Coco and soil are two different worlds. In coco, marijuana grows like it’s on turbo — it gets nutrients with every watering, and the medium should never dry out to a crisp. In soil, cannabis prefers longer breaths: a full watering, then a calm rest, and only then another portion. If you understand when to pour and how much, you’ll stop guessing, and the plants will pay you back with firm stems and dense leaves.
Rhythm: “often in small amounts” vs. “less often, but to full”
In coco, the best practice is to water daily, and for bigger bushes even twice a day — small portions so that a little water appears in the tray. The root ball should stay constantly moist, never bone-dry. In soil it’s the opposite: you water every 2–3 days, but thoroughly, slowly, in rounds, until the whole pot has drunk and you see a light runoff. Then you let the soil rest so roots get oxygen.
pH without confusion
Different media, different feeding windows. Coco likes pH 5.8–6.2. Soil is 6.3–6.8. Set this after adding nutrients, because they change the reaction. Too low or too high pH is the most common cause of “weird deficiencies” despite feeding.
The “pot weight” — a thermometer that doesn’t lie
The simplest “when” method is to lift the pot and feel the weight. Want more precision? After watering, weigh the pot (that’s “wet”), and right before next time weigh again (“almost dry”). In soil we usually water when the pot has lost about one third of the wet–dry difference. In coco we don’t wait that long — we water when the weight has dropped moderately and the surface starts to lighten.
How much water? Example for 5/10/20 liters
In both worlds, pour slowly and circling the perimeter. In soil, a 5 L pot usually takes 0.7–1.0 L; a 10 L pot 1.2–1.8 L; a 20 L pot 2.0–3.0 L. In coco the volumes are similar, but portions are more frequent. If water puddles on the surface, loosen the top and give it a pause — soil needs to breathe too.
Leaves tell the truth
In both media, wilted leaves can mean thirst or overwatering. You feel the difference in the pot: when too dry it’s light; when overwatered it’s heavy and cool. In coco, wilting is an alarm signal — don’t let it happen, because roots like steady moisture. In soil, a slight “hunger” before watering is actually healthy.
Changing habits without drama
Switching from soil to coco? Get ready for smaller, but more frequent portions and feeding every time. From coco to soil? Retrain your hand away from daily habits — let the soil reach “almost dry” before you water again. In both cases, keep the right pH and listen to the pot’s weight — it will guide you through the first week without false steps.
