Cannabis hydroponics
Cannabis hydroponics
How to successfully cultivate
What is cannabis hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a special method of cultivating plants without soil. When growing cannabis, this means that the roots grow directly in a nutrient-rich solution instead of digging through soil.
This method ensures an optimal supply of water, nutrients and oxygen, which accelerates plant growth and can increase yields.
Many professional growers rely on this technique because it offers more precise control over conditions while reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Is it worth it?
Hydroponics for cannabis?
The biggest advantage of hydroponics is its efficiency. As the plant roots are constantly supplied with an optimally balanced nutrient solution, they often grow faster than in conventional soil. The system also allows precise control over the pH value and nutrient content, which reduces the risk of deficiency symptoms. Another plus point is that hydroponic systems are often less susceptible to pests and fungal infestation, as there is no soil to carry pathogens. These factors make the method particularly interesting for indoor growers who want to have maximum control over their plants.
What equipment is needed for cannabis hydroponics?
A well-designed hydroponic setup consists of several components that should be perfectly coordinated. First of all, a suitable system is required, such as a deep water culture system (DWC) or an NFT system (Nutrient Film Technique).
This includes a water tank in which the nutrient solution is stored, as well as a pump that introduces oxygen into the water to keep the roots healthy. Instead of soil, a special substrate such as expanded clay or rock wool is used to support the plants. pH and EC meters are also essential to ensure that the nutrient values always remain within the optimum range.
Which hydroponic systems are suitable for cannabis?
There are various methods of growing cannabis hydroponically. The Deep Water Cultivation (DWC) system is particularly popular, as the plant roots are suspended directly in the nutrient solution and are continuously supplied with oxygen. Another technique is the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), in which a thin film of nutrient solution flows over the roots.
Advanced growers also rely on aeroponics, in which the roots are suspended in the air and sprayed with a fine mist of water and nutrients. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right system depends on individual needs and the available budget.
What is the optimum nutrient supply in hydroponics?
As the plant roots have no natural soil, all nutrients must be supplied via the solution. Three main nutrients are essential: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
In addition, plants need trace elements such as calcium, magnesium and iron to grow healthily. It is also particularly important to adjust the pH value correctly, which should ideally be between 5.5 and 6.5. A pH value that is too high or too low can mean that the plants can no longer absorb certain nutrients properly, which severely impairs their growth.
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What are the ideal light and temperature conditions?
As with any indoor grow, lighting plays a crucial role. Cannabis requires around 18 hours of light per day during the growth phase, while a 12-hour light cycle is used during the flowering phase. LED or HPS lamps are particularly popular, as they offer a high light output. The temperature should also be kept constant - values between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius are ideal. Humidity should be around 60% during the growth phase, while it can be reduced to 40-50% during the flowering phase to prevent mould growth.
Is hydroponics a good choice for cannabis cultivation?
Growing cannabis in hydroponics offers many advantages, but also requires careful planning and monitoring. Those who opt for this method can expect faster growing times, higher yields and better control over the nutrient supply.
However, one should be aware that the purchase of a hydroponic system is associated with certain costs and regular measurements are necessary to ensure optimal conditions. For ambitious growers who want to get the best out of their plants, hydroponics is definitely a worthwhile alternative to classic cultivation in soil.