When to Apply Mycorrhizae to Cannabis (and How)

Apply mycorrhizae when you prep your growing medium or when you transplant, either mixing the powder into the soil before planting or dissolving it in the water you give your plants. The key is getting it right next to the roots while the root system is still young, so the partnership between fungus and plant gets established from day one.

Mycorrhizae are a type of beneficial fungus that forms a symbiosis with plant roots, boosting how well they take up nutrients and water.

Applying them the right way is how you get the full payoff: better plant growth, protection against pathogens and more efficient use of what's in your soil. But knowing when to apply mycorrhizae is what makes the difference between results and wasted product.

How do mycorrhizae help your cannabis roots?

Mycorrhizae are one of nature's little marvels in the gardening world, and their relationship with cannabis roots is a textbook example of symbiosis.

This kind of fungus teams up with plant roots and forms a network that helps them pull essential nutrients from the soil, which isn't always easy. In the process, mycorrhizae play a key role in boosting the roots' ability to capture nutrients and water.

A two-way trade that benefits your plants

What makes the relationship between mycorrhizae and plant roots so special is that the fungi work tirelessly for the roots, but not out of the goodness of their hearts. In return, they get carbohydrates the plant produces through photosynthesis. It's a trade where both sides win.

As the mycorrhizae develop, their fungal network spreads out and covers more of the root zone. That means your cannabis plant can reach more nutrients and water, because the network increases the absorption surface. The farther it spreads, the bigger the nutrient reserve available to the plant, which translates into healthier, sturdier growth.

How to add mycorrhizae to your cannabis root system

Mycorrhizae are a big help for optimizing the growth and health of your weed plants. To get the best results, though, you need to pick the right type. There are two main groups: endomycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae.

The thing to know: cannabis plants don't benefit from ectomycorrhizae, so if you want to properly feed your plants' roots, go with endomycorrhizae.

Choosing the right mycorrhizae for cannabis

Endomycorrhizae are the best match for cannabis because they work their way directly into the root cells, which makes it easier to take up nutrients and water. Unlike ectomycorrhizae, which form a sheath around the outside of the roots, endomycorrhizae interact more closely with the root system and get the most out of the symbiosis.

Types of mycorrhizal products

Mycorrhizal products come in a few forms, which makes them easy to apply. You'll find them at garden centers, grow shops or online, usually as a powder or a liquid. Both are easy to use, and each has its advantages depending on your preference and the growing setup you run.

• Powdered mycorrhizae: Great for adding straight to soil or other growing media, since you can sprinkle it near the roots or mix it into the medium before planting.
• Liquid mycorrhizae: Perfect for applying through your watering. Dissolve it in water and water your cannabis plants with the solution so the fungi reach the roots directly and efficiently.

How to apply mycorrhizae to cannabis roots

1. Prep the growing area: Before adding mycorrhizae, make sure your growing medium is well aerated and suited to root development. If you're growing in soil, loosen it up around the roots so the fungi can spread more easily.
2. Apply directly to the roots: With powder, put a small amount around the roots or mix it into the medium before transplanting. With liquid, dissolve the recommended number of drops in water and water the plant as usual.
3. Keep moisture levels right: Mycorrhizae need a moist environment to thrive. Make sure your soil or growing medium stays properly moist so they can develop.

Benefits of mycorrhizae for indica and sativa plants

Mycorrhizae can significantly improve the health and growth of cannabis roots, which translates into:

• Better nutrient and water uptake: By increasing the roots' absorption surface, mycorrhizae help plants make better use of the nutrients already in the soil.
• Better disease resistance: Mycorrhizae act as a protective barrier against soil-borne pathogens and diseases, helping roots stay healthy.
• More efficient fertilizer use: Because they improve nutrient uptake, mycorrhizae can cut down on how much extra fertilizer you need, making for a more sustainable grow.