Fact Checked by Doctor NameCotyledon leaves are the small, first leaves that form on a cannabis seedling. They emerge right after the root tip when the seed germinates.
Cotyledon leaves are part of the embryonic plant structure and already exist within the seed itself. They serve an important purpose in the early stages of growth before true leaves form.
What are Cotyledon Leaves?
Cotyledon refers to the leaf structure within the seed that, upon germination, unfurls and expands into the first leaves. Most blooming plants are dicotyledons. As dicots, marijuana seedlings have two spherical cotyledon leaves.
These primary leaves are genetically different from the palmate, multi-fingered true leaves that develop later.
Cotyledons contain stored food reserves from the seed endosperm that nourish the seedling before it can perform photosynthesis.
After the plant starts using light for energy, the cotyledons die.
Cannabis plants feature two tiny, spherical, brilliant green, glossy cotyledon leaves. They may be slightly indented at the tip.
The cotyledons are supported by short stems emerging from the nodes on the main shoot.
Once the second set of true serrated leaves grow in after about 2 weeks, the baby round leaves are no longer needed and die off.
Cotyledon leaves serve as the foundation from which the plant gains the necessary resources to put out its first true leaves and continue vegetative growth.
Without the initial energy and nutrients supplied by the cotyledons, new seedlings would not survive.
Though small and short-lived, they play an essential role in cannabis plant development.
