Windburn

Windburn refers to the damage caused to cannabis plants by excessive wind exposure, leading to leaf desiccation and browning.

Also called / Category:

Leaf desiccation / Pests, Pathogens & Disorders

Key takeaways:

• Windburn is often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies.
• It mainly affects the leaves, causing them to dry out and turn brown.
• Occurs in both indoor and outdoor growing environments.
• Preventable by controlling airflow and protecting plants from strong winds.

What it is / How it shows up:

Windburn commonly appears in discussions among growers and in cultivation guides. It refers to the damage that strong winds or excessive airflow can cause to cannabis plants, particularly the leaves. When plants are exposed to too much wind, the leaves can lose moisture rapidly, leading to a dry, crispy texture and brown edges. This condition can be confused with offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Nutrient burn">nutrient burn or light stress, but it is distinct in its cause. Indoor growers might see this term in forums or cultivation manuals, while outdoor growers may encounter it in weather-related advisories.

How it’s measured or identified:

• Visual inspection of leaf edges for browning or crispiness.
• Monitoring wind exposure levels in the grow area.
• Checking airflow systems for proper distribution.

Use in context:

• "My plants show signs of windburn after the storm last week."
• "Adjust the fans; the airflow is causing windburn."
• "Outdoor plants need windbreaks to prevent windburn."

Safety & compliance in Canada:

• Ensure proper fan setup in indoor grows to avoid windburn.
• Outdoor growers should monitor weather forecasts for high winds.

Related terms / See also:

• Aphids
• Aeroponics
• Beneficial Microbes
• Age-gate
• Air Exchange

FAQs:

What are the signs of windburn on cannabis plants?

Windburn is identified by dry, brown edges on the leaves, often coupled with a crispy texture.

How can I prevent windburn in my cannabis grow?

Control the airflow in your grow space and use windbreaks outdoors to shield plants from direct wind exposure.

Is windburn reversible?

While damage to leaves cannot be reversed, preventing further exposure will allow new growth to develop healthily.

Sources:

• Health Canada
• PubChem