhibit a range of odd leaf symptoms, such as smooth leaf edges, stunted bud growth, new stems growing out of bud sites, and the main stem sprouting single-point leaves instead of the usual multi-fingered ones. The leaves may curl, appearing similar to heat stress, and the growth itself becomes wrinkled, twisted, and unusual.
What triggers re-vegging? In some cases, plants are exposed to shorter nights, causing them to start flowering. As spring progresses, the nights become even shorter, leading to the plants re-entering the vegetative stage. This transition results in the growth of smooth leaves directly from the center stem.
The Re-Vegging Process Unveiled
Take a look at this example: a plant that was flowering indoors is brought outside too early in the spring, which prompts it to rapidly re-veg. The nights are still too short, causing the plant to grow these peculiar smooth leaves from the center stem.
Another case reveals single-point leaves growing from the developing buds of a plant in the middle of the flowering stage. The grower unknowingly exposed the plant to light during the dark period, initiating the re-vegging process. It only takes a few days of light exposure to “flip the switch.”
Re-vegging symptoms, such as wrinkling, curling, and twisted leaves, are often mistaken for watering issues, heat problems, or the presence of pests like broad mites. However, they are actually signs that the plant is undergoing significant internal changes. The smooth edges of the wrinkled leaves are a clear indication of re-vegging.
The Marvel of Variability in Re-Vegging
Each cannabis plant expresses re-vegging in its own unique way. Environmental factors and particular strains can influence the appearance of the leaves during this process. However, the smoothness of the leaves remains a telltale sign of re-vegging. There are no other cannabis problems that produce this particular symptom.
Sometimes, marijuana growers intentionally initiate re-vegging for various reasons. For example, monstercropping involves taking a clone from a plant in the flowering phase to alter the clone’s growth patterns. Additionally, some growers opt to harvest a plant for a second time by bringing it back to the vegetative stage, allowing them to obtain a second harvest within a year, particularly in warm climates.
However, most of the time, re-vegging is an unwelcome sight for growers.
Dealing with Accidental Re-Vegging
When a plant re-vegges, you have two options:
- Allow the plant to complete the re-vegetation process if you desire a vegetative stage.
- Correct the light periods by eliminating any possible light leaks and providing the plants with 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness per day, prompting them to return to the flowering stage.
Keep in mind that plants far into the flowering stage may take a month or longer to re-veg, while plants that have just begun flowering will re-veg much more quickly. The same applies when transitioning back to flowering after re-vegging. A plant that has been re-vegging for an extended period will require a few weeks to resume flowering and bud development.
Fortunately, with patience and proper care, you can restore your plant to its normal growth patterns.
In conclusion, if you notice your cannabis plant re-vegging, don’t panic. Determine whether you want your plant to be in the vegetative or flowering stage and take appropriate action. With a little time and care, you’ll have your plant thriving once again.
