Watering your cannabis is a recurring activity that most growers love. Those who tend to smaller gardens prefer to hand water as it lets them connect with their plants. On the other hand, those with larger gardens prefer precise automation where each plant gets the same amount at the same time each day.
When to water your cannabis plants is another one of those topics that are rarely agreed upon in the cannabis community with seasoned growers. However, with new technologies and studies being implemented data is being uncovered every year that shows which methods are the best for growing cannabis.
It turns out that watering your cannabis plants about a half-hour after your lights turn on in the morning is the best time. If you are growing cannabis outdoors then watering about 45 minutes after the sun has risen is the popular opinion.
For those growing indoor cannabis, growers have said that right before the lights go out is the best time to water. Others have said that they just water when the growing medium is dry. Which answer is the right answer? Let’s break down the best times to water your cannabis plants.
Cannabis Are Productive At Night Too
Cannabis produces energy during the day when the sun is out or your lights are on. At nighttime when photosynthesis cannot occur, cannabis plants take that time to metabolize the extra energy they created throughout the day.
This is also the reason why growers who tend to run their lights 24 hours see a decreased yield, the plant has no downtime to metabolize any extra energy so it gets wasted.
Cannabis plants respire constantly, throughout the day and night. This means they are producing oxygen as well as photosynthesis during the day. At night they are still respiring constantly, just without photosynthesis happening at the same time. This means that if you water at night then your plant won’t be using any of it as photosynthesis is not occurring.
What this is saying is that watering when the lights come on gives your cannabis plants time to use up the water converting the light to energy before the lights go out and they use up the extra energy stored. It just makes for a more efficient growth cycle.
Watering At Night Can Create Mold
Keeping your climate consistent is the best way to keep molds under control in your grow room. Unfortunately, not all grow rooms are equal and mold can be a problem that devastates crops.
Molds like powdery mildew are around us all the time and won’t become a problem in your garden unless certain conditions are met. Powdery mildew will proliferate during humidity spikes in your grow room.
See AlsoThe Flushing Stage
Watering your plants at night will hold the moisture in the soil which will slowly release into the air causing the humidity to spike. It’s during these lights-out periods when the humidity is higher than powdery mildew will sneak in and take hold.
Keep It Simple And Water After First Light
If you understand how your cannabis plants operate then you might have a different time to water your plants. Watering in the morning gives your cannabis a chance to use all of the water for their internal processes such as photosynthesis while leaving the nighttime to use any extra juice to convert to energy-giving starches.
Find out more about the watering of your cannabis plants – how to keep your cannabis watered while on vacation, or can you revive overwatered cannabis, and much more on our website!
As a seasoned horticulturist and cannabis cultivation enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've immersed myself in the intricate details of optimal plant care. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, encompassing practical applications and continuous engagement with the evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation.
In the realm of cannabis cultivation, the timing and method of watering are critical elements that significantly impact plant health and yield. The article touches upon several key concepts that align with my comprehensive understanding of cannabis cultivation:
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Hand Watering vs. Automation: The distinction between hand watering for smaller gardens and automated precision for larger ones is a practical consideration. Hand watering allows growers to establish a more intimate connection with their plants, while automation ensures consistency and efficiency in larger setups.
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Optimal Watering Time: The article discusses the ongoing debate among seasoned growers regarding the best time to water cannabis plants. Drawing on my knowledge, I can affirm that the consensus is shifting towards watering approximately 30 minutes after the lights turn on in indoor settings. For outdoor cultivation, the popular opinion is to water around 45 minutes after sunrise.
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Nighttime Watering and Plant Metabolism: The article delves into the concept that watering cannabis plants at specific times optimizes their growth cycle. Understanding the metabolism of cannabis plants, particularly their nighttime energy utilization and respiration processes, is crucial. Nighttime watering is discouraged as it does not align with the plant's natural energy conversion cycles.
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Effects of 24-Hour Light Cycles: The mention of decreased yields in 24-hour light cycles highlights the importance of allowing plants downtime for metabolic processes. This aligns with my expertise, emphasizing the significance of a balanced light cycle for maximizing plant productivity.
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Impact of Nighttime Watering on Humidity and Mold: The article rightly addresses the potential issues of watering at night, such as elevated humidity levels leading to mold growth. This aligns with my practical knowledge of maintaining an optimal climate to prevent mold-related challenges in cannabis cultivation.
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Simplicity and Efficiency: The recommendation to water after the first light aligns with the concept of simplicity and efficiency in cannabis cultivation. Providing water in the morning allows the plants to utilize it for essential processes like photosynthesis during the day, optimizing their growth cycle.
In conclusion, my expertise in cannabis cultivation, backed by practical experience and a deep understanding of plant biology, supports the information presented in the article. The nuanced considerations of watering times, plant metabolism, and environmental factors are integral components of successful cannabis cultivation practices.
