Growing marijuana hydroponically

Growing marijuana hydroponically is a process that is significantly different from traditional methods of growing in soil. The key aspect here is land replacement another carrier – for example mineral wool, perlite or expanded clay. The roots of the plants are submerged directly in a water-fertilizer solution, which allows for precise delivery of nutrients.

Advantages – growing marijuana hydroponically

The first advantage of this type of cultivation is undoubtedly control. In hydroponics, you have full control over the composition and pH of the solution, which allows you to optimize the conditions for your plants. Thanks to this, marijuana can grow faster and be healthier than in soil.

The second argument for hydroponics is efficiency. Plants absorb nutrients directly from water, so they do not have to develop extensive root systems in search of food. This, in turn, translates into smaller plants that can be planted more densely and, as a result, higher yield per square meter.

The third argument is increased cultivation hygiene. The lack of land means less risk of pests and soil diseases. Hydroponics provides a clean and controlled environment, which is especially important when growing medical marijuana.

Of course, hydroponics requires some knowledge and experience. You need to learn how to manage the system, maintain the appropriate pH level, and ensure regular replacement of the solution. Still, the benefits of this method make it increasingly popular among professional marijuana growers.

It can therefore be concluded that growing marijuana hydroponically is a method for those who want to have more control over their crops, increase efficiency and avoid soil-related problems. This is an innovative and effective approach to growing marijuana that is gaining popularity due to its numerous advantages.

What is hydroponic cannabis cultivation?

Hydroponic cultivation is a different method of soilless cultivation. Only water and the conditioner dissolved in it are used. Plants are placed in pots filled with a substrate (e.g. pebbles or vermiculite), whose task is to accumulate oxygen, nutrients and water, and then deliver them to the root system. Pots prepared in this way are hung above the water tank.

There are several types of hydroponic systems. They are divided into active and passive. In the former, a nutrient solution is put in motion (e.g. filling with drainage, surface fertilization). Passive systems rely on the use of so-called tampons, i.e. a substrate that constantly absorbs water, providing the roots with adequate access to nutrients. There are no devices here, so the costs of such cultivation are relatively low.

Hydroponic systems can also be divided into recoverable and non-recoverable. The former include the flow method and surface fertilization. The nutrient water solution is recovered after drainage and can be reused. With non-recoverable methods, what gets into the inert substrate is not reusable. This is most often the case when using a sand substrate. If you use this method, they will work great marijuana seeds vending machines, that bloom regardless of the exposure time. They are also included medical marijuana.

The benefits of cultivation

There are many benefits to growing cannabis hydroponically. After proper disinfection, the substrate can be reused, which generates savings. This method works well in areas with poor soil quality or in places where soil cultivation is difficult, for example in a dry climate. The growth of the seedlings itself is faster, as water, nutrients and air are brought directly to the roots, which translates into productivity. This method also allows you to reduce the presence of pests that may appear in the soil, which allows for better germination seeds. Automata (colloquially a term for automatic seeds) adapt more easily to the prevailing conditions, which gives them the right conditions for growth. By adjusting the temperature, humidity level or appropriate lighting, you can provide the plant with even better conditions for development. The lack of soil also means less cleaning, which translates into easier cultivation.

Basics of what hydroponic marijuana cultivation should look like?

Proper hydroponic marijuana cultivation is a process that requires precision and attention at every stage. Here's step by step how to do it:

1. Choosing a Hydroponic System: There are several types of hydroponic systems, including sprinkler systems (e.g. NFT), ebb and flow, drip, and deep water (DWC). Each of them has its advantages and requires different approaches. The choice depends on your experience, available space and budget.
2. Purchase and Installation of Equipment: You will need tanks for the nutrient solution, pumps, pipes, sprinklers, timers, drainage mats, as well as appropriate substrates - e.g. mineral wool. Don't forget about lighting (preferably LED from reputable manufacturers), air filters and fans.
3. Preparation of the Nutrient Solution: The quality of the nutrient solution is the key to success. Use only high-quality fertilizers intended for hydroponics. Be sure to adjust the pH of the solution to the optimal range (usually 5,5-6,5).
4. Planting and Plant Care: Use clones or marijuana seeds to plant in hydroponics. Remember to regularly check the health of your plants, the pH and EC of the solution, and monitor the temperature and humidity in the room.
5. Light and Temperature Control: Providing the right amount of light is crucial. The photoperiod for marijuana is typically 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness in the vegetative phase, and 12/12 in the flowering phase. The temperature should be maintained at approximately 22-28°C.
6. Monitoring and Care: Monitor your crop regularly. Check the condition of the plants, nutrient solution, and whether the equipment is working properly. Remember that hydroponics requires more precise care than growing in soil.
7. Harvesting and Drying: Once the growing cycle is complete, proceed to harvesting. Then dry the plants thoroughly, which is crucial for the quality of the final product.

Remember that hydroponics requires more attention and precision than traditional growing methods. Regular inspection and adjustment of conditions is essential to obtain healthy and strong plants. It is an investment of time and energy, but it pays off in the form of higher quality and quantity of harvest. This post is just a general outline of what hydroponic marijuana cultivation is.

EC of a solution – what does it mean?

EC, or ElectroConductivity, is a key metric in hydroponics that measures the total amount of dissolved salts in a nutrient solution. It’s a measure that shows how much of the nutrients are available to the plants, which is extremely important in the precise management of hydroponic marijuana crops.

The argument for the importance of EC measurement is that it allows for precise adjustment of nutrient levels. In hydroponics, we do not have a “buffer” such as soil, so excess or deficiency of nutrients quickly affects the health of the plant. Monitoring EC allows you to avoid both excess, which can lead to root burn, and deficiency, which weakens the plant.

Another important argument is that EC allows you to adapt the cultivation to different phases of the plant's life. Marijuana at different stages of growth (vegetative, flowering) requires different levels of nutrients. By monitoring EC, the grower can precisely adjust the nutrient solution to the plants' current needs.

Additionally, EC control is important in preventing water conduction problems in the system. Water with a high EC can lead to salt build-up in pipes and nozzles, which over time can interfere with the proper functioning of your hydroponic system.