Overview
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. is a member of the Cannabaceae family and is commonly known as Cannabis, Marijuana, Pot, or Weed. It is a herbaceous annual plant that is widely distributed around the world. The plant has a complex chemical composition, with more than 100 different cannabinoids, including the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychoactive compound Cannabidiol (CBD).
Origin
The exact origin of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. is not known, but it is believed to have originated in Central Asia. Today, it is widely cultivated throughout the world, with major production centers in parts of Asia, North America, and Europe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by many other names, such as Cannabis, Marijuana, Pot, Weed, Ganja, Herb, Mary Jane, and many more. These names vary based on regional and cultural differences.
Uses
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. The most common use of the plant today is for recreational and medicinal purposes. The plant can be smoked, vaporized, or consumed in a variety of edibles. Medicinal uses of Cannabis include reducing nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, reducing pain, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, its stems and seeds can be used to produce paper, textiles, and fuel.
General Appearance
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. is a dioecious plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has a distinctive palmate leaf shape with serrated edges. The leaves consist of 5 to 7 leaflets. The flowers are small and green and are produced in clusters. The male and female flowers are separate and are located on different plants. The female flowers are typically larger and produce the resinous trichomes that contain the cannabinoids.
Light Requirements
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica requires 12 hours or more of direct light per day during the vegetative stage for optimal growth. During the flowering stage, a 12-hour light cycle promotes bud development. This plant can grow both indoors and outdoors, but it requires ample light for proper growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica is between 18-30°C. Temperatures above or below this range can negatively impact growth and development. Humidity levels should be kept between 40-50% during vegetation and around 50% during the flowering stage. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low humidity levels can cause the plants to dry out.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients, organic matter, and has a pH level of 6.0-7.0. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the vegetation stage. However, during the flowering stage, a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus is recommended to promote bud development. Over-fertilizing can be harmful, so it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a professional grower.
Cultivation Methods for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica
When cultivating Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica, it is crucial to start with healthy seeds or cuttings from a reliable source. The plant prefers warm temperatures around 70°-85°F and should be grown in a well-ventilated area with plenty of natural light. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the grower's preference, but the plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0-6.5.
When starting the seeds, it is recommended to germinate them in a warm, moist environment and then transplant them to their final container when the roots start to poke out of the bottom of the germination container. When growing outdoors, it is important to provide a support structure to prevent the plant from falling over due to wind or heavy buds.
Watering Needs for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica
When it comes to watering, Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica prefers a well-drained soil that allows the water to penetrate deep enough for the roots to absorb it without leaving the soil waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering or underwatering the plant as it may cause root rot or nutrient deficiencies.
One way to ensure proper watering is by checking the soil's moisture level using a moisture meter or by sticking your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, add enough water to saturate the soil, but avoid adding too much water that pools on top of the soil.
Fertilization for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica
To ensure healthy growth, Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica requires a balanced blend of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients can be found in commercial fertilizers or extracted from organic sources such as bone meal, blood meal, or bat guano.
It is recommended to start fertilizing the plant a week after transplanting and then continue to fertilize every 1-2 weeks until the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, it is recommended to use a fertilizer with lower nitrogen content to promote bud growth and development.
Pruning for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica
Pruning can benefit the plant by promoting more lateral growth, increasing yield, and improving air circulation within the plant. It is recommended to prune the plant during the vegetative stage by removing the lower branches and leaves to redirect the plant's energy towards the top canopy.
When the plant enters the flowering stage, it is recommended to remove any yellowing or dead leaves to avoid mold growth or nutrient deficiencies. It is also recommended to remove any small or underdeveloped buds to allow the plant to focus its energy on the larger, more robust buds.
Propagation methods of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq.
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. is commonly known as marijuana or weed, and it is propagated through various methods that include:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Cannabis sativa. The seeds produced by the plant can be used to grow new plants, and they can also be used to breed new varieties of the plant. When propagating the plant through seeds, it is important to ensure that the seeds are of high quality, viable and have been stored correctly.
Cuttings and Cloning
Cuttings are also used to propagate Cannabis sativa. The vegetative stem cuttings are taken from a mother plant and planted to grow into a new plant. The cuttings root easily, and the new plant is an exact clone of the mother plant. Cloning allows growers to ensure that the new plant has the same chemical profile as the mother plant, which is important when it comes to maintaining consistency in the plant's medicinal and recreational effects. With cloning, growers can create large numbers of plants quickly.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation involves growing Cannabis sativa in a sterile environment using specialized equipment and nutrients. The process essentially involves taking small samples of the plant's tissue and growing them in a petri dish until they become plantlets. Tissue culture propagation is an effective way to propagate the plant because it allows for large numbers of plants to be grown quickly and without the risk of contamination from pests and diseases.
Propagation of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronq. can be done through seed, cuttings and cloning, or tissue culture. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, all of them are effective ways to propagate the plant and create new varieties. It is important to choose the method that best suits the specific needs of the grower and the properties of the plant being grown.
Disease Management
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica is vulnerable to different diseases, which can negatively impact the plant's growth and produce. The following are common diseases that affect Cannabis indica and their management strategies:
Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease that can manifest as white or gray powdery spots on leaves and flowers. High humidity and low ventilation encourage mildew growth. Preventing mildew involves maintaining optimal ventilation, lowering humidity levels, and using fungicides regularly. Neem oil, potassium bicarbonate, and copper fungicides can be used to manage mildew.
Bud Rot
Bud rot results from the fungus Botrytis cinerea and can cause buds to turn brown and feel mushy. This disease thrives in humid conditions. To prevent bud rot, growers must maintain low humidity levels, manage ventilation, and avoid overcrowding. Removing any rotten buds immediately can prevent the disease from spreading.
Cannabis Wilt
Cannabis wilt is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. It leads to wilting and yellowing leaves and reduced plant growth. The fungus can remain in the soil for years. Planting resistant strains and crop rotation between non-host crops can help manage Cannabis wilt. Applying fungicides can also be effective.
Pest Management
Several insects harm the growth and quality of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica. Using integrated pest management approaches, such as biological control, mechanical techniques, and pest-resistant strains, is the most effective strategy to manage Cannabis pests. The following are the most common pests that infest Cannabis indica and their management strategies:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small arachnids that damage leaves by sucking out the plant's sap. These pests spin webs on leaves and can be hard to spot. Spraying the plants with oils, such as neem oil, suffocates the mites, reducing the infestation. Spinosad and azadirachtin insecticides can also be used.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that usually infest the undersides of leaves. They cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Spraying a blast of water on the plants removes aphids, while insecticidal soaps can also work. Predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the plants to feed on aphids.
Thrips
Thrips can cause leaves to lose color and develop silvery-gray or brown patches. They thrive in dry, warm conditions. Insecticidal soaps, oil sprays, and pyrethrin can be used to manage thrips infestation. Yellow sticky traps can also help trap thrips.
Managing pests and diseases is essential to maintain the health and productivity of Cannabis indica. Regular monitoring, early detection, and preventive measures can help prevent significant losses from pest and disease outbreaks.
