Marijuana Plants and the Mystery of Regeneration

Ever wondered if marijuana plants can regrow roots and stems from seemingly lifeless remains? This phenomenon, often mistaken as resurrection, sparked curiosity in me back in 2000. In this article, we will explore the science behind marijuana's growth patterns and the rare instances of regeneration.

The Surprising Case of a Regenerated Northern Lights Plant

Accidental Regeneration

Let's dive into a story that might seem fantastical but is based on real experiences. In 2000, I had a walk away from a northern lights marijuana plant that yielded copious amounts of bud. After trimming most of the buds and leaving a few bottom popcorns for regrowth, I placed the plant under a 400-hps grow light, and to my surprise, it started growing like a monster. This extraordinary growth was due to the stem's ability to respond to light and produce new shoots. It became a good mother plant for about 100 clones. Eventually, the plant was harvested and consumed, but the story wasn’t over. The following year, I witnessed the same plant regrow from the remaining stem. This incident left me fascinated and inspired to further explore the capabilities of cannabis plants.

Understanding the Nature of Cannabis

Annual Nature of Cannabis

It’s a common misconception that roots continue to live after a plant is harvested. In reality, once the plant dies, so do the roots. Unlike perennials, cannabis is an annual plant, meaning it grows for one growing season and then does not survive the next. Indoor cultivation can keep a cannabis plant in the vegetative state indefinitely by maintaining a 16-hour photoperiod. Outdoor plants, however, cannot be controlled and will follow the natural light cycle.

The Rare Art of Regeneration

Can Cannabis Grow from Roots?

While it’s near impossible to grow cannabis from just a root bundle, there have been rare instances where plants managed to regrow from roots. According to my 36 years of experience, 99% of the time, cannabis cannot regrow from a root bundle. Plants from the Himalayas are sometimes rumored to be more resilient, but this is likely due to the shorter growing season in those regions.

The Process of Regeneration

Despite the rarity, there is a way to trick your cannabis plants into regrowing. This process, while promising, is challenging. You need to leave significant plant infrastructure, including enough leaf and stem behind the main bud. Once harvested, you must treat the remaining plant with care, switching the lighting and nutrients back to vegetative conditions. Perfect conditions and rich but not overly rich nutrients are crucial for successful regrowth.

Challenges and Selective Breeding

Selective Breeding for Multi-Year Plants

The process of regenerating cannabis is not just about plant survival; it also involves selective breeding. If you decide to try, you need to be prepared for tough selection practices. You must identify and breed the finest male and female specimens, eliminating weaker ones to ensure strong and desirable traits. The selection process can be grueling, which might lead to emotional distress, but it is necessary for the survival and improvement of the plant.

Conclusion

While cannabis typically behaves as an annual plant, the rare phenomenon of regeneration underscores the plant's potential. By understanding and respecting the nature of cannabis plants, growers can optimize their environments and practices to possibly stimulate these remarkable growth patterns. Whether for a unique scientific project or simply for curiosity, the journey of a cannabis plant from stem to regrowth remains an intriguing exploration in horticulture.