A hermie plant is a cannabis plant that has both male and female reproductive organs. This means it can produce both buds and pollen sacs on the same plant. Hermaphroditism can happen naturally or due to stress, which is a big concern for growers who want high-quality, seedless buds.

Hermie plants are a problem because they can self-pollinate, pollinate nearby plants, and produce buds with seeds. This lowers the crop’s quality, yield, and potency, making it less valuable and more challenging to grow successfully. To avoid this, growers need to use good genetics, control the growing environment, and spot hermie plants early.

Growcycle offers a guide on how to recognize the early signs of hermie plant. By understanding the causes of hermaphroditism and learning to identify it early, growers can manage hermie plants and keep their crops healthy and productive.

Causes of Hermaphroditism in Plants

Hermaphroditism in plants can occur due to genetic problems and environmental factors. Here are the primary causes:

Genetics

Some cannabis strains are more likely to develop hermaphroditism due to their genetic lineage. Sativa-dominant strains, landraces, and poorly bred seeds may pose a greater risk.

Stress 

Stress is the most common cause of hermaphroditism in cannabis plants. Stress signals can start a survival response, causing the plant to produce male flowers in an attempt to self-pollinate and ensure reproduction. Common stress factors include:

• Light stress: Light leaks during the dark cycle in photoperiod plants.
• Temperature stress: Excessive heat or cold can disrupt hormonal balance.
• Nutrient deficiencies or toxicities: Poor feeding schedules can lead to stress.
• Physical damage: Pruning, topping, or accidental injuries can stress plants.
• Pest infestations: Insects like spider mites or aphids weaken plants, making them susceptible to hermaphroditism.
• Overcrowding: Lack of airflow or competition for light and space.

Flowering Time Stress

If a plant is left in the flowering stage too long, it may develop male flowers as a last effort to reproduce.

Environmental Changes

Sudden changes in humidity, pH, or light schedules can disrupt hormonal balance and start hermaphroditism.

Why are Hermie Plants a Problem?

Hermie plants are a problem because of the reasons that are given here:

• Self-Pollination Hermie plants produce pollen that can fertilize their female flowers, resulting in seeds. This reduces the quality and potency of the buds.
• Pollination of Other Plants If grown alongside other cannabis plants, hermies can release pollen and pollinate nearby females, turning an entire crop into seed-laden, low-quality buds.
• Reduced Yield Energy that was to be used to produce resin and cannabinoids is diverted to seed production, reducing the overall yield and quality.

Early Signs of a Hermie Plant

Detecting hermaphroditism early can help growers take action to reduce its impact. Here are the early signs to look for:

Pollen Sacs

Hermie plants begin to develop male pollen sacs, which look like small, round balls or clusters, often resembling bananas or grapes. These sacs usually form at the nodes where branches meet the main stem.

Banana Structures 

Hermie plants can produce banana-like structures, which are yellow, long structures that emerge from buds. These are male stamens and can release pollen directly without forming a sac.

Unusual Growth Patterns

Watch for unusual formations at the nodes or within the buds. A healthy female plant should only produce white pistils and hair-like structures at this stage.

Lack of Pistil Development

A plant with reduced pistil development or mixed structures at the nodes may show early signs of hermaphroditism.

Flower Discoloration

Male flowers may appear slightly yellowish or green, differing from the normal coloration of female buds.

Guide to Identify Hermie Plants

Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying hermie plants:

1. Inspect Nodes: Closely examine the nodes where branches meet the stem for the presence of round balls or hair-like pistils.

2. Monitor Bud Development: Watch for the emergence of yellow “banana” structures on developing buds.

3. Use a Magnifying Glass: Use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe to identify mixed-sex traits for a detailed view.

4. Check for Stress Symptoms: If the plant has been exposed to stress, inspect it for hermaphroditism.

Preventing Hermaphroditism in Cannabis Plants

Here are the actions that need to be performed to prevent hermie plants in cannabis:

Start with Quality Genetics

Use seeds from reputable breeders to produce stable, feminized, or regular seeds.

Maintain Optimal Growing Conditions

• Light: Ensure complete darkness during the dark cycle for photoperiod plants.
• Temperature: Maintain consistent temperatures of 70F-85°F and avoid heat stress.
• Humidity: Keep humidity levels stable to prevent plant stress.

Avoid Over-Stressing Plants

Minimize pruning, topping, or other high-stress training techniques during sensitive stages of growth.

Monitor Closely During Flowering

Pay extra attention during the flowering stage, as plants will likely show hermaphroditic traits.

Harvest on Time

Do not leave plants in the flowering stage too long, as this can start hermaphroditism.

Regular Inspections

Inspect plants daily, especially during flowering, to catch hermaphroditism early.

FAQs

When do hermie traits usually appear?

Hermaphroditic traits usually appear during the flowering stage. Stress or poor environmental conditions during this phase can trigger hermaphroditism.

Can a hermie plant pollinate other cannabis plants?

Yes, Hermie plants produce pollen that can fertilize other female plants in the grow area, leading to seeded buds throughout the crop.

What’s the difference between a hermie plant and a male plant?

Male plants produce only pollen sacs and do not develop buds. Their primary purpose is reproduction. Hermie plants produce both pollen sacs and buds, allowing them to self-pollinate and produce seeds.

The Bottom Line

Hermie plants are a natural but undesirable phenomenon in cannabis cultivation, often started by stress or poor genetics. Their early detection is key to reducing the impact on the growth operation. By recognizing the early signs, growers can protect their crops and ensure high-quality, seedless buds.

Proper guidelines from Growcycle involve maintaining optimal growing conditions, avoiding stress, and using quality genetics. With proper care and attention, the risks associated with hermie plants can be significantly reduced, leading to a successful and productive harvest.