Growing cannabis indoors has become a popular choice due to legal restrictions, climate or privacy. Although indoor growing presents its own challenges, if done correctly, it can result in high-quality harvests. In this article, we'll discover how to grow and care for cannabis plants indoors.
What does the cannabis plant need to grow?
Cannabis, like any other plant, has basic needs that must be met for healthy growth:
Light
Cannabis plants require a lot of light for photosynthesis. When growing indoors, LED, HPS (high pressure sodium) or CFL (compact fluorescent light) lights can be used. The advantage of LED lights is that they consume less energy and emit less heat.
Water
The frequency of watering will depend on the size of the plant, the type of substrate and the ambient humidity. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as excessive humidity can cause fungus and disease.
Substrate
Cannabis can be grown in soil or in hydroponic systems. If you opt for soil, an aerated, well-drained mix is recommended. Hydroponic systems allow more precise control of nutrients, but can be more complex for beginners.
Nutrients
Cannabis plants need essential nutrients to grow. In the vegetative stages they require more nitrogen, while in the flowering stage they will need more phosphorus and potassium.
Temperature and humidity
Cannabis prefers temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. Relative humidity should be between 40-60%. During the flowering stage, reducing humidity can help prevent mold problems.
How to obtain the highest production indoors?
Maximizing production requires constant attention and adjustments:
Plant training
Techniques such as LST (Low Stress Training) or topping can help the plant develop more main tails and improve light distribution.
CO2
Increasing the CO2 level in the environment can enhance growth, but it is essential to ensure adequate ventilation.
Pest and disease control
It is vital to regularly inspect plants for signs of pests such as spider mites or diseases such as mildew. Early prevention can save a crop.
Choosing productive varieties
Some cannabis strains have a higher yield potential than others. Researching and choosing strains known for their high yields can be beneficial.
How to make it bloom indoors?
Cannabis is a photoperiodic plant, which means that its flowering cycle is influenced by light. Indoors, the grower has total control over this aspect.
Photoperiod change
To induce flowering, you should adjust the lights so that the plant receives 12 hours of uninterrupted light and 12 hours of darkness. This change simulates fall conditions, when the days are shorter.
Control temperature and humidity
As mentioned above, it is beneficial to reduce humidity during flowering.
Adequate nutrition
At this stage, the plant needs more phosphorus and potassium. It is essential to adjust feeding to meet these needs.
Avoiding stress
Any form of stress, such as sudden changes in temperature or interruptions in the dark cycle, can affect the quality and quantity of flowering.
Cultivate cannabis Indoor growing requires a combination of knowledge, patience and attention to detail. By providing the right conditions and being attentive to the plant's needs, you can achieve high quality harvests from the comfort of your home. Good luck and happy growing!