Transplanting cannabis plants is the best way to develop a healthy root mass and ensure vigorous early growth. Whether you are starting from seeds or clones, in soil or coco, plants will do best in appropriately sized containers. This is true for all cannabis plants. There is a persistent myth in the cannabis community that auto-flowers should be started in final containers. However, like virtually all other potted plants, I recommend transplanting auto-flowers too. Unlike the myth, which suggests that it slows plants down, transplanting is a ubiquitous horticultural practice because it speeds plants up and produces better root structure.
In this article/tutorial I cover everything you need to know to develop and execute your transplant strategy for cannabis in soil or coco coir. I explain the benefits of transplanting cannabis plants and the horticultural reasons for the practice. I then describe the various aspects of a well-developed transplant strategy, including how to avoid transplant shock, the best containers for transplanting, when to transplant cannabis and, of course, how to transplant cannabis plants.
The Benefits of Transplanting Cannabis
Plants do best when grown in appropriately sized containers. This is true about all plants in all media, but it is particularly true about cannabis plants. In both soil and coco, transplanting helps promote the ideal conditions for early growth. Keeping small plants in small containers makes it easier to achieve the correct air to water ratio and encourages denser root growth. The risks of transplant shock are minimal even for new growers. Therefore, the benefits of transplanting cannabis plants clearly outweigh the risks.
The Benefits of Transplanting Cannabis Plants in Soil
When growing plants in soil, transplanting is critical for several reasons. As with any media, plants started in small containers grow faster, develop better root ball mass and greater root density. However, in soil, there is an even more important reason to start small and pot-up: air to water ratio.
Transplanting Promotes the Best Air to Water Ratio
One of the key benefits of keeping small plants in small containers is that they do not become water-logged. Soil retains too much water, and roots suffer from oxygen deprivation immediately following watering. With large plants, the roots themselves help absorb the water and keep the soil from remaining water-logged. However, when small plants are in large containers, they cannot absorb sufficient water through their roots and the soil remains saturated. This will stunt root growth and can lead to “damping off” and eventual plant death.
New growers often think that starting a plant in a large container of soil will be the easiest way to grow. However, you really need to be an expert gardener to be able to water small plants in large containers of soil without over or under-watering. The truth is that it is easier to learn how to transplant than it is to effectively water small plants in large containers.
The Benefits of Transplanting Cannabis Plants in Coco
Coco coir mixed with perlite is an incredible growing medium because it always retains enough oxygen in the media. This means that even after a watering the roots are not water-logged; they still have access to oxygen. However, the air to water ratio is still superior when the plants are in the appropriate sized container. Furthermore, air to water ratio is not the only benefit to transplanting. As with almost all plants in almost all media, transplanting cannabis plants grown in coco is critical to help promote the best root structure and root ball mass.
Transplanting Cannabis Produces the Best Roots
When plants grow in containers, their roots quickly seek the bottom and colonize primarily along the bottom of the container. Transplanting through a series of steps encourages roots to colonize the full volume of media.
You can think of potting-up through a transplant strategy as being a form of root training. At each step, the plant establishes a new zone of root density before potting-up. This creates a final container that has root density throughout the volume of the media rather than primarily at the bottom.
Small containers early in life encourage root ball formation and lead to greater density of roots throughout the plant’s life. Conversely, if a small plant grows in a large container it will send roots to the bottom. This leaves a huge vacant mass of medium with relatively few roots. As a result, the medium takes longer to dry and there is less oxygen available to the roots. The roots will not colonize the middle of the pot after they have grown past it. Therefore, starting plants in a large container effectively reduces the potential root area and the potential harvest.
Seedlings Grow Slowly in Large Containers
Starting plants in large containers not only limits their potential, but it also slows them down. Large containers often do not retain adequate oxygen for root growth in the center of the media and the roots will grow at the edges and the bottom. This forces seedlings to invest additional energy in root growth at the expense of above ground growth. Since the above ground growth is the source of all energy, this has a compound effect in slowing vegetative growth early in life.
Starting seedlings in small containers and potting up encourages more balanced and faster growth. Roots quickly reach the bottom and colonize the seedling pot allowing the young seedling to work on above ground growth. Potting up to a second container and then the final container continues this process of balanced growth and root colonization.
What about “Transplant Shock”?
Many growers avoid transplanting because they are worried about “transplant shock”. However, even new growers can completely avoid transplant shock when potting-up. In fact, transplant shock as a horticultural phenomenon is not related to the style of transplanting that we practice. We are “potting-up”, which is simply moving a plant to a larger container with the same medium. If we take basic precautions with the roots and the medium, then the plant will not suffer any transplant shock.
Transplant Shock Can be Avoided When Potting-Up
Transplant shock is usually a result of significant physical root damage during the transplant process. This often occurs when plants are excavated from the ground to be re-planted in a different location. In that style of transplanting, the tap root often suffers significant damage. Fortunately, with indoor cannabis, we are not doing that style of transplanting.
New cannabis growers often worry about damaging roots during transplanting. However, the root damage that occurs when plants are potted up is usually peripheral. This slight damage to peripheral roots does not lead to transplant shock. Indeed, a little root pruning helps encourage fibrous root growth. If you follow the procedure and timing that I explain below, you can safely pot-up without fear of transplant shock from root damage.
Take Simple Steps to Avoid Shocking the Roots
The other cause of transplant shock is “root shock”. This usually occurs because plants encounter different fertilizers or an unfamiliar medium in the destination. Root shock often affects garden starters that are started in seedling pots and then transferred to garden beds. It can also affect cannabis plants if the transplant medium is not properly prepared.
With simple precautions, growers can completely avoid “root shock” when potting-up. We are not changing the medium, just increasing the volume of it. However, it is important to ensure that the new media is set to the same parameters as the current media for the plants. You can accomplish this in coco or soil by pre-watering (fertigating) the new media with the same nutrient solution that is used for the plants. Be sure to measure the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the water that flows through the new media (the run-off) and verify it is appropriate prior to transplanting.
Root shock can also occur if the roots are exposed to light and air for long durations during the transplant process. As a result, you should always get the new container prepared in advance and execute the transplant process quickly. If the transplant is done quickly and the new media has the same fertilizers and EC, then the roots will not be shocked. Rather than suffering transplant shock you can expect to see a growth surge immediately after you pot-up.
Transplanting Auto-Flowers
If you grow Auto-flowering cannabis plants, it is important to grow them quickly. They will begin to flower on their own schedule and if they are stunted then there is no time to recover. This makes it particularly important to follow a transplant strategy when growing auto-flowers.
There is a persistent myth in the cannabis community which argues that auto-flowers should not be transplanted. This myth is based on the false premise that transplanting leads to transplant shock and slows plants down. The reality is that we use a transplant strategy in horticulture because it produces faster and better growth. Auto-flowering cannabis plants are not some unique exception to this rule. Like virtually all other potted plants, auto-flowers grow faster and better using a transplant strategy.
Transplant Strategy for Cannabis
I recommend a three-stage transplanting strategy for most cannabis plants in soil and coco. The initial seedling container is small to allow the young plant to quickly develop a root ball mass. The second stage allows the roots to expand as the plant grows, but only a little. Once the roots colonize the second container, the plants are ready to be potted-up into their final container. They will move into their final containers with a significant root ball mass which will be their foundation for healthy and vigorous growth through the remainder of vegetation and flowering.
Pots: Containers for Transplanting Cannabis
You should consider the material and size of the container when choosing pots for your cannabis transplant strategy. The material of the container will affect the plant growth and the difficulty of the transplant process. The pot size that you should choose as you pot up is determined largely by the medium that you use. Plants growing in coco do better in a smaller second container than plants growing in soil. Choosing the best containers for transplanting ensures the easiest transplant process and the best plant growth
Container Material: Plastic or Fabric Pots
I prefer fabric pots or air-pots for the plants at every stage. These containers offer the best drainage and aeration. This helps maintain the best air to water ratio, which promotes the best root growth. Many growers are concerned with the difficulty of transplanting out of fabric pots. However, in practice, they can be just as easy if not easier than transplanting from plastic. I offer a step-by-step transplanting guide below.
Pot Sizes for Coco Grows
- Coco Stage 1: Seedling Pots: 1-Pint
- Coco Stage 2: Half to One-Gallon
- Coco Stage 3: Final Containers: Three to Seven-Gallon
Coco coir offers roots an ideal growing environment with very little resistance. As a result, roots grow very quickly during early life. If the roots have a lot of room to expand into, they will spread out quickly. That may sound great, but it is not ideal for developing the best root mass. In order to develop a denser root mass, it is beneficial to go through 3 steps rather than directly from a seedling pot to a final container. The second step should be relatively small to prevent run-away roots and develop better root density.
Container size does not limit the plant size when the medium is coco. Instead, the ideal final container size in coco depends on your watering frequency. Three-gallon final containers are best if you practice high-frequency fertigation with an automatic watering system. Five or seven-gallon final containers are better for hand-watering.
Pot Sizes for Soil Grows
- Soil Stage 1: Seedling Pots: 1-Pint
- Soil Stage 2: Two to Three-Gallon
- Soil Stage 3: Final Containers: Five to Ten-Gallon
Plants in soil should start in the same small seedling containers that coco growers use. However, soil offers less root space than coco, so as they mature the plants benefit from larger pot sizes. The second step for a soil transplant strategy should be two to three gallons. This gives the plant room to expand its roots but is small enough that it will not lead to over-watering issues.
Container size limits the final plant size when the medium is soil. Therefore, the best final container size depends on the size of the plants. Most indoor soil growers do well with five, seven or ten-gallon final containers.
The Best Pots for Transplanting Cannabis
Transplant Set
Air-Pot Hydro Transplant Set
Seedling Pots
Fabric Nursery Bags
Second Containers
1-Gallon Transplanter Pots
Final Containers
When choosing final containers the media needs to be considered. For coco grows the first concern is drainage. Smaller containers drain better, but require more frequent watering. In most coco grows, 3 or 5-gallon final containers are best. For soil grows, root space is more limited, so larger pots are required for larger plants. We recommend 5-10-gallon final containers for soil. For both coco and soil we recommend either Air-pots or fabric pots because they drain well and create the best environment for roots.
#3 Air-pot
#5 Air-Pot
7-Gallon Fabric Pot
When to transplant Cannabis: Potting-up
The best time to transplant cannabis plants into a larger container is when their roots have established a root mass in the current container. If you transplant the plants too quickly then it eliminates the advantage of the transplant strategy. Conversely if you transplant too late it can slow growth, which also reduces the advantage of transplanting. Although the roots are the key, you can estimate the best time to transplant by observing the above ground growth.
Stage 1: Seedling Containers Until the Plant has Three Nodes
I recommend starting seeds in a germination media such as Jiffy Pellets. Be sure to see our tutorial, “How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds”. When the root emerges from the jiffy pellet, it can be transferred to the seedling pot with soil or coco. Healthy plants will fully colonize a one-pint container by the time they have grown 3 true nodes. This will take about a week in coco and somewhat longer in soil. The roots may emerge from the pot earlier than this, particularly when using coco in the fabric seedling pots. That is not a problem and it is not a sign that you should transplant earlier. The roots may come out the bottom, but that does not mean they have colonized the full volume of the container. When the plant has three nodes it is safe to pot-up to the second container.
Stage 2: Second Containers Until the Plant Doubles in Size
The second step in the transplant strategy is important to nurture the growing roots and develop the best root mass. Although the pot sizes are different for soil and coco, the general rule about when to transplant is the same. Plants should at least double in size in their second container before potting-up. If a plant has three nodes when it comes into the second container, then it should have six or seven before you pot up. When plants are growing very well this may take less than a week. That doesn’t mean the second step was pointless, rather it means that it worked brilliantly!
How to Transplant Cannabis Plants
The actual practice of transplanting is straight forward and easy to master. It should not intimidate growers and does not need to be traumatic for the plants. Different media and different containers must be handled differently, but the basic principles are largely the same. Here, I provide a step-by-step guide to transplanting cannabis.
Transplanting Cannabis Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the new container and media
The first task is to prepare the new media in the new container. The goal is to create a medium with the same nutrients, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and pH as the plants already experience. Depending on the media, this may be as simple as filling the pot and getting it wet or it may require pre-fertilization and measurements.
Fill the pot with the new media but leave some space for the transplant. The new media should be thoroughly saturated at the time of transplant. If you are fertigating your plants (adding fertilizers to the irrigation water), then the new media should be saturated with the same nutrient solution that the plants have been receiving.
When you saturate the new media, you should collect some of the excess that runs-off and measure the EC. Coco that comes straight from the buffering process is often too high in EC for the plants. It is common to get new soil that is too high in EC as well.
High EC in the new media is the main cause of “transplant shock”, but it can be completely avoided. If the EC reading is outside the current range for the plant, then continue to flush the new media until the run-off EC is in range.
Once the media is saturated and the EC is confirmed then it is time to make a hole to receive the plant. I usually dig out the hole with my hands and push the media into the edges of the pot. Be sure to make the hole larger than the current pot. You can eyeball this or actually lower the plant into the hole while it is still in its container to judge the size.
Step 2: Prepare the Plant
In soil, I recommend to allow the plant to dry out somewhat prior to transplanting. This can help to reduce root damage and ease the transition to the new media. However, I do not advise this in coco. Coco should always stay wet and being wet helps the coco to stick together better during the transplant process. Because of this, I fertigate my plants in coco immediately before transplanting them
Before attempting to remove the old container, it helps to separate it from the plant and medium. In most containers you should be able to slide a butter knife, or other similar tool, around the inside edge of the pot. If you are growing in fabric pots, you may cut through several roots while doing this. It is not a problem to cut these peripheral roots.
Step 3: Remove the Old Container
The standard procedure to remove the old container involves flipping the plant upside down momentarily. Simply cover the top of the media with your hand as best as you can. Then flip the plant over and pull the pot off the media. Plastic pots will come off easily, but fabric pots may need to be worked off the media with some caution.
The easiest way to remove fabric pots is to use scissors and cut them. The fabric seedling bags are very cheap, so I use scissors and cut the bottom out of the bag. I then cut a slit up the side and peal the pot away. The second containers are more expensive and durable, so I try to save them. The “Velcro transplanter” pots make removing the containers much easier. If you do not have transplanter pots, you can turn a standard fabric pot into a “transplanter” pot by cutting a slit up the side. Afterwards, you can close the slit with safety pins to use the pot again.
Step 4: Transfer to New Container
This step should go quickly! Simply take the pot-less plant and media and place it in the hole that you prepared in the new container. Fill-in the hole by pushing the media down from around the sides. That’s it, transplant complete!
Step 5: Post-Transplant
Following the transplant, you should monitor the plant and ensure it is growing well before resuming any plant training. Most plants will perk up and grow happily in their new containers. If they are happy then you can resume training and topping 24 hours after the transplant. However, if the plant is a little grumpy about the transplant, give it time to recover before applying additional stress.
Get Support from Our Community!!
Do you still have questions or want to talk about your grow? We have a wonderful community of growers, and you are invited to join! If you are looking for advice and support throughout your grow, we encourage you to start a Grow Journal in our Grower’s Forum. It is a great way to share your experience and ask questions along the way!
We also have a Live Chat Room, which is a great place to ask questions, get quick answers, and chat with fellow growers. We welcome all growers who want to learn, share and grow together!
Current CFC Giveaways & Community Events
The Grower Love GIVEAWAY!
Help us spread the grower love for your chance to win a great new grow light in our Grower Love Giveaway! Entering this giveaway is as simple and easy as entering your email address. Make sure to register for the Grower Love Giveaway today!
Let's Grow Together!
At Coco for Cannabis, we host grow challenges where growers can grow together and learn from each other in the spirit of collaboration. We invite you to join our next challenge! Our Spring Auto Flower Challenge (SAFC) begins on April 20th. We want you to sign up for it! All growers are welcome, and it is free to join!
Cannabis Grow Guides
The Science and Practice of Growing Cannabis
The Grow Light Guide
Want to know more about grow lights? Our grow light guide is one of our most extensive and innovative tools for growers yet! The Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Guide is an independent and unsponsored resource for growers. Our goals are to demystify grow light metrics, share reliable grow light data and empower home growers with the best information about grow lights. We conduct independent grow light testing and have developed articles and resources to help growers understand the science of horticultural lighting.
Grow Light Tests and Reviews
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
- ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro
- Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1000
- Maxsisun MF-1000
- Mars Hydro TS 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1500
- Viparspectra P-1500
- Spider Farmer SF 1000
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
- Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w
- Mars Hydro FC-E3000
- Atreum Hydra 3200
- ViparSpectra KS3000
- Mogobe Octopus 300
- Photontek SQ 300w PRO
- ViparSpectra XS 2000
- Maxsisun MF 2000
- Mars Hydro FC-3000
- Mars Hydro SP 3000
- Mars Hydro TSL 2000
- Spider Farmer SF 2000
- Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
- Spider Farmer SE7000
- Mars Hydro FC-1000w
- Spider Farmer G8600
- Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus
- Medic Grow Smart 8
- ViparSpectra KS5000
- Mars Hydro FC-E8000
- Mars Hydro FC-8000
- ViparSpectra XS 4000
- Medic Grow EZ-8
- Mars Hydro FC-E4800
- Photontek X 600w PRO
- Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO
- Mars Hydro FC-E6500
- Mars Hydro FC-6500
- Spider Farmer SF 7000
- Grower's Choice ROI-E720
- Geek Light GeekBeast Plus
- Medic Grow Fold 8
- ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330
- Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro
- Mars Hydro SP 6500
- Mammoth 10 Bar
HID Fixtures
- Omega CMH 315w
Grow Light Tests and Reviews
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
- ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro
- Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1000
- Maxsisun MF-1000
- Mars Hydro TS 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1500
- Viparspectra P-1500
- Spider Farmer SF 1000
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
- Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w
- Mars Hydro FC-E3000
- Atreum Hydra 3200
- ViparSpectra KS3000
- Mogobe Octopus 300
- Photontek SQ 300w PRO
- ViparSpectra XS 2000
- Maxsisun MF 2000
- Mars Hydro FC-3000
- Mars Hydro SP 3000
- Mars Hydro TSL 2000
- Spider Farmer SF 2000
- Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
- Spider Farmer SE7000
- Mars Hydro FC-1000w
- Spider Farmer G8600
- Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus
- Medic Grow Smart 8
- ViparSpectra KS5000
- Mars Hydro FC-E8000
- Mars Hydro FC-8000
- ViparSpectra XS 4000
- Medic Grow EZ-8
- Mars Hydro FC-E4800
- Photontek X 600w PRO
- Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO
- Mars Hydro FC-E6500
- Mars Hydro FC-6500
- Spider Farmer SF 7000
- Grower's Choice ROI-E720
- Geek Light GeekBeast Plus
- Medic Grow Fold 8
- ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330
- Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro
- Mars Hydro SP 6500
- Mammoth 10 Bar
HID Fixtures
- Omega CMH 315w
Featured Video
LEDs are the Present and Future of Horticultural Lighting! However, there is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about horticultural LEDS. In this video, I do a deep dive into the science of horticultural LEDs. I explain the Physics of Light Emitting Diodes and the latest horticultural science about photosynthesis, spectrum, and plant development, including cannabinoids. I also appear in person, on camera for the first time ever in this video!
Growing Equipment
Need equipment for your grow? At Coco for Cannabis, we curated a list for all of your growing needs! We put the grower's interests first and only recommend products that we use, trust, and consider to be a good value. From finding the right grow light and equipment for setting-up your grow space, to curing, harvesting, and storing your final buds, our product and equipment guide has everything you need to set up or upgrade your grow!
Cannabis Seeds
- Seedsman
- Homegrown Cannabis Co
10% Discount Code: DRCOCO
- Crop King Seeds
- Quebec Cannabis Seeds
Read All Our Articles
Want to read more great cannabis growing articles? Check out our Table of Contents for a complete list of articles and tutorials for all of your cannabis cultivation needs!
Disclaimer:
The information on cocoforcannabis.com should not be considered as financial, legal, or medical advice. You are responsible for knowing and following the local laws that pertain to cannabis cultivation, possession, and use. Decisions to grow cannabis should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor. Decisions to use cannabis should be made in consultation with your doctor or medical professional.
We may receive a referral when you purchase products recommended on our website. You support our work by following our links and using our discount codes when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Articles
About Our Product Recommendations
At Coco for Cannabis, our mission is to help growers maximize the success of their cannabis crops by providing scientifically accurate information and sharing proven growing practices. The products that we recommend are the actual products that we chose to purchase and use ourselves. We do not accept sponsorship or advertising and will not recommend any product that we would not buy for ourselves. Please see our Product and Equipment Guide.
We may receive a referral when you purchase products through our links. This is the main revenue stream that keeps Coco for Cannabis up and running! When you click through our links and make purchases you are supporting our work! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer:
The information on cocoforcannabis.com should not be considered as financial, legal, or medical advice.
You are responsible for knowing and following the local laws that pertain to cannabis cultivation, possession, and use. Decisions to grow cannabis should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor. Decisions to use cannabis should be made in consultation with your doctor or medical professional.
