Ask RustyUpdated 2 months ago
Meet Rusty, the laid-back indoor grower who’s always willing to lend a hand. With over two decades of experience cultivating cannabis in basements, spare rooms, and high-tech grow tents, Rusty's got the lowdown on turning any indoor space into a ganja paradise.
How do I set up proper lighting for indoor cannabis growing?
Rusty: Alright, dude, lighting is where it's at for indoor grows. For veg, you want those metal halide lights or full-spectrum LEDs. When it's time to flower, switch to high-pressure sodium or LEDs with more red in the spectrum. Keep your lights on 18-24 hours during veg, then drop to 12 hours for flowering. Make sure you're covering your whole grow space evenly, and don't be afraid to adjust the height as your plants grow. It's all about finding that sweet spot.
How do I identify male and female cannabis plants?
Rusty: Alright, so here's the deal with sexing your plants. You want to keep an eye on the nodes - that's where the branches meet the main stem. Female pre-flowers look like a pair of white hairs coming out of a little bulb. Males, on the other hand, look like tiny balls or bananas. This usually happens about 4-6 weeks after germination. Remember, only the ladies produce buds, so unless you're breeding, you'll want to ditch the dudes. If you're not sure, just wait and watch - it'll become pretty obvious as they mature.
When and how should I transition plants from vegetative to flowering stage?
Rusty: So, you're ready to flip the switch, huh? For photoperiod strains, you want to transition when your plants are about half their final size. To kick off flowering, just change your light schedule from 18/6 to 12/12 - that's 12 hours of light and 12 hours of total darkness. If you're growing outdoors, Mother Nature handles this for you as the days get shorter. When you make the switch, you might need to adjust your nutrients, upping the phosphorus and potassium. And heads up - your plants are gonna have a growth spurt in the first few weeks of flowering, so be ready for that.
What are some low-odor strains suitable for discreet growing?
Rusty: Yo, if you're trying to keep things on the down-low, there are definitely strains bred for low odor. Check out Northern Lights, Blue Mistic, or Northern Express. Generally, indica-dominant strains are less smelly than sativas. Autoflowers can be a good choice too, since they're smaller and have a shorter grow time. But listen, even with low-odor strains, you'll still want to sort out your ventilation and get some good carbon filters. Better safe than sorry, right?
What causes cannabis plants to stop growing at a certain height?
Rusty: So, there are a few things that might cause your plants to stop growing. Insufficient light is a big one - if your lights are too far away, plants might stretch and then stop. Root-bound plants can also stunt growth, as can nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances. Some strains are just naturally short, too. For indoor grows, light distance is crucial - too far and they stretch, too close and they might stop growing. Genetics play a big role in final height as well. If your plants stop growing unexpectedly, check these factors and adjust your growing conditions. Remember, a healthy plant should keep growing until it starts flowering.
Can autoflowering strains be grown successfully in hydroponic systems?
Rusty: Absolutely, dude! Autoflowers can rock it in hydro systems. The key is to keep your nutrient game on point. Start with a quarter-strength nutrient solution and gradually increase. You'll want to keep the EC a bit lower than you would for photoperiod plants. Stick with an 18/6 or 20/4 light schedule throughout the grow. Just remember, the quick growth of hydro combined with the short lifecycle of autos means you've got to stay on top of your plant care. It's a bit like running a sprint instead of a marathon, but the results can be awesome.
How do I prevent cannabis plants from becoming too tall or "stretchy"?
Rusty: Alright, so keeping your plants from getting too lanky is all about light management and training techniques. For indoor grows, keep your lights close (but not too close to cause light burn) and adjust as the plants grow. Use training techniques like topping, LST (Low Stress Training), or SCROG (Screen of Green) to control height. If you're looking for naturally shorter plants, go for indica-dominant or autoflowering strains. During the stretch phase of early flowering, slightly lowering temperatures can help reduce excessive stretching. It's all about creating the right environment and giving your plants a helping hand to grow the way you want them to.
How do I prevent hermaphroditism in feminized cannabis plants?
Rusty: Alright, so even though feminized seeds are bred to produce female plants, stress can cause them to develop male flowers. To prevent this, you need to keep your growing conditions stable. Avoid light leaks during dark periods, extreme temperatures, or overfeeding. Don't extend the flowering period unnecessarily. Some strains are more prone to hermaphroditism, so choosing stable genetics is key. If you do notice male flowers (they look like little bananas), remove them immediately to prevent pollination. It's all about keeping your ladies happy and stress-free throughout their lifecycle.
How do I grow cannabis in small spaces or with height restrictions?
Rusty: Alright, so growing in tight spaces is all about maximizing efficiency. Consider autoflowering strains or indica-dominant varieties that naturally stay compact. Training techniques like LST (Low Stress Training) or SCROG (Screen of Green) are your best friends here - they help control height and shape. Use efficient lighting like LEDs to reduce heat in your space. Vertical space is gold, so think about using shelving or vertical grow systems. For super tight spaces, look into micro-growing techniques or the "sea of green" method where you grow many small plants instead of a few large ones. It's all about working smart with the space you've got.