Mycorrhizal Fungi and Cannabis: A Useful Symbiosis
When you take a walk in the forest and see a mushroom, you may not be aware of the incredible mycelial network underneath it. Mushrooms are just the tip of the iceberg. They are just the fruiting bodies of Mycorrhizal fungi. Did you know that these fungi are extremely useful to over 90% of the plants and trees on our planet? And yes, it is very useful to cannabis plants too!
A Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic relationship between the fungi and the plant. Let’s find out more about the Mycorrhizae in Cannabis.
How Does It Work?
After mycorrhizal fungi spores germinate, they colonize the plant roots by penetrating into the epidermis of the roots. Once they have successfully colonized the roots, the fungi start producing branching filaments merging with the roots called hyphae. This network of hyphae then spreads throughout the soil thereby increasing the total surface area of the roots. This, in turn allows the plant to use the water and nutrients present in the soil much more efficiently!
The Major Benefits
The symbiosis mycorrhizal fungi produce leads to healthier plants. By getting the nutrients they want when they want it, cannabis plants become much more low-maintenance. These fungi also help the plants fight off diseases, and find water when it is scarce. In other words, these beneficial organisms can help cannabis plants be more resistant and experience less stress.
Fertilizers And Fungi
There is no free lunch! Although the fungi help the plants find food and water and be healthy, they also take energy from the plant. It is a trade off. In return, the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates it produces through photosynthesis. That is why, if you grow cannabis using mineral fertilizers, it’s not always best to use mycorrhizal fungi. However, in organic gardening, they are very beneficial to the plants and can help increase yields.
Naturally Present Everywhere
Mycorrhizal fungi are present almost everywhere is the wild. That is why some trees can live for thousands of years without getting sick or lacking nutrients. These fungi are present in most soils, but their levels are often too low for proper colonization. Therefore, it will give you much better results if you inoculate your plants with the spores yourself.
Likewise, if you grow your cannabis in a soil-less media such as coco coir or peat, there won’t be any fungi naturally present so you will need to add them.
Mycorrhizae
Which one should you buy?
When Should You Inoculate Your Plants?
Super Simple To Use
Once you have found the right type of fungus for your cannabis and inoculated your seeds or clones, you’re all set! There is nothing else to do but keep the soil moist although not to wet.
At this point, the fungus will start working its magic!
Cannabis clone inoculated with Mycorrhizal fungi
Would you use, Glomus Mosseae, Glomus Intraradices, Rhizophagus Intraradices and/ or Mosseae with plants that are going to be potted? How long dos it take for these Mycorrhiza fungi to start working?
Thank you for writing this article
Jason Fay
Can you recommend a reliable source to buy Glomus Mosseae, Glomus Intraradices, Rhizophagus Intraradices and/ or Mosseae from?
After harvesting plants can I save Mycorrhizae for the next harvest? If so what’s the best way to do so?
Hi Jason,
Just like organic cultivation methods in general, Mycorrhizal Fungi are most effective with outdoor plants and plants that will be vegged for a relatively long time. That being said, you will get some benefits even with potted plants grown indoors.
It depends on many factors but the sooner you inoculate, the better.
Cheers,
The Khalifa Team
Hello Jason,
It depends on where you live so I’m not sure.
Yes you can reuse your soil and it’s even recommended if you’re into organic gardening.
Having an indoor raised bed may be better than using pots however (No-till).
Best,
The Khalifa Team
If you grow outdoors, after harvesting flowers & stems, you can put your freshly washed roots into a sealed jar. The miraculous mychorriza will magically emerge after a few days, snowy white & delicate. You can add water to make a root dip and/or pour it onto your compost pile or directly into soil.
This is a great tip! Thank you Paul for sharing it with the community.