GROW ENVIRONMENT
vIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hi, I’m your prof from Indica Institute, and this is my advanced cannabis growing course entitled “Growing Cannabis 201: Advanced Grow Tips” I’ve designed this course to help and instruct people on how to grow cannabis plants to obtain better results in terms of overall plant health, yield, taste and more. The course covers a variety of topics including best practices for germination techniques, cloning, transplanting, grow medium, grow environment and nutrients.
Visit me at indica institute or my YouTube channel for a list of cannabis related courses, tips and more. I hope you find the video useful, and please like and subscribe so I can continue making more videos like these!
Hi and welcome to my guide on providing the best possible environment for cannabis growth and yields.
The objective of this lesson is to learn what the best conditions are for cannabis growth, and how to maintain these conditions in your grow space. I will cover lighting, temperature, humidity, airflow, nutrients and water and soil pH for each stage of plant growth.
All links mentioned in this video can be found in the video description, along with a link to Indica Institute where you can find a growing list of cannabis related courses and recommendations on the best products for purchase. I’d also like to give a special thanks to my partners at FourBudz grow equipment for supporting free cannabis education. You can check them out at fourbudz.com.
I will cover each stage of growth, addressing any specific environmental conditions that will benefit plant growth during this time - starting with germination and going all the way to the ripening stages of flowering. So let's get started!
GERMINATION CONDITIONS
Germinating your seeds really only requires heat, water and oxygen. Seeds sprout in a variety of temperatures, though I will discuss optimal conditions for this lesson. Some growers have been known to place seeds in the fridge for a few days before germinating in order to mimic winter and promote uniformity in germination.
The temperature range when germinating seeds should be between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius or 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal temperature is between 23-26 Celsius or 75-80 Fahrenheit.
As for water, soak the seeds in water at a pH of 6.5 for 12-24 hours to promote germination then transfer to rockwool cubes or directly in the growing media.
The humidity range of should be be relatively high, starting at around 60%RH and slowly working down as the sprout emerges and begins to grow. Without much roots the plant will rely on water in the air to feed, but will also need oxygen as it gets older, so starting with a high relative humidity and working down is the best course of action.
As for air, make sure to plant the seed between 3 and 6 mm or a quarter inch into the grow media. Any further down and it could be smothered, unable to access the oxygen it needs to survive.
When the seed is germinating it does not require any light - actually darkness is preferred, although once the sprout breaks the surface of the grow media it will need light to survive. Most growers will start with a dim lighting on an 18-6 cycle, while some will leave the lights on 24 hours during this stage. Which you choose is your preference. I go with an 18-6 cycle just because I feel it is less changes for the plant to endure once it hit the seedling and vegetative stages and an 18-6 cycle is preferred.
Avoid using an HID light for this stage as the heat and power of the light can do more damage than good. I personally use a FourBudz pro3 light. It has 4 channels that control spectrum and intensity levels so I can use it for every stage of plant growth and keep energy consumption low.
No nutrients are needed during this stage of growth for soil grows. If you’re growing in a hydro setup, use a diluted seedling solution or 20% of a vegetative formula.
SEEDLING CONDITIONS
The seedling stage is from when your sprouts grow their first serrated leaf to the point when they have three to four sets of serrated leaves.
When transferring sprouts from a propagation chamber into a pot, it is best to use the same media to avoid shocking the plant. What I mean by this is if you planted in soil in your propagation chamber, plant in soil in your pot.
Check to ensure the pH of the media is the range you would like it to be. For soil, slightly acidic is actually beneficial, around 6.5. For hydroponics the pH should be between 5.5 and 6.
When watering plants in soil a pH of 6.5 to 7 is optimal. Test and balance the pH if necessary as this can prove detrimental to plants. Don’t water your plants too close to the base of the plant to avoid damaging its growth pattern. As well, you want to foster a minor struggle in the plant, forcing it to look for water rather than having it readily available. By watering further from the plant base it forces roots to grow out in search of water. Let the media dry before watering again, and keep this gentle balancing act throughout plant growth.
Optimal temperature for this stage of growth is 23-26 degrees Celsius or 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be kept slightly lower, in a range of about 30-40%. Because the plant now has a rooting system to rely on, you want to promote water absorption from the roots instead of leaves. Therefore a lower RH forces the plant to grow its roots in search of water.
As for air, place a very weak fan near the seedlings blowing near the tip of the plant to prevent mold and so it will grow stronger with more structural integrity.
A weaker amount of light is important during this stage of growth as well. Using an intensity dimming light is optimal as it provides optimal spectrum but at an intensity seedlings can handle. This makes sure plants will grow long buds instead of long stems due to stretching. Fluorescent lights will do, though HID lights are still not advised. Most growers will keep an 18-6 cycle during this stage of growth, while others will use a 20-4 or even 24-0 cycle.
Seedlings still do not require nutrient supplements. Similar to watering, you want your plant to grow out its root system in search of nutrients, so if they are too readily available it will actually harm their growth pattern.
Make sure to use the proper container and size during this stage of growth. Optimal would be fabric smart pots that promote air circulation to the roots, and a size of 1-2 gallons. This should do your plant a week or two into the vegetative stage.
When transferring plant from pot to pot, make sure to pay attention to root structure to ensure watering patterns have been optimal.
VEGETATIVE CONDITIONS
You will want to continue to check the pH of your water and soil throughout your grow because if this is not done it could cause a nutrient lockout and significantly harm your plants.
Let your grow medium dry out before watering your plants as it promotes root growth as they reach out in search of water. Too little water on the other hand and it could kill the roots, so try to maintain a good balance. With each new pot you transfer into, and as your plants grow bigger and need more water, soak the pot with water until there is a minor runoff and record how much you used. Try to maintain a good watering schedule of every 2-3 days and track it on a calendar. How often you water your plants will vary depending on the size and health of your plants, the temperature, humidity and stage of growth.
As plants get bigger you may notice plants need a top up between waterings. Give them a small top up then up the amount of water you give them for future waterings while adhering to the schedule.
Under-watered plants look droopy and weak while overwatered plants look the same but the tips of the leaves tend to curl inward. The general rule with most things when learning how to grow is less is more. So air of the side of underwatering than overwatering. Pay attention to your plants and try to water them just before they start to look weak.
Optimal temperature range during this time is between 20 and 30 degrees celcius or 70 to 85 degrees fahrenheit. There should be a minor fluctuation in temperature ranges between lights on and lights off. When the lights are off and the temperature is too high it can slow upward growth, though this can be an advantage for some growers trying to control growth patterns in plants. A good rule otherwise would be 70-75 when lights are off, 75-85 when lights are on.
Low humidity should be avoided during this stage of growth, between 40 and 65 relative humidity is good, 50% is optimal. The humidity is too high if you start to see water spots on the plant leaves.
For airflow, a steady airflow is important for strength and growth. Start with a light breeze and work up in strength as the plant grows bigger and stronger.
Full spectrum light is beneficial during this time, with a higher ratio of blue to red in order to promote shorter internodes and compact growth. An 18-6 cycle is most common during this stage of growth.
Start feeding your plants a vegetative nutrient formula at this point, starting with ⅓ to ½ the recommended dose and only increasing dosage if the plant looks like it needs it. See my nutrients video for more on dosages and scheduling.
Make sure to transplant your plants if you think they will outgrow their current container going into the flowering stage. Transplanting during flowering is not recommended or optimal so try to transplant a few days before the switch for best results.
FLOWERING CONDITIONS
As your plant enters the flowering stage, continue the watering directions from the vegetative stage.
Keep a temperature range of 18 to 26 degrees celsius or 65 to 80 degrees fahrenheit. As the plant moves into flowering keep the day/night temperatures closer, then slowly create a larger differential as it moves deeper into this stage of growth.
Higher humidity levels during this stage are good though there is a higher risk of bud rot if it is kept high so keep an eye on your plants. Start this stage of growth at around 65% relative humidity and decrease by 5% bi-weekly until you reach 40% for the last 2-3 weeks of flowering.
If you do notice bud rot in your plants, treat it as cancerous and remove the area immediately. Drop the humidity levels as necessary to accommodate.
It's important to keep a high level of airflow in the grow space during this time to ensure no water collects on the bud sites or leaves. High airflow also promotes more access to carbon dioxide for your plants to feed off of.
Plants require optimal light from all spectrum ranges at this point in growth, though a lower blue to red ratio helps promote larger bud growth. For more on how different light spectrum ranges can lead to greater yields, higher potency and more terpene, cannabinoid and flavonoid production watch out for a related video coming soon, or check out my blog post about this on my website.
LATE FLOWERING, OR RIPENING CONDITIONS
As your plant enters the late flowering or ripening stage of growth, you will want to maintain most of the same environmental conditions as previously mentioned, though by now humidity levels should have been dropped down to about 40%.
Light spectrum plays an important role during this stage of growth. I will note that a decision needs to be made in whether you want to grow large yields or potent, good looking and smelling buds, unless you have a hybrid spectrum light like the FourBudz pro3.
Using UVB correctly during this stage has been proven to promote greater trichome production, in effect increasing flavonoid, terpene and cannabinoid density. Meanwhile keeping a proper ratio of blue to red light can help keep yields optimal. For more on this topic be sure to check out my blog post so you can start growing top shelf buds.
HUMIDITY CONTROL TIPS
As a last note before I review this lesson, some pointers on how to control humidity in your grow space.
In order to raise humidity levels try spraying water on the walls, using the fan at a lower setting, using low heat lighting preferably LEDs, place water bottles or buckets in the space or lastly use a humidifier.
To decrease humidity levels turn your inline fan and oscillating fans to a higher setting, ensure cold air is being pulled into the grow space, or use a dehumidifier.
So in review, the main things to look out for when managing plant environment is pH levels, watering, nutrients, lighting conditions, airflow, temperature and humidity levels. PH of soil should be around 6.5, water should be the same unless you are using a hydroponic setup in which case 5.5 is good. Keep a strict watering and nutrient feeding schedule and track dosages and amounts. Manage temperature and humidity ranges as well as possible and ensure you adhere to the appropriate lighting schedule. Experiment with this information as much as you like with your grow, but for each grow only change ONE variable so you know the effects it has on your strain.
I hope you found this installment of my course “Growing Cannabis 201: Advanced Grow Tips” useful. For more cannabis related courses or recommendations on the best grow products out there, visit me at indica institute or subscribe to my YouTube channel. If you have any comments or suggestions for a new video, be sure to join the discussion in the comment feed below. Please like and share this video, and as always, thank you for listening!
Visit me at indica institute or my YouTube channel for a list of cannabis related courses, tips and more. I hope you find the video useful, and please like and subscribe so I can continue making more videos like these!
Hi and welcome to my guide on providing the best possible environment for cannabis growth and yields.
The objective of this lesson is to learn what the best conditions are for cannabis growth, and how to maintain these conditions in your grow space. I will cover lighting, temperature, humidity, airflow, nutrients and water and soil pH for each stage of plant growth.
All links mentioned in this video can be found in the video description, along with a link to Indica Institute where you can find a growing list of cannabis related courses and recommendations on the best products for purchase. I’d also like to give a special thanks to my partners at FourBudz grow equipment for supporting free cannabis education. You can check them out at fourbudz.com.
I will cover each stage of growth, addressing any specific environmental conditions that will benefit plant growth during this time - starting with germination and going all the way to the ripening stages of flowering. So let's get started!
GERMINATION CONDITIONS
Germinating your seeds really only requires heat, water and oxygen. Seeds sprout in a variety of temperatures, though I will discuss optimal conditions for this lesson. Some growers have been known to place seeds in the fridge for a few days before germinating in order to mimic winter and promote uniformity in germination.
The temperature range when germinating seeds should be between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius or 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal temperature is between 23-26 Celsius or 75-80 Fahrenheit.
As for water, soak the seeds in water at a pH of 6.5 for 12-24 hours to promote germination then transfer to rockwool cubes or directly in the growing media.
The humidity range of should be be relatively high, starting at around 60%RH and slowly working down as the sprout emerges and begins to grow. Without much roots the plant will rely on water in the air to feed, but will also need oxygen as it gets older, so starting with a high relative humidity and working down is the best course of action.
As for air, make sure to plant the seed between 3 and 6 mm or a quarter inch into the grow media. Any further down and it could be smothered, unable to access the oxygen it needs to survive.
When the seed is germinating it does not require any light - actually darkness is preferred, although once the sprout breaks the surface of the grow media it will need light to survive. Most growers will start with a dim lighting on an 18-6 cycle, while some will leave the lights on 24 hours during this stage. Which you choose is your preference. I go with an 18-6 cycle just because I feel it is less changes for the plant to endure once it hit the seedling and vegetative stages and an 18-6 cycle is preferred.
Avoid using an HID light for this stage as the heat and power of the light can do more damage than good. I personally use a FourBudz pro3 light. It has 4 channels that control spectrum and intensity levels so I can use it for every stage of plant growth and keep energy consumption low.
No nutrients are needed during this stage of growth for soil grows. If you’re growing in a hydro setup, use a diluted seedling solution or 20% of a vegetative formula.
SEEDLING CONDITIONS
The seedling stage is from when your sprouts grow their first serrated leaf to the point when they have three to four sets of serrated leaves.
When transferring sprouts from a propagation chamber into a pot, it is best to use the same media to avoid shocking the plant. What I mean by this is if you planted in soil in your propagation chamber, plant in soil in your pot.
Check to ensure the pH of the media is the range you would like it to be. For soil, slightly acidic is actually beneficial, around 6.5. For hydroponics the pH should be between 5.5 and 6.
When watering plants in soil a pH of 6.5 to 7 is optimal. Test and balance the pH if necessary as this can prove detrimental to plants. Don’t water your plants too close to the base of the plant to avoid damaging its growth pattern. As well, you want to foster a minor struggle in the plant, forcing it to look for water rather than having it readily available. By watering further from the plant base it forces roots to grow out in search of water. Let the media dry before watering again, and keep this gentle balancing act throughout plant growth.
Optimal temperature for this stage of growth is 23-26 degrees Celsius or 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be kept slightly lower, in a range of about 30-40%. Because the plant now has a rooting system to rely on, you want to promote water absorption from the roots instead of leaves. Therefore a lower RH forces the plant to grow its roots in search of water.
As for air, place a very weak fan near the seedlings blowing near the tip of the plant to prevent mold and so it will grow stronger with more structural integrity.
A weaker amount of light is important during this stage of growth as well. Using an intensity dimming light is optimal as it provides optimal spectrum but at an intensity seedlings can handle. This makes sure plants will grow long buds instead of long stems due to stretching. Fluorescent lights will do, though HID lights are still not advised. Most growers will keep an 18-6 cycle during this stage of growth, while others will use a 20-4 or even 24-0 cycle.
Seedlings still do not require nutrient supplements. Similar to watering, you want your plant to grow out its root system in search of nutrients, so if they are too readily available it will actually harm their growth pattern.
Make sure to use the proper container and size during this stage of growth. Optimal would be fabric smart pots that promote air circulation to the roots, and a size of 1-2 gallons. This should do your plant a week or two into the vegetative stage.
When transferring plant from pot to pot, make sure to pay attention to root structure to ensure watering patterns have been optimal.
VEGETATIVE CONDITIONS
You will want to continue to check the pH of your water and soil throughout your grow because if this is not done it could cause a nutrient lockout and significantly harm your plants.
Let your grow medium dry out before watering your plants as it promotes root growth as they reach out in search of water. Too little water on the other hand and it could kill the roots, so try to maintain a good balance. With each new pot you transfer into, and as your plants grow bigger and need more water, soak the pot with water until there is a minor runoff and record how much you used. Try to maintain a good watering schedule of every 2-3 days and track it on a calendar. How often you water your plants will vary depending on the size and health of your plants, the temperature, humidity and stage of growth.
As plants get bigger you may notice plants need a top up between waterings. Give them a small top up then up the amount of water you give them for future waterings while adhering to the schedule.
Under-watered plants look droopy and weak while overwatered plants look the same but the tips of the leaves tend to curl inward. The general rule with most things when learning how to grow is less is more. So air of the side of underwatering than overwatering. Pay attention to your plants and try to water them just before they start to look weak.
Optimal temperature range during this time is between 20 and 30 degrees celcius or 70 to 85 degrees fahrenheit. There should be a minor fluctuation in temperature ranges between lights on and lights off. When the lights are off and the temperature is too high it can slow upward growth, though this can be an advantage for some growers trying to control growth patterns in plants. A good rule otherwise would be 70-75 when lights are off, 75-85 when lights are on.
Low humidity should be avoided during this stage of growth, between 40 and 65 relative humidity is good, 50% is optimal. The humidity is too high if you start to see water spots on the plant leaves.
For airflow, a steady airflow is important for strength and growth. Start with a light breeze and work up in strength as the plant grows bigger and stronger.
Full spectrum light is beneficial during this time, with a higher ratio of blue to red in order to promote shorter internodes and compact growth. An 18-6 cycle is most common during this stage of growth.
Start feeding your plants a vegetative nutrient formula at this point, starting with ⅓ to ½ the recommended dose and only increasing dosage if the plant looks like it needs it. See my nutrients video for more on dosages and scheduling.
Make sure to transplant your plants if you think they will outgrow their current container going into the flowering stage. Transplanting during flowering is not recommended or optimal so try to transplant a few days before the switch for best results.
FLOWERING CONDITIONS
As your plant enters the flowering stage, continue the watering directions from the vegetative stage.
Keep a temperature range of 18 to 26 degrees celsius or 65 to 80 degrees fahrenheit. As the plant moves into flowering keep the day/night temperatures closer, then slowly create a larger differential as it moves deeper into this stage of growth.
Higher humidity levels during this stage are good though there is a higher risk of bud rot if it is kept high so keep an eye on your plants. Start this stage of growth at around 65% relative humidity and decrease by 5% bi-weekly until you reach 40% for the last 2-3 weeks of flowering.
If you do notice bud rot in your plants, treat it as cancerous and remove the area immediately. Drop the humidity levels as necessary to accommodate.
It's important to keep a high level of airflow in the grow space during this time to ensure no water collects on the bud sites or leaves. High airflow also promotes more access to carbon dioxide for your plants to feed off of.
Plants require optimal light from all spectrum ranges at this point in growth, though a lower blue to red ratio helps promote larger bud growth. For more on how different light spectrum ranges can lead to greater yields, higher potency and more terpene, cannabinoid and flavonoid production watch out for a related video coming soon, or check out my blog post about this on my website.
LATE FLOWERING, OR RIPENING CONDITIONS
As your plant enters the late flowering or ripening stage of growth, you will want to maintain most of the same environmental conditions as previously mentioned, though by now humidity levels should have been dropped down to about 40%.
Light spectrum plays an important role during this stage of growth. I will note that a decision needs to be made in whether you want to grow large yields or potent, good looking and smelling buds, unless you have a hybrid spectrum light like the FourBudz pro3.
Using UVB correctly during this stage has been proven to promote greater trichome production, in effect increasing flavonoid, terpene and cannabinoid density. Meanwhile keeping a proper ratio of blue to red light can help keep yields optimal. For more on this topic be sure to check out my blog post so you can start growing top shelf buds.
HUMIDITY CONTROL TIPS
As a last note before I review this lesson, some pointers on how to control humidity in your grow space.
In order to raise humidity levels try spraying water on the walls, using the fan at a lower setting, using low heat lighting preferably LEDs, place water bottles or buckets in the space or lastly use a humidifier.
To decrease humidity levels turn your inline fan and oscillating fans to a higher setting, ensure cold air is being pulled into the grow space, or use a dehumidifier.
So in review, the main things to look out for when managing plant environment is pH levels, watering, nutrients, lighting conditions, airflow, temperature and humidity levels. PH of soil should be around 6.5, water should be the same unless you are using a hydroponic setup in which case 5.5 is good. Keep a strict watering and nutrient feeding schedule and track dosages and amounts. Manage temperature and humidity ranges as well as possible and ensure you adhere to the appropriate lighting schedule. Experiment with this information as much as you like with your grow, but for each grow only change ONE variable so you know the effects it has on your strain.
I hope you found this installment of my course “Growing Cannabis 201: Advanced Grow Tips” useful. For more cannabis related courses or recommendations on the best grow products out there, visit me at indica institute or subscribe to my YouTube channel. If you have any comments or suggestions for a new video, be sure to join the discussion in the comment feed below. Please like and share this video, and as always, thank you for listening!
