How Environment, Media, Watering, Pot Sizes and Shapes Effect Cannabis Growing
At Green Avenger Seeds, we understand that growing cannabis can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you are a seasoned grower or a beginner cannabis grower, there are many factors that can affect the success of your cannabis plants. In this article, we will explore how the environment, media, watering, pot sizes, and shapes can impact the growth and overall quality of your cannabis plants.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which your cannabis plants are grown, such as a cannabis greenhouse, plays a critical role in their development. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting can all have a significant impact on the growth of your plants.
Temperature: Cannabis plants thrive in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 58-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat stress, while temperatures below 58 degrees Fahrenheit can stunt growth.
Humidity: The ideal humidity level for cannabis plants is between 40-60%. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low humidity levels can cause the plants to dry out.
Lighting: Cannabis plants require a significant amount of light to grow and produce high-quality buds. During the vegetative stage, the plants require between 16-18 hours of light per day, while during the flowering stage, they require 12 hours of light per day.
Media
The media in which your cannabis plants are grown refers to the soil or other growing mediums used. The right media can provide your plants with the necessary nutrients and support for optimal growth.
Soil: Cannabis plants grow best in soil with a pH level between 6.0-7.0. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can hinder nutrient absorption and lead to stunted growth. Organic soils with high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal for cannabis growth.
Coco Coir: Coco coir is a popular growing medium for cannabis because it is lightweight, retains moisture well, and provides good drainage. It is also pH neutral, making it easy to maintain the proper pH level.
Hydroponics: Hydroponic growing systems use nutrient-rich water instead of soil to grow cannabis plants. This method allows for precise control over nutrient intake, resulting in faster growth and higher yields.
Watering
Watering is another essential factor that can affect the growth of cannabis plants. Over-watering or under-watering can have negative impacts on the plant’s growth and health. Watering too much can lead to waterlogged soil, which can suffocate the roots and prevent them from absorbing oxygen, ultimately leading to root rot. On the other hand, under-watering can cause the soil to dry out, making it difficult for the plant to absorb the necessary nutrients.
The best way to determine the correct watering schedule for your cannabis plants is to monitor the soil’s moisture levels regularly. You can do this by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait for a few more days before watering again.
It’s also crucial to water your plants correctly. It’s recommended to water the soil around the base of the plant rather than watering the plant’s leaves. Watering the leaves can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Additionally, watering the plants during the daytime can cause the water to evaporate quickly, reducing the amount of water available to the plant.
Pot Sizes and Shapes for Cannabis Growing
Choosing the right pot size and shape is also essential for cannabis growth. The size of the pot can affect the growth rate, cannabis yield, and overall health of the plant. Too small of a pot can stunt growth, whereas too large of a pot can result in over-watering and slow growth.
When selecting a pot size, it’s essential to consider the size of the plant and its root system. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the plant’s current container. If the pot is too large, the plant will have too much soil and too few roots, making it difficult to absorb the necessary nutrients and water.
The shape of the pot can also affect cannabis growth. A taller pot with a narrower base can help promote upward growth, while a shorter, wider pot can encourage lateral growth. Additionally, pots with drainage holes are critical for healthy cannabis growth, as they allow excess water to drain out, preventing root rot and other issues.
Does the size of the pot affect the growth of a plant?
Yes, the size of the pot can affect the growth of a plant. When a plant is grown in a small pot, it will have limited space for its roots to grow, which can lead to root-bound conditions and stunted growth. On the other hand, when a plant is grown in a larger pot, it will have more room for the roots to spread out and grow, which can lead to better nutrient uptake and overall plant growth.
However, it’s important to note that simply using a larger pot does not guarantee better growth. The soil quality, watering frequency, lighting, and nutrient levels also play important roles in the growth of a plant. Additionally, using excessively large pots can lead to overwatering and waterlogged soil, which can harm the plants. Therefore, it’s important to choose a pot size that is appropriate for the size of your plants and the environment they are being grown in.
What size Pots work best for cannabis growing?
The size of pots that work best for growing cannabis can depend on various factors, such as the size of the plant, the growing medium, and the desired yield. However, as a general guideline, most growers recommend using pots that are at least 5 gallons (approximately 19 liters) in size for growing cannabis.
Smaller pots can be used for smaller plants or for growers with limited space, but they may require more frequent watering and nutrient application. On the other hand, larger pots can provide more room for root growth and can help support larger plants, but they may be more challenging to move and can require more soil or growing medium.
Are bigger pots better for cannabis growing?
In general, bigger pots can be better for growing cannabis because they provide more space for the roots to grow, which can lead to larger plants with higher yields. However, it’s important to note that simply using a bigger pot does not guarantee better results.
Other factors such as soil quality, watering frequency, lighting, and nutrient levels also play a significant role in the overall success of a cannabis grow. Additionally, using excessively large pots can lead to overwatering and waterlogged soil, which can harm the plants. Therefore, it’s important to choose a pot size that is appropriate for the size of your plants and the environment they are being grown in.
Final Thoughts
In this article we discussed some of the most important things that any grower will have to consider when they grow quality cannabis plants. Everything from the size of the growing container that you will be growing cannabis in, to water types and environment all play a very big part in growing cannabis plants. Get all these things right from the start will almost guarantee that you will have a large and successful cannabis crop.
