The Growers Guide to Cannabis
The Growers Guide to Cannabis -

Aeroponics is the ultimate step in indoor gardening and is well worth the effort and expense if you are looking for the zenith of cannabis cultivation

Aeroponics: what is an aeroponic system and how does it work?

If you came upon this article “What is an aeroponic system?” through an organic search then it’s fairly safe to assume that you are already considering a hydroponic grow room set up, and more than that, are prepared to go whole hog for an aeroponic system.

Aeroponics may not for beginners:

There is no guaranteed path to success. You may have the best grow lights, the most advanced nutrients and combine it all with an aeroponic system yet still experience failure. Success at this level involves a level of understanding and empathy with your cannabis plants. Growing with a system like this demands your attention to make worthwhile.

What is an aeroponic system?

In an aeroponic system there is no grow medium: the plant’s roots are suspended in air and sprayed by a series of fine nozzles at regular intervals.

Advantages of an aeroponic system:

I think this picture from stinky bud’s journal on roll-it-up sums up all the advantages of aeroponics.  You can see the pre- flower stretch that normally happens in the first 15 days from switching to flower supercharged: its a perfect example of how an aeroponic system can maximise your end yield potential.

• an aeroponic system is up to 60% more efficient than a standard hydroponic system. Because the roots receive nutrients directly you will use less of them than with a standard hydroponic set up.
• less risk of disease and pests (simply because many of these are soil borne)
• the root system receives an oxygen loaded water/nutrient solution (see water temps in a hydro system for a more detailed explanation on the importance of oxygen to a root system).

It is this combination of a fine misting of nutrients with oxygen that induces incredible plant growth.

• Maneuverability. Its easy to transfer plants from one situation to another should you need to. 

Disadvantages of an aeroponic system:

• As there is no medium in which the roots live, it is essential that great care is taken to ensure regular maintenance is spent on all nozzles,pumps and timers: there is only a small tolerance before the roots will dry out and die. Your cannabis plants are wholly dependent upon the system, and if any part of the system fails, so will your plants.
• Techincal skills: you need to prep up on the feeding schedules etc demanded by your plants as there is no room for error. For example, if you have a pH issue the effects will be much greater than in soil where the soil itself will act as a buffer between the roots and the incorrect pH / nutrient.
• Whilst many diseases are less likely in an aeroponic system, the kit itself needs to be kept clean. Use hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis to sterilize the area.
• Cost. Let’s face it these systems aren’t cheap, and if you are considering using an aeroponic system then it is worth making sure that you buy the right one.

You may also want to read our “How to use an aeroponic system“

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