Endophytes in Cannabis: Microbes Living Inside Your Plant

MICROBES LIVE IN YOUR PLANT.

Perhaps your plant does not need more fertilizer.

Perhaps it is missing the microorganisms that turn a well-stocked substrate into a functioning nutrient system.

Because nutrients in the pot are not automatically nutrients in the plant. They must be dissolved, transformed, transported and absorbed. The microbiome plays a decisive role at precisely these transitions.

Most growers know microorganisms from the soil. They think of Living Soil, worm humus, compost, mycorrhiza or bacteria around the root.

But the microbial world does not end at the root surface.

Bacteria, fungi and yeasts also live inside healthy cannabis plants. They have been detected in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. These internal inhabitants are known as endophytes.

There, they are closer to the plant than any fertilizer.

Some endophytes can mobilize phosphorus. Others bind iron, influence root development or occupy niches before unwanted microorganisms can spread. Still others are associated with plant defense responses and secondary metabolism.

How far this influence can reach was shown by a cannabis study published in 2026. Various bacteria demonstrably colonized the roots of two THCA-dominant cultivars. Visible growth remained largely unchanged. The cannabinoid profile nevertheless changed.

Endophytes can therefore be far more than silent inhabitants.

They are part of the system that determines how efficiently a plant uses nutrients, how it responds to stress and how its metabolism develops.

That is precisely why the topic is worthwhile for growers who have never dealt with endophytes before.

The essentials in 60 seconds

• Endophytes are microorganisms that occur within living plant tissues.
• They primarily include bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
• Cannabis has endophytes in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds.
• Some endophytes support nutrient processes, root development and natural defense mechanisms.
• Endophytes can be transmitted through seeds, the root zone and probably also through mother plants and cuttings.
• The substrate supplies a large proportion of the microorganisms. The plant then filters and selects them.
• Active microbiology can help use existing nutrients more efficiently. This can reduce unnecessary additional fertilization.
• Endophytes can influence cannabinoid metabolism. However, they do not automatically produce more THC or terpenes.
• Not every endophyte is useful. The specific strain, the plant and the conditions are decisive.
• With MicroBio+, selected living microorganisms are actively introduced into the system. They support the microbiome in the rhizosphere and inside the plant.

What are endophytes?

The term endophyte literally means “in the plant.”

It refers to microorganisms that spend part of their life inside living plant tissues. They can occur in intercellular spaces, root tissue, the stem, vascular tissue or above-ground parts of the plant.

At the time they are observed, they do not cause visible disease symptoms.

This initially distinguishes them from an active pathogen. However, it does not automatically mean that every endophyte benefits the plant.

The term primarily describes the organism’s location.

A bacterium on the root surface is not an endophyte. If it enters the root tissue and continues living there, it has an endophytic lifestyle.

Four terms help provide a better understanding:

A microorganism can move between these areas.

It may initially live in the substrate. It then colonizes the root surface. From there, it can enter the root tissue and become part of the endosphere.

This connection between soil, root and the interior of the plant is precisely what makes endophytes so interesting for biologically managed systems.

Why endophytes matter for your grow

A fertilizer contains nutrients.

But it does not guarantee that these nutrients reach the plant in the right form at the right time.

This is particularly true for organic systems.

Organic materials must first be processed by microorganisms. Mineral components may be chemically bound. Phosphorus, iron and other elements are not always directly available to plants.

The root can only absorb what is present in a usable form at its surface.

Microorganisms act at this interface.

Some work in the substrate. Some live directly on the root. Endophytes continue this relationship inside the plant.

This does not create a single mechanism of action. It creates a biological network.

This network can:

• mobilize bound nutrients
• increase the root surface or influence root formation
• alter plant signals
• create competition against unwanted microorganisms
• prime defense responses
• improve the plant’s ability to cope with stress
• influence metabolic processes in the plant

Endophytes isolated from cannabis plants demonstrated, among other things, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, enzymatic activity and inhibition of various fungi.

Their real significance, however, does not lie in a single laboratory function.

It lies in the connection between the external and internal microbiome.

The plant is not a sterile organism

A cannabis plant is not a body completely separated from its environment.

It is a habitat.

Each tissue provides different conditions. A young root contains different nutrients and defense compounds than an older leaf. A stem offers different structures than a flower.

That is why the plant does not have a single microbiome.

It has several microbial compartments.

Studies of cannabis and industrial hemp show clear differences between soil, rhizosphere, root, stem, leaf and flower. Microbial diversity is usually highest in the soil. As the community moves through the root toward the flower, it becomes smaller and more strongly selected.

This means:

The plant does not indiscriminately absorb all microorganisms from its surroundings.

It acts like a filter.

Certain organisms can attach to the root. Some enter the tissue. Even fewer reach stems, leaves or flowers.

Which microorganisms prevail depends on several factors:

• plant genetics
• developmental stage
• substrate
• root exudates
• moisture
• oxygen supply
• temperature
• existing microbial community
• nutrient supply
• plant stress status

The microbiome is therefore not a fixed inventory.

It changes with the plant and with the entire grow.

From the substrate into plant tissue

The most important connection between the soil microbiome and the endosphere begins at the root.

Cannabis roots release sugars, amino acids, organic acids and other compounds into their surroundings. These substances are referred to as root exudates.

For many microorganisms, they are food.

At the same time, they function as signals. They influence which microorganisms can multiply near the root.

The plant therefore actively shapes its rhizosphere.

A microorganism passes through several steps on its way into the plant:

1. It must survive in the substrate.
2. It must reach the root.
3. It attaches to the root surface.
4. It multiplies in the immediate vicinity of the plant.
5. It enters the tissue through suitable entry points.
6. It establishes itself inside the plant.

Possible entry areas include young root zones, root hairs, lateral root junctions and natural openings between cells.

Even the smallest injuries can create access.

Once the microorganism has entered the root tissue, it may remain local or continue moving through the plant.

Studies of the microbial community of industrial hemp traced a large proportion of root endophytes back to prior colonization of the rhizosphere. The studies also showed continuous filtering from the soil through the root into the above-ground parts of the plant.

This shows how closely the rhizosphere and endosphere are connected.

What happens in the soil can later shape the microbiome inside the plant.

The journey begins in the seed

Cannabis does not necessarily start as a microbiologically empty plant.

Seeds also contain microorganisms.

Some are located on the seed coat. Other bacteria and fungi are already inside the seed. During germination, they can pass into the young seedling.

One study analyzed 15 cannabis lines from the industrial hemp sector and from cannabinoid-rich cannabis types.

Seed-borne bacterial endophytes were found in all lines examined. Paenibacillus mobilis was particularly notable. This bacterium was able to solubilize mineral phosphate in a laboratory test.

Thirteen of the isolated bacteria also inhibited fungi from the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium.

The seed can therefore already pass potentially beneficial microorganisms on to the next generation.

However, it can also transport problematic fungi.

The same study found fungal genera that include known plant pathogens and storage fungi. These included, among others, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium.

The seed therefore does not transmit an exclusively beneficial microbiome.

It transmits a starter community.

Which organisms prevail later depends strongly on the substrate and the conditions during germination.

Another cannabis study compared three genotypes in different soils. Even in previously sterilized substrate, certain groups of endophytic bacteria remained present in the seedlings. At the same time, the soil source clearly altered the composition of the endosphere.

Seed and substrate therefore work together.

The seed brings microorganisms with it. The soil expands and changes this community.

The root is the central gateway

The root has the closest contact with the microbial environment.

An active Living Soil contains significantly more microorganisms than the plant itself. The root therefore encounters a broad biological offering.

But it only takes up part of it.

Some microorganisms remain in the substrate. Others colonize the rhizoplane. A smaller group enters the endosphere.

The plant helps regulate this process.

Cannabis cultivars can possess different microbial communities even under comparable growing conditions. Differences have already been demonstrated between different chemotypes and developmental stages.

Genetics influence, among other things:

• the composition of root exudates
• the structure of root tissue
• plant defense responses
• the formation of secondary plant compounds
• nutrient requirements and growth dynamics

This explains why a microbial preparation does not necessarily produce exactly the same visible effect in two cultivars.

The microorganisms are not encountering merely two plants.

They are encountering two different biological systems.

The stem is a microbial transport route

Endophytes do not have to remain in the root tissue.

Some microorganisms can move through internal plant structures.

The xylem is particularly important. This vascular tissue transports water and mineral nutrients upward from the root.

In cannabis, fungal structures have been visualized directly inside cells of the stem pith and in xylem vessels. Scanning electron microscopy was used for this purpose.

This is an important distinction from a purely DNA-based detection.

The microorganisms were not detected only indirectly through genetic material. Their structures were localized within plant tissue.

The stem is therefore not a sterile transport tube.

It is its own microbial habitat.

The vascular tissue also creates a possible connection between the root, stem and above-ground plant parts.

This does not mean that every microorganism from the substrate automatically ends up in the flower.

But it shows that internal spread within cannabis does occur in principle.

Leaves and flowers have their own microbiomes

Leaves and flowers are more shielded from the environment than the root.

They receive no direct microbial replenishment from the substrate. At the same time, different conditions prevail there.

Light, temperature, humidity and plant defense compounds alter the basis of life for microorganisms.

Accordingly, the microbial communities in roots, stems, leaves and flowers differ significantly from one another.

In industrial hemp, the diversity of the communities examined decreased from the soil through the root to the flower. Nevertheless, each plant tissue had its own characteristic composition.

With flowers in particular, three groups must be distinguished:

• endophytes inside living tissue
• epiphytes on the flower surface
• later contamination during harvesting, drying and storage

A fungal detection on a dried flower is therefore not automatically an endophyte.

Conversely, microorganisms may already be present inside living tissue and only become visible after harvest.

As soon as plant tissue dies, the relationship between plant and microbe changes. An organism that was previously inconspicuous may use the dead material as a food source.

This shows why root microbiology and product hygiene must be considered together.

A microorganism that is useful in the root zone is not automatically suitable for direct application to mature flowers.

Mother plants pass on more than genetics

Cannabis is often propagated through cuttings.

A cutting takes over living tissue from the mother plant. It can therefore also inherit part of its microbiome.

Studies found internal microorganisms in mother plants, cuttings, plants in the vegetative phase, flowering plants and tissue cultures.

Different cultivars already showed different microbial profiles during the propagation phase. This suggests that some of this early community is transmitted through the mother plant and cutting material.

A mother plant is therefore not only a genetic source.

It is also a microbiological starting point.

This is important in practice.

If particular root or vascular problems recur in the same clone line, the current substrate should not be the only thing examined.

The following points should also be included in the analysis of causes:

• condition of the mother plant
• hygiene of cutting tools
• quality of the cutting material
• conditions during rooting
• shared irrigation water
• reused propagation media

At the same time, mother plants can also pass on beneficial endophytic communities.

A stable and healthy mother plant therefore creates not only genetic uniformity. It can also influence the microbiological starting conditions of the next plant generation.

Can you save fertilizer with endophytes?

Yes. However, not in the way some advertising claims suggest.

Endophytes do not create a complete nutrient supply out of nothing.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and trace elements must be present in the system.

Microorganisms can, however, influence how efficiently these existing nutrients are used.

This is a crucial distinction.

A substrate may contain large amounts of phosphorus. Nevertheless, only a small portion of it may be immediately available to plants.

A bacterium that produces organic acids or suitable enzymes can alter bound phosphorus compounds. This can allow more phosphorus to enter a soluble form.

Other microorganisms produce siderophores. These are molecules that can bind and transport iron.

Still others influence root architecture. More lateral roots and root hairs increase the active absorption area.

Cannabis-isolated endophytes have been shown to solubilize phosphate, produce siderophores and possess other growth-relevant properties.

For the grow, this means:

The plant can get more out of an existing supply.

Nutrients are processed more evenly. The root reaches more usable compounds. The risk decreases that additional fertilizer will be applied too soon even though sufficient nutrient potential remains in the substrate.

This is precisely where active microbiology can actually save fertilizer.

Not by replacing all nutrients.

But by using what is already available more efficiently.

Five central functions of beneficial endophytes

1. Mobilizing nutrients

Some endophytes can alter poorly soluble nutrient compounds.

The most frequently studied include:

• phosphate mobilization
• iron binding through siderophores
• zinc mobilization
• conversion of organic compounds
• involvement in nitrogen cycles

The effect is always strain-specific.

Not every bacterium of the same genus has the same abilities.

In cannabis, endophytic bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing properties have been isolated from leaves, petioles, seeds and seedlings.

2. Influencing root development

Some bacteria produce hormone-like compounds.

These include indole compounds such as indole-3-acetic acid. This belongs to the auxins and plays a role in root growth, lateral root formation and root hairs.

More root mass is not automatically the goal.

A functional root architecture is what matters.

A well-branched root system explores more substrate. It creates a larger contact area with water, minerals and microorganisms.

Endophytes can contribute to this development from within.

3. Occupying open niches

A plant has limited space and limited resources.

If suitable microorganisms are already established on the root and in the tissue, fewer open niches remain available for unwanted organisms.

This mechanism is known as competition.

Microorganisms compete for:

• space
• carbon sources
• minerals
• iron
• entry points
• attachment surfaces

Beneficial microorganisms do not necessarily have to kill a pathogen directly.

It may already help to make access to resources and plant tissue more difficult for it.

4. Priming plant defense

Plants have their own immune system.

They recognize certain microbial structures and respond to them. Beneficial microorganisms can trigger a preparatory effect in this process.

This state is often referred to as priming.

The plant is not permanently in a state of maximum defense. But it can respond more quickly to a later stress.

Several signaling pathways may be involved, including processes associated with jasmonate, salicylic acid and ethylene.

For the grow, the principle is particularly important:

A plant with a stable microbiome does not only respond biologically once a problem has already fully developed.

Its relationship with its microorganisms is part of its ongoing preparation.

5. Influencing metabolism

Endophytes are associated not only with roots and nutrients.

They can also alter plant metabolism.

This occurs through, among other things:

• microbial signals
• altered nutrient availability
• plant hormones
• defense responses
• stress signals
• changes in carbon balance

This could theoretically also shift the formation of secondary plant compounds.

In cannabis, these include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds.

Can endophytes protect against Fusarium and other fungi?

Certain endophytes can inhibit the growth of plant-pathogenic fungi.

There are several possible mechanisms:

• competition for space and nutrients
• iron binding
• production of antifungal substances
• production of certain enzymes
• activation of plant defense responses
• occupation of possible entry points

Seed-borne endophytes from cannabis inhibited several fungi from the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium in the laboratory.

Bacteria isolated from other cannabis tissues also demonstrated antifungal properties.

However, this does not mean that a single endophyte will prevent every infestation.

Disease pressure arises from several factors.

These include:

• pathogen load
• plant genetics
• root condition
• moisture
• oxygen
• temperature
• injuries
• competition within the microbiome

A stable microbiome is therefore not an invisible shield.

It is an important part of biological resilience.

The best effect is achieved when microorganisms encounter healthy roots, stable soil structure and suitable environmental conditions.

Endophytes and stress

Heat, drought, salt stress or oxygen deficiency alter the entire plant metabolism.

They also alter the microbiome.

Some endophytes can remain active even under stressful conditions. Others influence plant stress signals or support functional root development.

This can help the plant compensate for stress more effectively.

The term stress buffer is more appropriate here than stress protection.

No microorganism makes waterlogging, extreme heat or a persistently incorrect EC value irrelevant.

However, an active microbiome can help ensure that minor fluctuations do not immediately lead to a complete system failure.

This is particularly important in organic systems.

There, stability is created not only through precisely dosed salt concentrations. It arises through buffers, soil structure, organic matter, mineral surfaces and biological activity.

Endophytes form the internal continuation of this buffer system.

Do endophytes change THC, CBD and terpenes?

Endophytes can influence cannabis metabolism.

However, this does not automatically mean more THC.

A study published in 2026 tested four bacterial groups on the Amnesia Haze and Gorilla Glue cultivars. The plants were cultivated hydroponically. The bacteria belonged to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Burkholderia.

Root colonization was confirmed using endophyte-specific methods.

No clear changes were observed in visible plant growth.

The cannabinoid profile did, however, shift.

On average, the concentration of CBGA increased by 27,37 percent. At the same time, measured Delta-9-THC decreased by 15,76 percent. The ratios between CBGA, THCA and CBDA also changed.

CBGA is an important precursor within cannabinoid biosynthesis.

In this experiment, the bacteria therefore did not simply produce “more active compound.” They changed the distribution within cannabinoid metabolism.

This is the crucial point.

Endophytes can modulate metabolism.

The direction in which the profile shifts depends on several factors:

• microbial strain
• cannabis cultivar
• developmental stage
• growing system
• nutrient supply
• environmental conditions
• timing of application

The same applies to terpenes.

Microbial treatments can influence terpene formation through roots, hormones, nutrients and stress responses.

A general statement such as “more endophytes produce more terpenes” is nevertheless too simplistic.

What matters is not the sheer quantity of microorganisms.

What matters is the functional relationship between plant and microbiome.

Do endophytes produce cannabinoids themselves?

There is currently no reliable general evidence for this.

Three statements must be clearly distinguished:

1. A microorganism colonizes the plant.
2. The plant changes its metabolism as a result of this colonization.
3. The microorganism itself produces cannabinoids.

There is scientific evidence and direct cannabis data for the first two points.

The third point is considerably more demanding.

A changed cannabinoid profile does not mean that the bacterium itself produced THC, CBD or CBGA.

The more likely explanation lies in altered signals and metabolic processes within the plant.

Endophytes therefore act more like biological partners.

They can influence how the plant uses its own metabolic pathways.

Not every endophyte is beneficial

Endophyte initially sounds positive.

The term is often used alongside plant strengthening, nutrient efficiency and biological defense.

Nevertheless, not every endophyte is automatically beneficial.

The relationship can take different forms:

This role is not permanently fixed.

It depends on the specific strain, the plant and the conditions.

In cannabis, Fusarium oxysporum and other potentially problematic fungi have also been found in externally symptom-free plant tissue.

This does not mean that every asymptomatic plant should be expected to develop a disease later.

But it shows how dynamic the relationship between plant and microbe can be.

When can an inconspicuous colonization become a problem?

A healthy plant controls its internal habitats.

It limits the growth of certain microorganisms and deliberately supplies resources to others.

When the system becomes unbalanced, these conditions can change.

Possible triggers include:

• persistent waterlogging
• oxygen deficiency
• dead roots
• high salt stress
• severe drought
• extreme temperatures
• injuries
• pest infestation
• tissue aging
• other plant diseases

Damaged plant tissue releases different substances than healthy tissue.

At the same time, plant defense changes.

As a result, microorganisms that were previously barely noticeable may grow more strongly.

For growers, this leads to a simple rule:

A good microbiome needs a good habitat.

Anyone who wants to support endophytes must first keep root health, oxygen supply and water balance stable.

Why the exact strain designation matters

Many products list familiar genus names such as:

• Bacillus
• Pseudomonas
• Trichoderma
• Paenibacillus

That sounds scientific.

But it is not enough for an exact evaluation of effects.

Strains within the same species can possess very different properties.

One strain may form strong biofilms. Another mobilizes phosphorus. A third produces antifungal compounds.

Even closely related microorganisms can differ in:

• root attachment
• endophyte formation
• temperature tolerance
• pH tolerance
• salt tolerance
• production of organic acids
• competitive behavior
• interaction with specific plant genotypes

The question is therefore not only:

Which species is included?

The better question is:

Which strains have been combined, and for which area of application were they selected?

A random mixture of many microorganisms is not automatically stronger than a deliberately assembled culture.

Why more microorganisms are not automatically better

Microorganisms do not inherently work together peacefully.

They compete.

Some microorganisms produce substances that inhibit others. Some require the same carbon sources. Others occupy the same attachment surfaces or entry points.

A long species list can therefore look impressive and still be biologically unstable.

The endosphere also has limited space.

The plant selects a small proportion of the microorganisms from its surroundings. Diversity decreases significantly on the way from the soil to the flower.

The largest possible number of microbes is therefore not what matters.

A functional community is what matters.

A good microbial consortium should:

• be compatible with one another
• survive in the intended system
• reach the root
• complement different functions
• not create opposing processes
• match the plant and substrate

The microbiome does not function like a collection of as many ingredients as possible.

It functions like a network.

Endophytes in Living Soil

Living Soil is often explained through soil life.

That is correct. But it does not go far enough.

The soil is the starting point. The microbiological relationship continues inside the plant.

A biologically active substrate provides a large community of potential plant partners. The root recruits its immediate surroundings from this community. Some of these microorganisms then enter the endosphere.

Studies of cannabis clearly show that the soil source and the condition of the substrate shape the plant’s internal microbial community.

Living Soil is therefore not merely a nutrient reservoir.

It is a microbial reservoir.

For this reservoir to function, it needs suitable conditions:

• air-filled soil structure
• consistent moisture
• adequate oxygen
• organic matter
• mineral surfaces
• active roots
• stable temperature
• no ongoing antimicrobial treatment

A constantly waterlogged substrate promotes different microorganisms than a well-aerated soil.

Extreme salt spikes also alter the community.

That is why a good microbiome does not arise simply because microorganisms are present.

They need a habitat in which they can perform their functions.

The rhizosphere and endosphere belong together

The rhizosphere is outside the plant.

The endosphere is inside the plant.

Biologically, the two areas nevertheless belong together.

The root forms the boundary and, at the same time, the connection.

In the substrate, organic materials are processed. Minerals are dissolved. Microorganisms multiply and respond to root exudates.

This activity becomes concentrated at the root surface.

Some microorganisms remain there. Others colonize the internal root tissue.

The plant is therefore accompanied microbially from two sides:

• externally by the root-zone microbiome
• internally by endophytes in the endosphere

A stable biological system should therefore not consider the soil alone.

It should build the entire connection from the substrate into the plant.

MicroBio+: Microbiology from the outside and inside

This is precisely where MicroBio+ comes in.

MicroBio+ introduces selected living microorganisms directly into the root zone through irrigation water. There, they complement the existing microbiome.

The culture combines lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei, photosynthetic bacteria such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris and yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

MicroBio+ is produced in Bavaria. The culture is GMO-free and was developed for cannabis, Living Soil, organic soil, coco and biologically managed systems.

The approach does not end in the substrate.

The microorganisms are deliberately delivered to the root. There, they work on both sides of the root boundary.

In the rhizosphere, they support the microbial environment and the processing of existing organic inputs.

At the root and inside the plant, they support the development of the plant-associated microbiome and the endosphere.

With MicroBio+, you are therefore not only giving your system soil microorganisms.

You are actively introducing microbial partners that accompany the plant externally in the root zone and internally as part of its microbiome.

What MicroBio+ does in the system

MicroBio+ activates existing nutrient potential

In organic substrates, many nutrients are not immediately available to plants.

They are contained in plant meals, humus, organic compounds and mineral surfaces.

Microorganisms participate in the gradual processing of these materials.

MicroBio+ adds this biological layer.

This enables the system to extract more from existing raw materials, TopDressings and organic fertilizers.

The plant receives a more even supply. At the same time, the likelihood decreases that unnecessary additional fertilization will be applied even though sufficient potential remains in the substrate.

MicroBio+ connects the rhizosphere and endosphere

The microorganisms are transported to the root with irrigation water.

Colonization does not begin only inside the plant.

First, an active environment develops in the substrate and on the root surface. From there, the microbial relationship continues into the plant.

This is the key system concept:

MicroBio+ supports the microbiome not only around the plant.

It also supports microbial colonization inside the plant.

MicroBio+ strengthens natural competition

Open niches in the root zone can be occupied by different microorganisms.

An active and diverse community increases biological competitive pressure.

As a result, unwanted microbes encounter less unoccupied space and fewer freely available resources.

MicroBio+ is not a plant protection product.

However, it supports a microbial environment in which desirable organisms actively work and natural competition develops.

MicroBio+ complements organic fertilization

Organic fertilization and microbial activity belong together.

A TopDress provides new organic and mineral building blocks.

MicroBio+ adds the microbial side.

Application is therefore particularly useful:

• after mixing in organic fertilizers
• after a TopDress
• after repotting
• with reused soil
• after a dry period
• in biologically inactive substrates
• while reactivating a No-Till system

MicroBio+ does not replace any necessary nutrient source.

It helps the system process existing sources biologically.

MicroBio+ supports a calmer system

Many problems are not caused by a complete nutrient deficiency.

They are caused by inconsistent availability.

Some nutrients are present in bound form. Others are released too quickly. This is often followed by a correction with additional fertilizer.

That can create new spikes.

Active microbiology supports more even processing.

The system reacts less abruptly. Small fluctuations can be buffered more effectively. The grow becomes more predictable.

Why MicroBio+ should be used early

Microbiology should not be established only once the plant is already showing clear problems.

Endophytic and rhizospheric colonization develops with the plant.

The earlier suitable microorganisms are present at the root, the earlier they can become part of the developing system.

This begins immediately after germination or after a cutting has rooted.

Young roots form new surfaces and entry points. At the same time, the first influential microbial community develops.

Early microorganisms can influence later communities. They occupy niches and alter the environment for organisms that arrive later.

That is why continuous development is more sensible than a one-time emergency application.

MicroBio+ should be understood as part of biological management.

Not as a last resort when the system has already completely collapsed.

How to use MicroBio+ correctly

For soil and coco, use 2 to 4 milliliters of MicroBio+ per liter of water during regular watering.

In biologically managed hydro systems, the guideline is 2 milliliters per 10 liters of nutrient solution.

To reactivate biologically inactive or reused substrates, 2 to 5 milliliters per liter of water can be used depending on the condition.

Important for application:

• shake the bottle well before use
• add MicroBio+ to the irrigation water
• check the pH value afterward
• use regularly rather than only once
• do not combine with hydrogen peroxide
• do not use simultaneously with fungicides or strongly disinfecting agents
• store cool, dark and tightly closed

A biological system and permanently sterile management pursue opposing goals.

Anyone using MicroBio+ should also allow the microorganisms to live in the system.

How to build an endophyte-friendly system

1. Start early

Introduce suitable microorganisms during the seedling stage or after cuttings have rooted.

The young plant builds its microbiome from the beginning.

2. Keep the root zone airy

Endophytes usually begin their relationship with the plant at the root.

A compacted or constantly wet substrate makes stable root development more difficult and shifts the microbial community.

3. Water consistently

Strong alternation between complete dryness and water saturation stresses roots and microorganisms.

Consistent moisture creates more stable conditions.

4. Provide organic and mineral building blocks

Microorganisms can only work with what is present in the system.

Living Soil needs organic matter, minerals and a functioning soil structure.

5. Avoid unnecessary sterilization

Hydrogen peroxide, strong disinfectants and fungicides do not target only unwanted organisms.

They can also reduce desirable microorganisms.

6. Treat MicroBio+ as a system component

Do not use MicroBio+ only when visible problems occur.

Integrate the culture regularly into your biological irrigation. Particularly after repotting, TopDressings, stress periods and with reused soil.

7. Keep an eye on mother plants

A stable mother plant provides more than healthy cuttings.

It also influences their microbiological starting conditions.

The biggest myths about endophytes

Myth 1: Microorganisms only live in the soil

False.

Bacteria, fungi and yeasts have been found inside roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds.

Myth 2: Endophytes are always beneficial

False.

Some endophytes help the plant. Others live neutrally in the tissue. Some can become problematic when conditions change.

Myth 3: Endophytes completely replace fertilizer

False.

Nutrients must be present in the system. Endophytes can improve their mobilization, uptake and use.

Myth 4: More microorganisms automatically mean greater effects

False.

Microorganisms compete with one another. Selection, compatibility and function are what matter.

Myth 5: Every Bacillus has the same effect

False.

Properties are strain-specific. Two strains of the same species can possess completely different functions.

Myth 6: Endophytes automatically increase THC content

False.

Confirmed endophytic colonization can alter cannabinoid metabolism. But the direction cannot be predicted universally.

Myth 7: Sterile substrate produces a microbe-free plant

False.

Cannabis can already carry part of its microbiome through seeds or vegetative plant material.

Myth 8: MicroBio+ is another fertilizer

False.

MicroBio+ provides a living microbial culture. It complements the biological side of the system and helps use existing nutrient potential more efficiently.

What has been scientifically established in cannabis

The research therefore clearly shows:

Endophytes are not a theoretical side topic.

They are a real component of the cannabis plant.

What does not yet exist is a universal microbial formula that produces exactly the same effect in every cultivar and under all conditions.

Where cannabis research still needs to go

Endophyte research in cannabis is developing rapidly.

Nevertheless, many questions remain open.

Particularly important areas for the future include:

• comparisons across complete grow cycles
• studies under Living Soil conditions
• direct tracking of individual strains inside the plant
• comparisons of different cannabis cultivars
• studies across multiple clone generations
• combinations of bacteria, yeasts and fungi
• effects on cannabinoids and terpenes
• the relationship between endophytes and disease pressure
• optimal timing for microbial colonization
• stability of microbial cultures in different growing systems

Despite these open questions, the overall direction is clear.

The future of biological growing systems lies not only in the composition of the substrate.

It lies in the targeted management of the entire plant microbiome.

Conclusion: Maybe it is not fertilizer that is missing, but biology

A cannabis plant does not grow alone.

It is surrounded by microorganisms and colonized by them.

Some live in the substrate. Some are located on the root. Other microorganisms enter the plant tissue and become endophytes.

There, they can influence nutrient processes, root development, natural competition, defense responses and metabolism.

This changes the way we view fertilization.

More fertilizer does not automatically mean better nutrition.

What matters is how efficiently the entire system works with the nutrients available.

An active microbiome helps use this potential.

This is precisely where MicroBio+ connects the two sides of the plant.

The living microbial culture supports the rhizosphere around the root. At the same time, it brings microbial partners for the development of the endosphere.

The plant is therefore not supplied only through the soil.

It is accompanied microbially from the outside and inside.

You do not control every individual microbe.

You control the conditions under which a functional microbiome develops.

Frequently asked questions about endophytes in cannabis

What is an endophyte?

An endophyte is a microorganism that occurs inside living plant tissues. This includes bacteria, fungi and yeasts.

Are endophytes present in every cannabis plant?

Cannabis plants naturally contain plant-associated microorganisms. The exact composition depends on the seed, mother plant, substrate, genetics and growing conditions.

Where do endophytes live in cannabis?

They have been detected in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds.

Can endophytes be transmitted through seeds?

Yes. Cannabis can pass certain bacterial endophytes on to the next generation through its seeds.

Can cuttings inherit endophytes?

Yes. Cuttings consist of living tissue from the mother plant and therefore also inherit part of its initial microbial community.

Are mycorrhizal fungi endophytes?

Mycorrhizal fungi have an endophytic phase inside the root. Because of their specialized exchange structures, they are usually considered a separate group.

Can endophytes reduce fertilizer requirements?

They can improve the use of existing nutrients. This can reduce the need for unnecessary additional fertilization. However, they do not replace missing nutrient sources.

Can endophytes protect against fungal diseases?

Certain endophytes inhibit plant pathogens and increase biological competitive pressure. They are one part of resilience. They do not replace stable growing conditions.

Do endophytes increase THC content?

Not automatically. A 2026 study demonstrated a change in the cannabinoid profile. CBGA increased, while measured Delta-9-THC decreased.

What is the difference between the rhizosphere and endosphere?

The rhizosphere is located in the substrate around the root. The endosphere lies within the plant tissues.

How does MicroBio+ support the endosphere?

MicroBio+ delivers selected living microorganisms to the root through irrigation water. There, they support the microbiome in the rhizosphere and microbial colonization inside the plant.

When should MicroBio+ be used?

MicroBio+ is best used regularly from the beginning. Application is particularly useful after repotting, after TopDressings, with reused soil and following periods of stress.

Can MicroBio+ be used with hydrogen peroxide?

No. Hydrogen peroxide has an antimicrobial effect and can impair the microorganisms contained in MicroBio+.

Key scientific sources

1. Comeau, D. et al. 2020. Spatio-Temporal and Cultivar-Dependent Variations in the Cannabis Microbiome. Frontiers in Microbiology.
2. Wei, G. et al. 2021. Compartment Niche Shapes the Assembly and Network of Cannabis sativa-Associated Microbiome. Frontiers in Microbiology.
3. Scott, M. et al. 2018. Endophytes of Industrial Hemp Cultivars: Identification of Culturable Bacteria and Fungi in Leaves, Petioles and Seeds. Canadian Journal of Microbiology.
4. Dumigan, C. R. and Deyholos, M. K. 2022. Cannabis Seedlings Inherit Seed-Borne Bioactive and Anti-Fungal Endophytic Bacilli. Plants.
5. Dumigan, C. R. and Deyholos, M. K. 2024. Soil and Seed Both Influence Bacterial Diversity in the Microbiome of the Cannabis sativa Seedling Endosphere. Frontiers in Plant Science.
6. Buirs, L. and Punja, Z. K. 2025. Endophytes in Cannabis sativa: Identifying and Characterizing Microbes with Beneficial and Detrimental Effects on Plant Health. Plants.
7. Tonolo, F. et al. 2026. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Colonize Drug-Type Cannabis sativa Roots and Modulate Cannabinoid Metabolism. Physiologia Plantarum.