Humidifier for the Grow
Humidifier for the Grow
How to maintain the right humidity in your grow box
The right humidity is one of the most important factors in indoor growing. Air that is too dry can inhibit the growth of your plants, while too much humidity increases the risk of mould or other problems. A humidifier can help to keep the climate in your grow box optimal - but what should you look out for?
Why is a humidifier important when growing?
Cannabis plants need different humidity levels depending on the growth phase. In the germination phase , young plants feel particularly comfortable in high humidity, while dry air is preferred in the flowering phase to prevent mould growth.
Here are the approximate ideal values for each phase:
- During germination and the early growth phase , the humidity should be around 65-70%. Young plants absorb a lot of moisture through their leaves, as their roots are not yet fully developed.
- During the growth phase, a humidity level of 50-60 % is sufficient to support healthy growth.
- During the flowering phase, the humidity should be reduced to 40-50% to prevent mould and fungal infestation.
If your indoor air is naturally too dry, a humidifier can help to raise the humidity to the right level.
What types of humidifiers are available for the Grow?
There are various types of humidifiers that are suitable for indoor growing, and they have different advantages and disadvantages depending on your budget and requirements:
- Ultrasonic humidifiers are particularly quiet and energy-efficient. They produce a fine mist and can often be infinitely adjusted. However, they can leave behind limescale residue if the water is not filtered.
- Evaporators heat the water and release the steam into the air, killing germs and bacteria and reducing the risk of mould. However, they consume more electricity than other models.
- Cold evaporators draw dry air through a water-soaked filter element and release the moisture into the environment. These models consume little energy and leave no limescale residue, but are not as powerful as evaporators or ultrasonic devices.
Depending on the size of your grow box and your individual requirements, one of these variants may be better suited to your setup.
What should you look out for when buying a humidifier?
Before you decide on a device, there are a few points you should consider:
- Size and performance: A device that is too small will not noticeably improve your humidity, while a model that is too large can quickly release too much moisture. Make sure that the humidifier fits the size of your grow box.
- Adjustability: An adjustable humidity control is important so that you can adjust the values precisely. Devices with a built-in hygrostat make control easier.
- Volume: Especially if your grow is located in a living room, you should make sure that the humidifier is not too loud.
- Care and maintenance: Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent germs from forming. Some models have replaceable filters that ensure better air quality.
Is a humidifier necessary for indoor growing?
Whether you really need a humidifier depends largely on your environment. In many cases, the natural humidity is sufficient, especially if you live in a humid climate. However, if you are growing in a very dry room or have problems with low humidity, a humidifier can make a big difference.
Especially in the germination and early growth phase, your plants will benefit from higher humidity levels. Later on, you should adjust the levels to ensure healthy growth without the risk of mould. With the right device, you can ensure ideal conditions in your grow box and provide your plants with the optimum climate.
