Growing Cannabis in Vertical Hydroponic Tower

It goes without saying that we are facing climate change and arable land shortage. Though traditional cultivation provides masses of food, it is still seriously affected by weather and we cannot ignore the constant loss of arable land. Thus, more and more advanced cultivation technologies are developed, aiming to grow more plants in less land with higher production. Vertical farming is one of the most widely used cultivation methods applied with advanced technologies.

Growing cannabis with vertical farming has not been surprising in recent. A new kind of growing method called vertical hydroponic tower (also known as tower garden or tower farm) has entered the picture for growing crops, such as leafy greens and herbs. It is also applicable for growing cannabis. However, it seems a little strange to most people what is vertical hydroponic tower. 

What is a vertical hydroponic tower

A vertical hydroponic tower is a vertical structure designed for growing plants with maximized production and fewer growing spaces both indoors and outdoors. Vertical hydroponic growing can grow various plants within one tower at the same time. It is used to grow almost all plants, including vegetables, flowers, fruits, cannabis, etc.

The tower generally consists of a pipe, plant containers, a drain tube, and a pump. Measuring tools such as PH tester and hygrometer are also needed for growing plants in vertical hydroponic towers. Artificial grow lights such as LED grow lights are also added as lighting supplements.

From the name, it is not difficult to understand that vertical hydroponic tower utilizes a soilless cultivation method in a controlled environment. Plants are grown in water and nutrient solutions. Add a solution that is mixed with water and nutrients to the reservoir of the tower, the submersible pump will push the solution through the pipe to the top of the tower. The solution flows down and nourishes the plants, dripping down to irrigate the root of the plant evenly.

Aeroponics belongs to hydroponic as aeroponics also grows plants without soil but with water and nutrient solution. In consequence, vertical hydroponic towers are also known as vertical aeroponics towers. The main difference is that the roots of plants are exposed to the air and sprayed by solution intermittently with aeroponics while the roots of plants are immersed in solution with hydroponics.

Advantages of growing cannabis in a vertical hydroponic tower

Easy operation

Growing cannabis in vertical hydroponic towers is much easier than other growing methods. Solution mixed with water and nutrients feeds the root of cannabis during the whole process from seeding to harvest. Growers just need to add the solution to the tower, then the tower will work automatically. No worries about the concentration of the solution as it has a certain proportion. Furthermore, the solution can also used for growing strawberries, tomatoes, and other crops. The easy operation simplifies the growing process and saves effort. No fertilizer is needed in vertical hydroponic towers.

Greater production

The research showed that a vertical hydroponic tower is able to cultivate 4 to 10 times more plants per square foot than conventional hydroponic growing. It means vertical hydroponic towers can achieve greater production. This advantage is owing to the controllable artificial growing factors both indoors and outdoors, while the indoor environment has better control. Fewer fungi, mildew, and pests will present in vertical hydroponic towers due to the well-controlled growing factors. The optimized growing environment speeds up the growing cycle from seed to harvest and extends the growing season, reaching year-round production. It also helps growers reap more profits.

Growing with less space

As cannabis is grown vertically, vertical hydroponic towers can grow more plants in less space. Some of the towers just cover a very little space, about three square feet. Grower can place them in any corner of their home or garden. They can also place vertical hydroponic towers in the greenhouse, which is being able to cultivate more cannabis in the limited room. Though vertical hydroponic tower takes up much smaller space, it is still capable of harvesting large yields and healthy cannabis.

Lower cost & consumption

Greenhouse and conventional growing need large properties for materials and labor costs for the growing structures. Conversely, a vertical hydroponic tower costs less investment and it is easier to install. Automation irrigation also makes it easier to maintain and harvest, which means less costly labor and power. Besides, hydroponics saves up to 95 % water compared to conventional growing. LED grow lights also cut down electricity bills thanks to their high efficiency and energy-saving features. Because of the controllable growing environment, vertical hydroponic towers also decrease the cost of fertilizers and pesticides. Lower cost and consumption enable growers to strive for higher possible production and better quality.

Tips for growing cannabis better in a vertical hydroponic tower

Vertical hydroponic tower contributes to an easier and lower-cost cultivation method. However, cannabis is one of the most complex plants to grow, we still need to pay attention to some matters. A healthy and robust cannabis has a higher possibility of gaining greater cannabinoid content. Seeds selection, roots, morphology monitor, and grow lights are critical for growing cannabis better in a vertical hydroponic tower.

Grow lights  

Most growers use conventional grow lights such as HID and HPS lights for growing cannabis, but conventional grow lights are costly without comparable effects. Recently, growers have turned to using LED grow lights, which are full spectrum, less heat, and less energy-consuming. Atop provides Horti-Tube Pro LED grow lights for growing cannabis in the vertical hydroponic tower. Horti-Tube Pro is an ideal LED interior lighting solution, having LEDs on both sides makes it can light two rows of plants from the bottom to the top.

Cannabis is photoperiod sensitive, using artificial grow lights for growing cannabis can help them grow better. ‘Photoperiod’ is related to the lighting cycle of dark and light, and it begins in the vegetative phase generally. 18/6 or 24/0 lighting cycle is suitable for vegetative growth, which means provides 18-24 hours of light and 0-6 hours of darkness. A 12/12 lighting cycle strategy (12 hours darkness and 12 hours light) can trigger the flowering phase.

Seeds selection

It is important to choose qualified seeds before growing. High-quality seeds increase the possibility to germinate and grow as healthy cannabis plants. The fully mature seeds should be hard and dry with a dark-brown color. Keeping the seeds in a dry and cool container can maintain their viability for a longer time. There are three cannabis strains: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana, is the major source of medical cannabis. Each kind of cannabis has specific growing strategies. If growers would like to grow various types of cannabis in one tower, they are supposed to place the plants correctly. Sativa should be grown on the lower place of the tower as it can grow in taller height. Indica, however, can be grown at the top of the tower.

Roots & morphology monitor

Since cannabis is grown without soil, it is essential to monitor the roots and morphology of cannabis. Roots should be immersed or sprayed with solution. Growers should strain the roots of every cannabis appropriately. The primary point of the root monitor is not to cut the roots. Because roots absorb water and nutrients and feed the cannabis. It is possible for cannabis to grow in a strange morphology. If cannabis grows too big or has too many branches and stems horizontally, do not bend the plant. Instead, provide external support to the branches and stems to keep them straight. Bend the branches and stems of the plant would only kill the plant. If growers would like to plant cannabis in large sizes, reduce the plants' quantity in one tower.

Disclaimer: This Content Is Intended For Educational Purposes Only. We Do Not Endorse Or Promote Illegal Activities Related To Cannabis.