In this article, we are going to discuss the cause of marijuana with 3 leaves.
Each cannabis strain is unique, and some plants have more tips on their leaves than others. Most cannabis plants begin with 3 leaves when they are young. However, as they become mature, the leaves spread to have more points.
After germination, the leaves usually have a second set of 3-point leaves. From then onwards, the leaves normally have more than three points.
Cannabis plants have several numbers of points. However, the most common point is seven. Depending on the strain, you will see 5, 9, 11, or even 13 points which aren’t unusual. While these may be rare, occasionally marijuana plants have an even number of points.
Marijuana with 3 leaves might result from different growing conditions. Some plants will have more leaves depending on the environment. An ideal environment can lead to leaves with more points.
Nonetheless, some plants may have varying leaves even on the same plant.
Regardless, what if your marijuana plant grows with the normal 3-finger leaves? What does that mean?
What causes marijuana with 3 Leaves?
- Light stress: Light is an essential factor, and significant changes in grow light type or light levels can influence the leaves.
- Unexpected photoperiods: Switching grow lights on and off at a new time or changing the plant’s lighting schedule can also influence leaves. Sometimes marijuana with 3 leaves results from switching to a 12/12 light schedule.
- Environmental stress: High temperatures, stagnant air, underwatering, and other stress factors can lead to marijuana with 3 leaves.
- Re-vegetating: When a plant starts developing buds in the flowering stage before going to the vegetative stage, it can lead to marijuana with 3 leaves.
- Genetics: Marijuana with 3 leaves can be due to genetics. If your plants are healthy and still grow with 3-point leaves, then there’s no need to worry.
Cannabis plants with 3-point leaves may also be because of a stress response. This response is usually a result of major changes in light quality or light schedule. For example, switching plants from fluorescent to powerful LED lights can lead to 3-point leaves. The major cause for this effect is because the plants adjusted to the light and started growing regularly.
Why plants start growing 3-point leaves after a change in light can depend on the type of strain.
Changing the light schedule can also affect the number of leaves. Plants may grow 3-point leaves after switching their grow light or having irregular light schedules.
Outdoor growing comes with difficulties controlling mother nature. Natural factors like bush fires can cause plants to grow 3-point leaves. Bush fires create smoke that blocks the sun’s rays which leads to a 3-point stress response.
Plants growing 3-point leaves in response to stress will correct themselves after a while. All you need is time.
My cannabis plant has leaves with 3 and 5 points. Is this bad?
No worries! Having cannabis leaves with 3 or 5 points is not necessarily a cause for concern. Cannabis plants can exhibit a range of leaf shapes and sizes, influenced by genetics, growing conditions, and environmental factors. While most cannabis plants typically develop leaves with 5 or 7 points as they mature, variations such as 3-point or 5-point leaves can occur naturally without indicating any underlying issues. However, if accompanied by other symptoms such as discoloration, wilting, or stunted growth, it may be worth investigating potential causes such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, or environmental stressors. Overall, the presence of leaves with 3 or 5 points alone is not indicative of a problem and is often just a natural variation within the plant species.
Bottom line
Cannabis plants with 3 leaves is quite rare but if your cannabis plants suddenly have 3-point leaves, an unusual scenario you shouldn’t ignore. Find out the cause of this change and act accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, besides high temperatures and underwatering, factors like poor air circulation, humidity fluctuations, and nutrient imbalances can also contribute to the development of 3-point leaves in marijuana plants.
While it can be challenging to distinguish between genetic traits and stress-induced leaf patterns, observing the overall health and growth patterns of the plant, along with considering any recent changes in growing conditions, can provide insights into the cause.
The recovery time for marijuana plants experiencing stress-induced leaf patterns can vary depending on the severity of the stress and the plant's resilience. In general, providing optimal growing conditions and addressing the underlying stressors can help plants recover within a few weeks to a month.
Yes, certain strains, such as Ducksfoot, are genetically predisposed to produce leaves with fewer points, often exhibiting 3-point patterns throughout their growth cycle.
Yes, indoor growers can maintain stable environmental conditions, including proper lighting, temperature, humidity, and watering schedules, to reduce the likelihood of stress-induced leaf patterns. Additionally, selecting strains known for their resilience to environmental fluctuations can help mitigate this issue.
