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Peppers love the sun. The most productive pepper plants are grown in the warmth and heat. Though you can directly put the seeds in the garden, we strongly recommend that you first grow the seedlings indoors. 

12 Critical Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Hydroponic Marijuana

Growing hydroponic marijuana can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it requires careful attention to detail and proper management to maximize yields and produce high-quality buds. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, avoiding common mistakes is key. In this blog post, we will explore 11 common mistakes you should avoid when growing marijuana with the hydroponic system. Correlated article:

The Ultimate Grow Guide to Cannabis Hydroponics1. Overlooking pH ManagementMaintaining the correct pH is paramount in hydroponic marijuana cultivation. Marijuana plants grow and thrive in a slightly acidic environment, with pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5 being optimal for nutrient uptake. Deviating from this range can lead to nutrient lockout, where essential nutrients become unavailable to the plants, resulting in stunted growth and poor yields.To avoid pH-related issues, invest in a reliable pH testing pen and regularly monitor the pH of your nutrient solution. Adjust the pH as needed using pH up or pH down solutions to keep it within the optimal range. Ensure that your pH testing pen is properly calibrated to obtain accurate readings.2. Estimating EC LevelsElectrical conductivity (EC) measures the concentration of salts and minerals in the nutrient solution. Maintaining correct EC levels is critical to providing plants with an adequate amount of nutrients. However, guessing EC levels without proper measurement can lead to over- or underfeeding of plants, resulting in nutritional deficiencies or toxicity.Invest in an EC pen to accurately measure the electrical conductivity of your nutrient solution. This will help you determine whether the nutrient solution is too weak or too strong and will allow you to make any necessary adjustments. Keep in mind that different cannabis strains may have different nutritional needs, so it is essential to carefully monitor EC levels and adjust accordingly.

3. Poor OxygenationProper oxygenation of the nutrient solution is essential for healthy root development in hydroponic systems. Without adequate oxygen levels, roots can suffocate, causing root rot and poor nutrient absorption. To ensure sufficient oxygenation, incorporate air stones or pumps into your hydroponic system to effectively aerate the nutrient solution.Regularly check oxygen levels in the nutrient solution and adjust aeration equipment as needed to maintain optimal oxygenation. Also, avoid overcrowding your hydroponic system, as this can restrict airflow to the roots and exacerbate oxygenation problems.4. Improper Placement of Drip StakesDrip irrigation systems are valuable tools for automating the watering process in hydroponic systems. However, failure to properly place drip stakes can lead to uneven watering and nutrient distribution, compromising plant health and yield.Make sure the driplines are inserted properly into the growing medium to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. It is important to regularly check your grow space and inspect the stakes to identify and address any issues as soon as possible. This will help ensure that your plants grow strong and healthy.5. Absence of Timers for Nutrient Solution DeliveryConsistency is key in hydroponic gardening and the use of timers for dispensing the nutrient solution is essential to maintaining optimal growing conditions. Without timers, manual fertilization programs can lead to uneven nutrient uptake and stress to plants.Invest in a reliable segment timer to automate nutrient solution delivery, aiming for 2-5 feedings per day depending on the growth stage and medium used. It is advisable to have a spare timer on hand to avoid interruptions in the feeding cycle and ensure continuous plant growth.

6. Ignoring Reservoir Temperature RegulationNutrient reservoir temperature plays a crucial role in the health and vitality of hydroponic marijuana plants. Extreme temperatures can stress plants and provide favorable conditions for pathogen growth.Try to maintain a constant tank temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius by using an aquarium heater. This temperature range provides optimal conditions for root health while minimizing the risk of pathogen contamination.7. Utilizing Dense Organic NutrientsA common mistake made by many growers is to use dense organic nutrients in hydroponic systems designed for synthetic fertilizers. Organic nutrients have larger particles than synthetic nutrients, which can lead to blockages in drip lines and pumps. Over time, this can create an environment in which aerobic bacteria can thrive, potentially causing tank contamination and attracting parasites.Manufacturers design hydroponic nutrients so that they can be easily absorbed by plants in systems such as drip irrigation, deep water culture, or NFT. Using organic nutrients in these systems can disrupt nutrient flow, affecting plant health and growth. It is recommended to use nutrients specially formulated for hydroponic systems to avoid any clogs or other related problems.8. Insufficient MaintenanceAnother common mistake is neglecting maintenance tasks, leading to clogged drip lines. Drip irrigation systems rely on a steady flow of nutrient solutions to deliver essential nutrients to plants. However, without regular maintenance, drip lines can become clogged with sediment, algae, or organic matter, disrupting nutrient delivery and potentially harming plant health.To prevent clogged drip lines, schedule regular maintenance tasks such as flushing the system, cleaning drip lines, and inspecting for any signs of blockages. By maintaining a clean and well-functioning hydroponic system, you can ensure optimal nutrient delivery and promote healthy plant growth.

9. Neglecting Flushing ProceduresFlushing is a crucial step in hydroponic marijuana growing that is often overlooked by growers. The flush allows plants to use their internal reserves of nutrients and minerals, resulting in flowers with a smoother flavor and richer colors. Without proper Flushing, residual nutrients can accumulate in plant tissues, affecting the flavor and quality of the final product.During the flushing period, which typically lasts about 14 days, enzymes can be used to speed up the breakdown of undissolved salts and aid in the absorption of nutrients. This process allows the plants to fully utilize the nutrients, resulting in clean burning and superior flavor.10. Excessive DefoliationDefoliation can be beneficial if done correctly. However, excessive defoliation or removing too many leaves at one time can stress the plant and negatively impact growth and yield.As a general rule, avoid removing more than 25% of the plant's foliage at one time, and always use sharp scissors to make clean cuts. New growers should use caution when defoliating and refrain from extreme techniques such as "schwazzing", especially with autoflowering cannabis strains, which may not recover well from the stress of defoliation.When in doubt, err on the side of caution and remove leaves only sparingly to avoid stunting plant growth.11. Entering the Room During Lights-Out PeriodsIt's natural to want to check your plants frequently, especially during the early stages of growth. However, entering your grow room or tent with the lights off can have disastrous consequences. Even brief exposure to light during the dark cycle can disrupt the plant's photoperiod and trigger hormonal imbalances, potentially leading to problems such as hermaphroditism.Hermaphroditic plants develop both male and female sex organs, which can result in self-pollination and a significant decrease in flower quality and potency.To avoid light leaks and minimize the risk of hermaphroditism, avoid entering the grow space during the dark cycle and invest in light-isolating measures such as light traps and blackout curtains.

Mastering Fluxing Cannabis: Complete Guide

When it comes to plant training techniques, you might immediately think of methods like topping or LST. However, there's a lesser-known technique that's been gaining attention among cannabis cultivators: fluxing.This innovative technique was developed by a renowned home grower and has been recognized for its ability to enhance yields and promote healthy plant growth. In this post, we'll delve into everything you need to know about fluxing cannabis!

What is Fluxing?

Fluxing is a plant training technique that combines manifolding, topping, ScrOGging, and low-stress training (LST). If you're wondering why you should try fluxing, this section will explain it. We'll also provide some background information on the method, followed by a comparison of the pros and cons of fluxing.

Why to Flux Weed Plants?

This is a question many growers ask themselves. The answer is simple: increase yield. When you flux your plants, you help them focus their energy on each branch instead of just the top. This leads to a uniform canopy where each branch receives the same light, resulting in a higher yield.Additionally, the flux promotes better light penetration and top-to-bottom airflow. This improves the overall health of your plants and minimizes the chances of infections taking root. So, if you want to maximize yield and improve the health of your cannabis cultivation, fluxing is a must.

How Did The Flux Technique Start?

Although the technique of fluxing may seem unfamiliar to some growers, it has actually been in use for quite some time. Its origins can be traced back to 2014 when a grower named Light Addict built a grid from green twist ties and tried fluxing a single plant.The technique proved to be successful, earning him significant praise online and boosting his clout. This led him to publish a book detailing the fluxing method and other growing tips.

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Fluxing Weed Plants?

Fluxing weed has multiple advantages. The most significant one is that it can boost your yields and reduce plant waste by evenly distributing the plant's energy. Additionally, this technique is suitable for growing tall indoors as it creates numerous tops, allowing for cannabis sativa plants to grow outward rather than upward.However, there are a few drawbacks to fluxing your plants. The most prominent one is that it requires more dedication than other techniques like manifold or the sea of green (SOG). Furthermore, you cannot use just any genetics for fluxing cannabis; you need to use photoperiodic plants that can be controlled to make them flower at the most appropriate time.

Marijuana Fluxing: Step By Step Guide

Let's dive into the exciting part. In the following paragraphs, we'll explain the necessary equipment you need to properly fluxing your weed. After that, we'll move on to the main event and guide you through the process of fluxing your plants step-by-step.

Before You Start Fluxing Weed, Hear are some Basic TipsIt's important to initiate the fluxing process when your plant is still young, typically, during the 3rd or 4th week.Additionally, it's crucial to keep your plant under constant light for most of the veg phase, about 24 hours. According to Light Addict, this will encourage your plant to stretch harder during the first two weeks of flowering than if you give them 16 or 18 hours of light.Lastly, be careful not to tie green twist ties too tightly around your plant's branches. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and avoid cutting off nutrient flow through their vascular system.Equipment Needed For Fluxing:- Green Twist Tie: Firstly, you will need a significant amount of green twist ties, which will be used to create a grid across the top of your canopy. - Smart Pot: You will also need a large Smart Pot, preferably a 10-gallon one, perfect for using green twist ties for trellising. You can punch holes in the pot and anchor the green twist-tie directly to it. - Trellis Netting: You can opt for pre-made trellis netting as an alternative to the green twist ties, but ensure it is anchored tightly to your Smart Pot. - HPS Grow Lights: These kinds of lamps are highly recommended for the flux training of cannabis plants. Although CFL grow lamps were used in the initial guide by Light Addict, HPS lamps would be preferable as they pump out more lumens per watt to give your plants an extra boost, despite using more electricity. Here's How To Do It:

STEP 1: Choose a healthy and vigorous plant that has at least three nodes. A node is where a branch or a leaf grows from the main stem. Cut off the top of the plant just above the third node. This will stimulate the growth of two new branches from the second node. These will become your main colas.

STEP 2: Lower branches and leaves (first and second nodes) should be pruned away. This will send the plant’s energy to the two major branches that will form the basis of your manifold.

STEP 3: Wait for at least 3 days until your plant recovers from the topping. Then, transplant it into a large smart pot that has plenty of drainage holes. Once you transplant your plant, bend each of the two main branches down and secure them with green twist ties. You can also use a trellis net to support your branches and keep them in place.

STEP 4: After another few days, your secondary branches will have grown more nodes. These are called tertiary branches. Use green twist ties or trellis net to tie down each tertiary branch to the rim of the smart pot.

STEP 5: When the secondary branches have at least three nodes, it's best to top them directly above the third node. Doing so will create two new growth points on each secondary branch, increasing the total number of colas.

STEP 6: It's important to eliminate any lower branches, leaves, or growth tips on secondary branches that won't receive adequate light. This technique will enable the plant to concentrate its energy on the major colas.

STEP 7: After another few days, your secondary branches will have grown more nodes. These are called tertiary branches. Use green twist ties or trellis net to tie down each tertiary branch to the rim of the smart pot.

CONGRATULATIONS! Now, you just need to wait for another week before switching to the flowering stage. During this time, your plant will stretch and fill in any gaps in the canopy. Keep an eye on your plant and make sure it gets enough water, nutrients, and light, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!Final Thought On The Cannabis Fluxing TechniqueFluxing cannabis is an advanced technique that requires patience, time, and effort to master. But if done successfully, it can lead to a bountiful harvest.