Is 24 Hour Light Good for Weed Plants?
As a cannabis grower, you may have come across the notion of giving your plants unlimited light exposure for 24 hours straight. While it may sound like a good idea to some, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of this practice. In this article, we will explore whether 24-hour light is good for weed plants or not.
The Pros of 24-Hour Light
The practice of providing 24-hour light exposure is known as the continuous light cycle or vegging. This method has several benefits for cannabis plants. Here are some pros of 24-hour light:
Fast Growing: With access to unlimited light, cannabis plants grow faster and become bigger in a shorter amount of time.
Increased Yield: High-intensity light exposure stimulates the growth of buds, resulting in a higher yield of better-quality cannabis flowers.
Crowding Prevention: Growing cannabis indoors often means limited space. The 24-hour light cycle allows growers to prevent plant crowding by maintaining a smaller grow area.
The Cons of 24-Hour Light
While the continuous light cycle has its benefits, it is essential to consider the disadvantages as well. Here are some cons of 24-hour light:
Increased Energy Costs: Running grow lights for 24 hours increases energy costs, culminating in more electricity bills.
Heat Build-up: The continuous light cycle contributes to heat build-up in the grow area, which may lead to poor plant growth and even death.
Chance of Disease: 24-hour light may make cannabis plants more vulnerable to diseases such as mold and mildew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 24-hour light cycle is not necessarily bad for weed plants, but it is not suitable for everyone. Growers who opt for this method must have strong ventilation, fan, and AC systems to cater to the heat build-up. It is also essential to keep an eye on the humidity level and adjust it accordingly. Choosing between 18/6, 20/4, and 24/0 light cycles depends on the specific needs of your cannabis plants and the resources at your disposal. In general, the 24-hour light cycle may be more suitable for experienced growers than beginners.