Introduction

Cannabis is a versatile plant with a myriad of uses, including medical, recreational, and industrial. However, like all living organisms, it needs water to survive and thrive. The amount of water cannabis plants need is crucial for their growth and health. In this article, we will explore the question: how much water do cannabis plants need?

Environmental factors that affect water requirements

The amount of water cannabis plants need varies depending on several environmental factors. One significant factor is the temperature. In high temperatures, cannabis plants transpire faster, leading to more water loss. Therefore, they need more water to replace the lost moisture. Humidity is another factor that affects water requirements. High humidity levels reduce the water transpired by the plants, while low humidity levels increase it. Soil type and pH also impact water requirements, with loamy soils retaining more water than sandy soils.

The growth stage of cannabis plants

The stage of growth of cannabis plants is another determinant of how much water they need. The water requirements of the plants change from the germination phase to the flowering stage. During germination, the plants require less water because they have smaller roots and absorb less water. In contrast, the plants need more water during the vegetative and flowering stages as they have larger roots, and the plants are growing at a faster rate. During the flowering stage, the plants require less water than in the vegetative stage because they have a shorter vegetative cycle.

Calculating water needs of cannabis plants

The formula to calculate water requirements for cannabis plants is straightforward. You need to multiply the surface area of the plant canopy by the water requirement per unit area of the plant canopy. The surface area of the plant canopy is calculated by multiplying the width and length of the canopy. The water requirement per unit area of the plant canopy varies depending on the environmental factors and the growth period. Generally, cannabis plants require between 0.25-1.0 liters of water per day per square meter of plant canopy.

Methods of watering cannabis plants

There are different methods of watering cannabis plants, depending on the size and location of the plants. Hand-watering is suitable for small indoor plants, and it allows growers to control the amount of water the plants receive. Drip irrigation is suitable for both indoor and outdoor grows, and it delivers water directly to the root zone. Flood and drain systems are ideal for indoor grows, where plants are grown in containers. The system pumps water into the containers and then drains it out, allowing the plants to take up the required amount of water.

Conclusion

The amount of water cannabis plants need varies depending on several environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, soil type, and pH. The stage of growth of the plants also affects their water requirements. A grower can calculate the amount of water their plants need using a simple formula. The watering method a grower uses depends on the size and location of their plants. Ultimately, proper watering ensures the health and vitality of cannabis plants, resulting in higher yields and better quality buds.