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Elevate your cannabis cultivation to a high level with this measurement and control technique. With this equipment, you can precisely manage the growth conditions of your cannabis plants, whether it's temperature, humidity, pH, EC, or CO2 levels. With the right tools, you can optimize every aspect of your cultivation tent. And that's necessary because you're effectively trying to recreate a subtropical climate in a small space. Let's see what you can use for this purpose.
Essential Measurement Instruments
Start with the basics: a good thermometer and hygrometer are essential for monitoring the temperature and humidity in your cultivation space. For water quality, a pH meter and EC meter are indispensable. These tools help you accurately adjust the acidity and nutrient levels of your water to match the needs of your plants.
Temperature
The optimal temperature for growing cannabis varies somewhat between Indica and Sativa strains. Broad-leafed Indicas, originating from cooler mountain regions, thrive best at temperatures between 20-24 degrees Celsius. Tall-growing Sativas, on the other hand, originating from warmer climates like Brazil, South Africa, and India, perform better at temperatures between 22-28 degrees Celsius. This is especially important during the light hours; at night, the temperature can be about 5 degrees lower.
Humidity
The ideal humidity for cannabis plants varies depending on the growth phase. During the vegetative growth phase (growth), a higher humidity of 60-70% is suitable for both Indica and Sativa strains. However, during the flowering phase, it is advisable to reduce humidity to 40-50% to prevent mold growth and stimulate optimal resin production.
pH Value
The pH value of the nutrient solution is crucial for proper nutrient absorption. For cannabis plants grown in soil, a pH value between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal. For hydroponics or coco cultivation, a slightly lower pH value of 5.5 to 6.2 is recommended. Both Indica and Sativa strains benefit from maintaining these pH values.
CO2 Concentration
An increased CO2 concentration can stimulate the growth of cannabis plants. The standard atmospheric CO2 concentration of about 400 ppm is usually sufficient, but increasing it to 800-1500 ppm can promote the growth and flowering of both Indica and Sativa strains, provided you increase the light intensity and adjust the temperature and ventilation accordingly.
Automation for Convenience
Automating your cultivation process saves time and ensures consistency. Use a timer or time switch to control your lighting and ventilation, or integrate advanced home automation to control everything from your smartphone. Ideal for automatic cannabis cultivation, so you always stay in control, even when you're not at home.
Specific Needs of Indica and Sativa
The origin of cannabis strains often determines their growth requirements. Indicas, originating from mountainous regions, thrive at lower temperatures and less light. Sativas, on the other hand, originating from equatorial regions, require more light and higher temperatures. If that's not enough to understand, you should also know that today, there are almost no longer 100% pure Indica or Sativa cannabis seeds available for purchase. Almost everything is a hybrid to bring out the best characteristics of both. The results of such a crossbreeding lead to new varieties or strains.
The parameters discussed above are more guidelines than hard facts due to the variation in cannabis strains. However, you can say that with, for example, an 80% Indica, it's better to grow cooler than with an 80% Sativa. Understanding and measuring these differences allows you to create the ideal growth conditions for each strain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Measuring and Controlling Cannabis Cultivation
- What is a good pH value? The ideal pH value for cannabis plants is between 5.5 and 6.5 for soil and around 5.8 for hydroponics.
- How do you measure pH? pH is not regulated in the soil but in the water. Dissolve the nutrients in your water and measure the value of the nutrient solution by placing the pH meter in it.
- What is a good EC value? For cannabis plants, a good EC value is usually between 1.2 and 2.0, depending on the stage of growth and flowering.
- How do you measure EC? The same goes for the EC value. You measure it in the nutrient solution.
- Is growing cannabis yourself difficult? With the right knowledge and tools, growing cannabis yourself is feasible and can even be a fun hobby. Advanced measurement and control systems are not necessary if you're growing outdoors, but they are used by demanding growers who create an indoor climate for cannabis cultivation throughout the year.
- Is wind good for a cannabis plant? Yes, a light airflow or wind helps develop stronger stems and can prevent mold formation.
- What can't a cannabis plant tolerate? Cannabis plants do not tolerate extreme temperatures, overwatering, insufficient light, and high humidity during the flowering phase.
- How cold can a cannabis plant get? The temperature should not drop below 15 degrees Celsius, especially during the flowering phase.
- How warm does it need to be to grow cannabis? The ideal temperature ranges between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius during the light hours.
- Can cannabis plants withstand cold? Cannabis plants can tolerate some cold, but prolonged cold temperatures are harmful, especially below 15 degrees Celsius.
- What temperature for autoflowers? For autoflowering strains, a temperature between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius is ideal.
- What humidity for growing cannabis? During the growth phase, around 60-70%, and during the flowering phase, between 40-50%.