I’ve experimented with different lights, food, and growing mediums for my plants as I’ve grown over the years. They all work, but the real trick is getting to know your genetics and tailoring each grow style to unlock maximum potential. I used to chase the next big thing, but I soon realized that my own failures were my best teachers, and building a personal bond with my plants during the process was crucial. It’s all about learning the skills, that’s where the magic happens! Discovering how to help each plant thrive is truly rewarding. I’m also grateful for the progress in equipment. Having good tools makes a world of difference when aiming for top-notch results, and the more I experiment with different equipment and techniques, the more skills I acquire.
Remember, every run can be better than the last! Learning from mistakes is the key to achieving better results each time. But let’s not forget about the environment; it doesn’t matter how incredible the genetics of the seeds are if the conditions aren’t right. Below we will go through the 5 key parameters to consider when creating the perfect grow environment for your cannabis plants.
1. Temperature
When it comes to growing cannabis, temperature is a crucial factor to consider. It’s best not to let the temperature of your grow space go past 85 degrees at any point during the grow process. Temps past 85 degrees can stunt the growth of the bud and can result in a loose and airy flower that lacks potency and smell. If left in high heat for too long, the plant may end up dying.
The ideal temperature for starting your plants is between 68 to 78 degrees. As your clones, seedlings, and veg plants mature, they’ll do best at temperatures slightly higher than 75 degrees, up to 78 degrees. Flowering temps, on the other hand, should be kept between 68 to 75 degrees.
When your plants aren’t getting any light, you don’t want the air temps to dip too low. Shoot for no more than 15 degrees cooler than when the lights are on. Remember these temperature targets when growing your cannabis and watch your plants thrive.
2. Humidity
Maintaining the proper humidity levels is crucial for keeping the plants happy and healthy. Too little humidity can stunt growth, while too much can lead to bud rot, powdery mildew, pests, and diseases. To maintain the optimal humidity levels, many growers turn to humidifiers to raise the humidity levels in their grow tents during the early stages of growth.
When it comes to young cannabis plants such as seedlings and clones, a humidity level of around 70% is ideal. During the vegetative stage, the humidity should drop to around 50%, and during the flowering stage, it should drop even further to 40%.
3. Ventilation and Air Circulation
If you’re growing cannabis, then you know that ensuring your plants have the best environment possible is crucial for successful growth. One important aspect of that is ventilation and circulation. Just like us humans, plants need oxygen and carbon dioxide for respiration to create necessary nutrients. For clones, seedlings, and veg plants, ventilation is essential for the intake of fresh air and removal of spent air, which will ensure optimized growth. It’s recommended that you keep all three tent flaps open (when using a grow tent) to get the best air circulation.
Additionally, oscillating fans are a great way to improve airflow with their side-to-side movement. The goal is to create a breezy environment, so position the fan just above the canopy to ensure that your cannabis plants have all they need to prosper.
4. CO2 Levels
Adding CO2 to your grow space can help speed up the growth process, but you have to remember that there is a limit. Too much CO2 can be harmful to your plants. So, it’s important to monitor the CO2 levels in your grow space and find the right balance. For the best results, you want to hang CO2 bags in the top of your tent, so the CO2 flows down onto your plants. By doing this, you can significantly improve plant respiration, leading to robust and healthy cannabis crops. Don’t forget to keep your temperature up too, as higher temperatures help your plants to make the most of the CO2.
5. Lighting
For those interested in growing cannabis, LED lights are a game-changer. Not only are they energy-efficient and use less power compared to traditional HPS lights, but they also come with a range of benefits for the different stages of growth. Mimicking the sun, the blue light is perfect for encouraging growth in clones, seedlings, and veg plants during the spring and summer months. Meanwhile, red light is ideal for blooming during fall flowering. It’s worth noting that lights are the most expensive investment of growing cannabis, but with reflective walls and running lights at night, you can maximize reflectivity and reduce energy costs. Additionally, positioning lights closer at half power, until about 14-16 inches from plants, saves money without sacrificing growth. With LED lights, growing cannabis can be a cost-efficient and rewarding experience.
Don't Get Discouraged!
Ultimately, it is clear that temperature, humidity, ventilation and air circulation, CO2 levels, and lighting all play crucial roles in a successful at-home cannabis grow. By understanding these key factors and implementing strategies to control and optimize them, you can ensure that your plants are thriving and producing the best possible yield. However, it is important to remember that every grow situation is unique and it may take some trial and error before finding the perfect balance for your specific setup. So don’t get discouraged if you encounter any challenges along the way. Just keep this information in mind and continue to monitor your plants closely. And if you’re truly passionate about growing your own cannabis and want to further expand your knowledge and skills, consider joining our 3 class series where you can learn even more hands-on techniques for a successful grow. Together, we can share the joys of cultivating this amazing plant from the comfort of our own homes while also promoting self-sustainability and responsible consumption. So don’t hesitate any longer – start your cannabis growing journey today!
