Some cannabis home growers are surprised to learn that they can grow cannabis just as successfully in water as they can in soil. The process, otherwise known as hydroponics, is very popular amongst expert cannabis growers, and once a grower masters the process, they can produce very impressive results.
The hydroponics method is simpler and more straightforward than a newbie grower might think, though time consuming to master. The necessary tools include:
- Container to hold the water
- Pump to continually circulate the water and nutrients through the system
- Rocks or pellets to act as a foundation supporting the plant’s roots in the water
- Specialized solutions containing the necessary nutrients for healthy cannabis plant growth; including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- High-quality grow lights, as cannabis needs up to 18 hours of light daily during the growth cycle
While the steps in the process seem easy, they need to be followed very closely:
- Set up the container, the pump, and rocks/pellets that will provide the foundation
- Mix the nutrient solution and add it to the container
- Adjust the pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 (very important to monitor closely)
- Place the seedings in the rock/pellet foundation
- Set up the grow lights to provide the right amount of recommended light
- Monitor pH and nutrient levels and adjust as needed
- Harvest at maturity
Growing cannabis via the hydroponics method can be more high maintenance and take some time to master, with the average growth cycle taking 3-4 months to raise a crop. However, the method can also produce higher yield and growth rates than growing cannabis in soil, so it may be worth investigating for those who have the time and money to invest into the process.
Sources: Weedmaps, Leafly, How To Grow Marijuana
