March 10, 2022

White Spots or Brown Spots on Cannabis Leaves? This Might be The Cause.

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White spots on the leaves of any cannabis plant in your crop is cause for concern. And more than likely, it indicates a problem that could spiral out of control if left unchecked. Two major culprits stand out, there are certain insects that cause these issues, and certain types of mold and fungal disease. Today we’ll explore some of the common causes of white spots on cannabis leaves – and the ways you can prevent infection and infestation from threatening your plants.

Insect Infestation

• White spots on the leaves of your cannabis plants could be an indicator of an insect population – a population that will only grow if nothing is done to stop them. Two bugs stand out as particularly common culprits – thrips and spider mites.
• Identifying the bug is key – thrips live closer to the middle stalks of the plant and come out to rasp away at the leaves and suck sap. They’re an oblong bug, visible to the naked eye, and eventually grow wings so they can fly from plant to plant.
• Spider mites are very small, best seen on the leaves through a magnifying glass. Besides white spots, one of the most identifiable signs – and the worst indicator of your plant’s health – is the presence of little webs all over the leaves. This is how they travel from leaf to leaf, and left unchecked they’ll completely destroy all the other plants nearby as well by traveling via these webs.
• These bugs share some similarities, in that they can be combated in similar ways. Natural pesticides can be a good idea at any stage – and neem oil spray is a preferred solution. These bugs also lay eggs in the soil – so changing the soil of salvageable infested plants is a good idea after the initial infestation is dealt with. And, natural insect predators are an advanced technique some indoor growers rely on when addressing an infestation in progress.

Mold, Mildew, and Fungus

• If you’ve identified that it isn’t bugs, the other most likely culprit is something a little more difficult to deal with: mold and fungus. Several fungal diseases cause white spots on cannabis leaves, including powdery mildew, botrytis, and downy mildew – but they can all spread in a similar way, by sending their spores into the air around your plants.
• Combating airborne fungal spores means stopping them before they land. If any of these fungal threats land, your best option will often be to carefully quarantine the infected plant, cut off the affected leaves or branches, and potentially destroy the plant entirely – carefully inspecting the plants that were around it.
• Preventing spores from landing means processing the air in your grow room – purifying it of any unwanted organic particles. Not all air purification methods can actively destroy unwanted fungal spores, though, so the right solution is key to protecting your plants.

Brown Spots on Cannabis Leaves

Brown spots on cannabis leaves are often a telltale sign of fungal infections, which can pose a serious threat to the health and yield of the plants. Fungal pathogens like powdery mildew and leaf septoria can manifest as brown or yellowish spots on leaves, leading to a range of issues from aesthetic damage to significant crop loss. These infections typically thrive in environments with high humidity and poor air circulation, making cannabis plants particularly vulnerable in certain growing conditions. Early detection and treatment of these fungal infections are crucial for maintaining the health of the plants. Left unchecked, these pathogens can rapidly spread throughout a grow room, affecting the entire crop.

In combating these fungal threats, AiroClean 420 presents a viable solution with its air purification and mildew control units. These systems work by sanitizing the air, effectively removing airborne pathogens, including spores that lead to fungal infections. By employing a photocatalytic process, AiroClean 420 units destroy these harmful particles without the use of chemicals, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option for growers. This not only helps in controlling the existing fungal infections but also plays a significant role in preventing future outbreaks. Regular use of AiroClean 420 can create a cleaner, healthier growing environment, thus enhancing the overall quality and yield of the cannabis crop.

Destroying Mold and Stopping Fungal Disease

AiroClean420 is the answer to airborne fungal spores – as well as any other unwanted organic particles in your air, like viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds. Air processed through an AiroClean420 unit is 99.99% pure, meaning your cannabis plants are protected from fungal threats that can cause white spots on their leaves. Installing and using your AiroClean420 system is simple, and it provides protection that will help you breathe easy around your plants. Reach out to us today for a free facility proposal – and see how AiroClean420 can protect your plants and improve your indoor grow.