Windburn: When Your Fans Are Too Strong
By The Budometry TeamPublished Updated
Airflow is essential, but a fan aimed directly at a plant for weeks damages it. Windburn is frequently misdiagnosed as a nutrient issue because the symptoms overlap.
Part of our pillar guide: Plant Training, Pests and Troubleshooting
Identifying it
Leaves that are clawed, leathery, and slightly darker, affecting only the plants or branches directly in the fan's path. Plants a foot to the side look perfect.
The fix
Point fans at the tent wall or across the canopy rather than into it. Leaves should flutter gently. If a leaf is being held bent by the wind, the fan is too strong or too close.
Do not overcorrect
Turning fans off entirely creates stagnant air, weak stems, and mold. The goal is constant gentle movement everywhere, not a strong breeze in one spot.
Frequently asked questions
- Do damaged leaves recover?
- No, but redirecting the fan stops new damage and the plant grows out of it.
The full guide on this topic
Plant Training, Pests and Troubleshooting
Topping, LST and SCROG explained, plus how to identify and stop spider mites, fungus gnats and powdery mildew, and how to read leaf symptoms correctly.