Growing weed indoors offers a lot of benefits that allow growers to achieve optimal results, even when the climate and environment are unideal.
For one, environmental factors are controlled, including temperature, humidity, and even soil conditions. You can also reduce the risks of pests, diseases, and unusual weather disruptions. More importantly, you can grow year-round, which allows you to have consistent supplies as needed.
If you’re looking to have a consistent supply of cannabis or weed, then read further on how you can grow indoors without being limited by the seasons.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Local Laws on Growing Cannabis at Home
- Setting the right space for Growing Cannabis Indoors
- Picking the Right-Growing Medium
- Essential Equipment for Indoor Cannabis Growing
- Choosing the Right Nutrients
- Setting Up and Maintaining the Environment
- Starting the Growth Process
- How to check if the buds are ready for harvest
- Troubleshooting Issues
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Weeds Indoors
Understanding Local Laws on Growing Cannabis at Home
If you’re a home grower looking to cultivate cannabis, you need to take note of regulations in your state with regard to growing cannabis. Some states have stricter regulations, while others have a rather more moderate stand for homegrown weed or cannabis.
For example:
- Colorado Residents: Can grow up to six plants, with a maximum of three flowering at any given time.
- Growers must be over the age of 21.
- Denver Specific Rule: A stricter limit of 12 plants per home applies, regardless of the number of adults residing there.
- Arizona Residents: Regulations are more relaxed, particularly for medicinal users with limited access to dispensaries.
Keep in mind that these are just examples, and it's essential to check your local and state laws to ensure you're growing within legal boundaries.
Setting the right space for Growing Cannabis Indoors
Choosing the right indoor setup is essential, especially when growing cannabis. Part of the regulations of growing indoors also includes having a proper space, which includes making sure that they are growing in an enclosed environment, which, in most cases would be indoors or away from plain view, and inaccessible to minors.
For this purpose, you have three options: a grow tent, grow boxes, and a dedicated grow room.
Grow Tents
Grow tents are prefabricated enclosures made with lightproof material and reflective interiors designed to amplify lighting inside. They are cost-efficient, and widely available, and are easy to move around. They also include ports to help you wire your controllers or attach ventilation.
However, their sizes are a little limited and may not be ideal for large-scale growers. They also need sufficient ventilation equipment to prevent overheating.
Grow Boxes
Grow Boxes are viewed as turnkey solutions for indoor growing as they often have the tools and fixtures you need to jumpstart indoor growing. This setting often comes with grow lights and ventilation systems, which make setting up easier.
However, they have a higher upfront cost, compared to grow tents. They are also less modular or customizable compared to a grow tent.
Grow Rooms
This is a dedicated room for growing plants indoors. They’re ideal for large-scale growing or experimenting with advanced techniques. Among all the possible spaces, a dedicated grow room gives you maximum control and lets you grow as much.
However, this comes with a more complicated setup and higher operational costs. This setup is best for experienced growers.
Picking the Right-Growing Medium
Choosing a growing medium will be a turning point in growing cannabis. Since the growing medium is the platform for your plants to absorb nutrients, you need to choose based on your experience and capacity.
Soil
Soil is a natural medium that contains essential nutrients. For beginners, this makes a good option to start in growing cannabis indoors, due to the simplicity and natural nutrient availability. It’s not complicated to understand, which allows you more time to focus on growing cannabis. Likewise, it’s also more affordable.
- Growing on soil is slower compared to other growing mediums.
- Risk of pests.
- Nutrient levels are not as precise compared to other mediums.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a soilless system wherein plants use a nutrient-rich water solution to grow. Because plants absorb nutrients directly from water, they tend to grow faster. Likewise, you can add precise amounts of nutrients as needed.
- Requires careful monitoring of nutrients, water, and pH levels.
- Costly because of pumps, reservoirs, and monitoring equipment.
- It depends on electricity, thus, making power failures dangerous for your plants.
Essential Equipment for Indoor Cannabis Growing
You also need to have the right tools for the job when growing indoors. Compared to growing outdoors, you will need a few more extra things, which are critical for indoor gardens. It’s important to have the right gear to ensure healthy growth and maximize your harvest potential.
Grow Lights
Since you’re growing indoors, you will need a light source to mimic natural sunlight. More often than not, you won’t get sufficient natural lighting from the window, unless you’re growing in a glass greenhouse.
This is where grow lights come in. Grow lights are specialized lighting used to replicate the spectrums needed for photosynthesis.
LED grow lights are the popular choice because of the following benefits:
- Energy efficient
- Long-lasting
- Produce less heat, reducing the need for cooling systems
- Offer the widest spectrum coverage, including full-spectrum designs
Although they cost more initially, the energy savings make up for it in the long run.
Aside from LED, other options for grow lights include:
- High-intensity Discharge (HID), which has intense lighting that’s ideal for larger spaces such as dedicated rooms. However, they emit a lot of heat and consume electricity.
- Compact Fluorescent Lights, which is best for seedlings and small growth of leafy plants.
However, LEDs are still the better option among the three.
Ventilation and Odor Control
Your space will also need proper ventilation to ensure fresh air is circulated while controlling odors. This is what the ducts in grow tents are for, as you can attach them to bring fresh air in and exit stale air.
This ventilation system is composed of four parts:
- Inline Fans: Used to move air out of the grow space and maintain consistent airflow.
- Carbon Filters: Trap odors, ensuring discretion for your grow operation.
- Oscillating Fans: Keep air circulating to strengthen stems and prevent hot spots.
- Ducting: Channels air in and out of your grow space.
Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers
Another thing to consider is the humidity levels in your room. You need to ensure these are optimized to prevent drying or mold formation. You can easily introduce humidity in the room through water, but maintaining the balance is important.
This is where a dehumidifier comes in handy. The dehumidifier can balance moisture levels by absorbing excess moisture until such a point reaches the right levels.
Other Must-Have Tools
Aside from lighting and ventilation, there are other must-have tools to make your indoor garden more productive. These tools are essential for monitoring and maintaining your setup:
- Thermometers and Hygrometers to track temperature and humidity. There are 2-in-1 models that feature alert notifications for convenience.
- Timers or Lighting Controllers to automate lighting schedule for consistent photoperiod.
- Choose breathable fabric pots or plastic containers with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Add a tray under the pots to catch any runoff water and keep the growing space clean.
Choosing the Right Nutrients
Your plants will not grow if they don’t have any nutrients. And since indoor growing is a controlled environment, all the more you need to attention to the nutrients your plants take.
There are three macronutrients needed for cannabis growth and comprise the majority of the nutrient intake of plants.
- Nitrogen (N) is introduced in the vegetative stage to promote foliage development.
- Phosphorous (P) ensures root development and flowering.
- Potassium (K) ensures overall plant health and bud development.
These macronutrients are supported by micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Smaller quantities are mixed with the macronutrients but are just as essential for development.
Feeding Schedule
Seedling Stage
Seedlings initially don’t need nutrients. However, when more leaves develop, you will have to gradually introduce them, starting with a low dosage.
Vegetative Stage
You will need a balanced nutrient ratio of 2:1:2 for NPK. Nitrogen levels are increased in the mid-vegetative stage, while the late vegetative stage would need a balance of all three.
Flowering Stage
For the flowering stage, you will need the same balanced ratio but eventually, focus more on phosphorous and potassium. Towards the late flowering, reduce or remove nitrogen.
Before Harvest
You need to flush out nutrients by giving your cannabis plants water. If you’re using soil, you need around two weeks to complete the flushing. For hydroponics, a few days should be enough.
Remember that flushing is done prior to harvest, so only initiate it once you know your plants are close to it. Plant quality declines when flushing is done early.
Choose your strain
To be clear, you can choose any strain and it will grow indoors. However, some strains work better for beginners who are looking to start indoor growing.
One reason to consider these strains is to help you get comfortable growing weed indoors. Here are some strains you should try for your first indoor experience.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is good for beginners since it’s easy to grow while providing this high. It’s ideal for beginners because it can handle certain inconsistencies in watering and nutrient intake. Do note that this strain can grow quite tall, so you may need a space with higher headroom.
Northern Lights
This strain is a popular option for beginners due to it requiring low maintenance yet can be quite resistant to pests. If you’re starting out, Northern Lights should be on your shortlist of strains. Not to mention, the high it brings is relaxing but not too intense.
White Widow
White Widow is popular for beginners due to the strain's flexibility in nutrient intake and environmental conditions. It also blooms within eight weeks, even if you’ve committed some errors in the growing process.
Gelato Auto
Gelato Auto is a popular choice for beginners because of its fast-growing time. For one, they’re ready for harvest within 10 weeks, plus you don’t have to worry about light cycles, which can be a problem if you’re struggling with mixing and matching spectrums. Gelato Auto also has a tasty flavor similar to a dessert treat.
Strawberry Banana
Strawberry Banana is another easy-to-grow strain indoors and can withstand changes in the environment. Because of its resistance, this strain will grow with minimal impact on its quality even when your space isn’t fully optimized for growing. Strawberry Banana also has a fruity and potent flavor that many people enjoy.
Setting Up and Maintaining the Environment
Creating a stable environment is one of the most critical aspects of indoor cannabis growing. Cannabis plants thrive when provided with the ideal temperature, humidity, light cycles, and protection from common issues. Here’s a quick guide on setting the ideal temperature, humidity, and lighting schedule per stage.
|
STAGE |
TEMPERATURE |
HUMIDITY |
SCHEDULE |
|
Seedling |
20–25°C (68–77°F) |
65–70% |
18 hours |
|
Vegetative |
22–28°C (72–82°F) |
40–60% |
18 hours |
|
Flowering |
20–26°C (68–79°F) |
40–50% |
12 hours |
For grow lights, one factor to consider when setting the distance is the power of these fixtures.
|
POWER |
SEEDLING |
VEGETATION |
FLOWERING |
|
100 watts |
24 inches |
12 inches |
8 - 10 inches |
|
200 watts |
24 inches |
14 inches |
10 - 12 inches |
|
300 watts |
24 inches |
16 inches |
12 - 14 inches |
|
600 watts |
24 inches |
18 - 20 inches |
14 - 16 inches |
|
1000 watts |
36 inches |
24 inches |
16 - 18 inches |
To help you optimize your indoor garden, monitor your environment daily and make small adjustments to avoid drastic changes that could stress your plants.
For managing humidity, the first thing you need to remember is that humidity levels should be lower in the flowering stage, especially as buds develop. Aside from using a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, it’s important to also maintain good air circulation to prevent mold development.
Regularly inspect buds and leaves for signs of powdery mildew or gray mold. You want to avoid bud rot early on.
Pest Management
Pest management is another thing to look into. If not given attention, they can ruin a potentially good harvest.
- Use sticky traps to monitor and reduce pest populations.
- Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to naturally control pests.
- Always keep your growing space clean and free from outside contaminants.
Starting the Growth Process
Turning those seeds into buds takes a few phases with certain care and conditions. Understanding these phases will allow you to set the right environment for the seeds to develop.
Before you start planting, make sure to get seeds from reputable sources. This is to ensure that you get the real deal and that the source plant has strong genetics.
Germination
The process starts with germination, wherein you can opt to:
- Place the seeds on a moist paper towel in a dark and warm spot until the taproot gets exposed.
- Plant the seeds in a starter medium, which causes less stress when the roots develop.
Note that the germination method also applies to plants that will be cultivated through hydroponics. Once the seeds have germinated, you can move to the seedling phase.
Seedling Phase
The seedling phase is another delicate phase in growing cannabis.
- Provide as much light as possible while maintaining a low intensity (around 30-50%)
- If growing on soil, you need to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Avoid overwatering during this phase.
You’ll know if your seedlings are doing well when the cotyledons, or the first leaves, are bright green and the growth has been steady.
Vegetation Stage
Increase light intensity while maintaining the same light cycle.
- Prioritize nitrogen for leaf and stem growth, while also adding other nutrients.
- This phase last anywhere between 3 - 8 weeks, depending on the stain you are growing.
- “Train” your plants to increase yields.
Note: You only need to water when the top soil feels dry. Make sure your plants can draining excess water to prevent root rot.
Flowering Stage
The flowering stage often happens from late summer to early fall.
- Adjust the light cycle to 12 hours to simulate this setting.
- Increase phosphorous and potassium for bud development.
- If you notice buds under the canopy, prune excess leaves to improve light penetration.
How to check if the buds are ready for harvest
Harvesting cannabis at the right time is crucial for maximizing potency, flavor, and yield. Picking too early or too late can affect the quality of your buds, so knowing the key indicators of readiness is essential.
Often, the leaves of your cannabis will turn yellow or fade in color near harvest time, as the plant diverts energy to the buds. Note that this is a natural process and not a sign of poor care.
Here are other indicators to look out for.
Trichome Color
The first thing you need to check is the trichome color. Since trichomes are tiny, you will need a magnifying lens to determine their readiness.
- If the trichomes are clear, the buds are still immature and will have low potency.
- Cloudy trichomes mean that THC levels are at their peak.
- Amber trichomes mean the THC is losing its potential and would have a more relaxing effect.
Bud Appearance
The pistils are the small, hair-like structures on buds that change color as the plant matures. When around 70 - 80% of the pistils have darkened and curled inward, your buds are ready for harvest.
Mature buds feel dense and firm to the touch, while immature buds may look fluffy or underdeveloped, even if other indicators suggest readiness.
Troubleshooting Issues
Growing cannabis indoors is a rewarding process, but even the most experienced growers encounter challenges. Understanding common issues and how to address them can help you maintain healthy plants and avoid costly mistakes.
Overwatering and Underfeeding
Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, drooping foliage, and slow growth.
Remedy: Water only the top inch of soil feels dry and ensuring that your pots have sufficient drainage holes.
Signs of Underfeeding: Pale leaves and stunted growth.
Remedy: Balance nutrient mix, gradually increasing strength later on. Make sure to follow a feeding schedule.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests and diseases when growing cannabis include spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, mildew, and bud rot.
Remedy for common pests: Use neem oil or introduce insects such as ladybugs for more natural pest control.
Remedy for diseases: Ensure that humidity is lowered and ensure proper air circulation. Likewise, remove any infected parts as soon as possible.
pH Imbalances
pH imbalances cause nutrient lockout, wherein your plants cannot absorb nutrients properly, despite the presence and right amount.
Test the pH levels of the soil or water of your plants. The ideal range should be 6.0 - 7.0 for soil and 5.5 - 6.5 for water.
Remedy: If there is an imbalance, use a pH-up or pH-down solution
Conclusion
Growing cannabis indoors is a fulfilling journey that combines science, creativity, and patience. By following the key principles outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success:
For anyone starting, start small to minimize any losses, in case you don’t succeed. Starting small allows you to understand the plants properly so that you can easily manage the growing space.
If you’re ready to begin growing indoors, feel free to check out our selection of indoor gardening equipment on the site. Trimleaf carries a wide selection of grow tents, grow lights, ventilation, nutrients, and other equipment needed to jumpstart your indoor weed-growing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Weeds Indoors
- ◄What are the benefits of growing cannabis indoors?
- Growing cannabis indoors allows for complete environmental control, including temperature, humidity, and light cycles. It reduces the risk of pests and diseases, eliminates dependence on weather conditions, and enables year-round cultivation for consistent supply.
- ◄Do I need a special space to grow cannabis indoors?
- Yes, you need an enclosed, controlled environment that complies with local laws. Common options include:
- Grow Tents: Prefabricated and lightproof, cost-efficient, but limited in size.
- Grow Boxes: Turnkey solutions with included equipment, but less customizable.
- Grow Rooms: Dedicated spaces offering maximum control, ideal for large-scale operations.
- ◄What type of lighting is best for growing cannabis indoors?
- LED grow lights are the most popular choice because they are energy-efficient, emit less heat, and provide a full light spectrum. Other options include HID (High-Intensity Discharge) and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights), but LEDs are preferred for efficiency and longevity.
- ◄What is the best growing medium for cannabis indoors?
- The best medium depends on your experience:
- Soil: Great for beginners, as it’s natural and easy to manage.
- Hydroponics: Ideal for faster growth and precise nutrient control but requires monitoring and a higher upfront investment.
- ◄What equipment is essential for indoor cannabis growing?
- Essential equipment includes:
- Grow Lights (e.g., LED, HID, CFL).
- Ventilation systems (inline fans, carbon filters, oscillating fans).
- Monitoring tools like thermometers, hygrometers, and timers.
- Pots with proper drainage and other tools like nutrient solutions.
- ◄How do I select the right cannabis strain for indoor growing?
- Beginners should choose resilient strains like:
- Northern Lights: Low maintenance and pest-resistant.
- Blue Dream: Tolerates environmental fluctuations and grows tall.
- White Widow: Flexible nutrient intake and environmental conditions.
- Gelato Auto: Autoflowering and fast-growing.
- ◄What temperature and humidity levels are ideal for growing cannabis indoors?
- Ideal conditions vary by stage:
- Seedling Stage: 20–25°C (68–77°F), 65–70% humidity.
- Vegetative Stage: 22–28°C (72–82°F), 40–60% humidity.
- Flowering Stage: 20–26°C (68–79°F), 40–50% humidity.
- ◄What nutrients do cannabis plants need?
- Key nutrients include:
- Nitrogen (N): For vegetative growth.
- Phosphorus (P): For root and flower development.
- Potassium (K): For overall health and bud growth.
- ◄How do I know when my cannabis is ready for harvest?
- Key indicators for readiness:
- Trichomes: Cloudy (maximum potency) or amber (relaxing effect).
- Pistils: 70–80% darkened and curled inward.
- Buds: Dense and firm.
- ◄What are the common issues when growing cannabis indoors, and how can I avoid them?
- Common issues include:
- Overwatering: Causes yellowing leaves and drooping foliage. Remedy by watering only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Underfeeding: Causes pale leaves and stunted growth. Remedy with a balanced nutrient schedule.
- Pests and Diseases: Control pests with neem oil or beneficial insects and prevent diseases by maintaining humidity levels and airflow.
- pH Imbalances: Ideal pH is 6.0–7.0 for soil, 5.5–6.5 for water. Adjust using pH-up or pH-down solutions.
