Chlorine / Chloride (Cl)

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Chloride is found in many municipal water systems. Cannabis tolerates low levels of chlorine. It is usually not a component of fertilizers and is almost never deficient in gardens that grow cannabis.

Chlorine, in the form of chloride, is fundamental to photosynthesis and cell division in the roots and the foliage. It also increases osmotic pressure in the cells, which open and close the stomata to regulate moisture flow within the plant tissue.

It is uncommon to be deficient. Young leaves pale and wilt, and roots become stubby. As the deficiency progresses, leaves become chlorotic and develop a characteristic bronze color. The rots develop thick tips and become stunted.

Treat deficiency by adding chlorinated water.

Young leaves develop burned leaf tips and margins. Very young seedlings and clones are the most susceptible to damage. Later, the symptoms progress throughout the plant. Characteristic yellowish-bronze leaves are smaller and slower to develop.

Let heavily chlorinated water sit out overnight, stirring occasionally. Chlorine will volatize and disappear into the atmosphere. Use this water t mix the nutrient solution or to irrigate the garden.