In the realm of cannabis cultivation, temperature and humidity are like those distant relatives who always show up at the most inconvenient times. You might not be thrilled to see them, but you have to deal with them. Especially during the flowering phase of your cannabis plants—a time that should be filled with anticipation and excitement—these two factors can make or break your harvest.
You may have meticulously planned everything from lighting to nutrients, with every detail neatly in place. However, managing temperature and humidity often gets overlooked until you notice that your plants aren’t thriving or the quality of the buds has diminished. That's when the importance of these seemingly minor details becomes apparent.
Impact of Temperature
The ideal temperature during the flowering phase should feel like a spring afternoon—neither too cold nor too hot, ideally between 20°C and 26°C. If the temperature is too high, plants can become dehydrated under the intense heat, leading to prolonged flowering times and reduced yield and quality.
On the other hand, temperatures that are too low can slow down the plant's metabolism as if it has been awakened from a winter sleep, making it lethargic and reluctant to bloom.
Impact of Humidity
Humidity, the other capricious factor, should ideally be maintained between 40% and 50%. High humidity can turn your grow area into a rainforest, prone to mold, while low humidity can resemble a desert, where water evaporates too quickly, stunting growth.
Cultivators need to manage the growing environment as precisely as adjusting an air conditioner.
Practical Tips for Managing Your Grow Environment
Temperature Control: Install a reliable temperature control system. You don’t need NASA-level equipment; a simple indoor thermometer with an air conditioner or heater will do the trick. At night, consider lowering the temperature to give your plants a “cool night's sleep,” much like opening a window during a summer evening.
Humidity Regulation: Whip out your dehumidifier or humidifier. Add moisture when it's dry and remove moisture when it's damp. Ensure good air circulation—use fans or simply open a window to let your plants breathe and prevent them from getting “too stuffy” and falling ill.
Monitoring and Adjustment: Invest in a hygrometer to constantly monitor the “mood” of your cannabis plants. Observe how the plants react, whether they are “sweating” from the heat or “shivering” from the cold, and adjust accordingly.
The above content is reproduced from: VANQ