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Welcome to my tiny closet grow. I wanted to try to grow a single small plan in my closet. The goal was to get the job done with a limited investment and under dire conditions; low air circulation, no cooling, limited space. I realize these are poor conditions to expect a decent harvest, but in this case, the journey of growing my own small supply is more important than getting a massive yield. In fact, prior to beginning, I expected a yield of 0.5 grams/watt.
Anyway, as temperature could easily become a problem I had to use a small LED grow light, i.e. a grow light with low power consumption. I figured I could fit about 50W inside the 55x55cm closet without heat becoming a problem. This is why I chose the LEDTonic Z2, 50W LED grow light. I spoke to a few lamp brands before choosing the Z2 and LEDTonic was by far the most friendly and helpful company to work with. The Z2's specs also beat similarly priced Viparspectras and other Amazon grow lights.
I used a 18l / 4.8 gal pot and coco coir. I used my own nutrient mix that consists of Yara's Kristalon and Calcinit and added Raw P and also Epsom salt during veg and early flower.
Week 1
Germinated one Choco Bud seed in a 0.5l plastic container and (wetted) damp coco coir. I used a 5W LED bulb for the germination phase and aimed at around 75 PPFD for this week. A 5W LED bulb with a dome delivers 75 PPFD at around a 30 cm distance.
Week 2
Translated the little darling from the 0.5l container to the main 18l pot. The pot now contains wetted coco coir with a small amount of added nutrients. Still using a 5W LED bulb with 24h light cycle. The lamp is now closer, around 20 cm from the plant and delivers 100 PPFD.
Week 3 - Early veg
Now that the plant's diameter exceeded my germination lamp's diameter, and the leaves are big enough to absorb a meaningful amount of light, I started my main grow light, the LEDTonic Z2. I kept using the 5W LED bulb with the LEDTonic lamp for a few days to make the spectrum transition less drastic. I'm not sure if the plant actually benefits from this but I figured it couldn't hurt.
Week 4
Things are going well. The plant has great color, although difficult to see with the pink grow light, and is coming along nicely. The top growth was topped to regulate height.
Week 5
My little plant is still developing well and gaining in size. Granted, with limited light comes limited growth but I was expecting that from the get go. I'm happy with the progress and the plant is soon due for its first defoliation.
Week 6
Still making good progress. First defoliation round completed. Doing a bit of LST but could probably train it harder. Oh well, we live and learn. The lamp has been moved further closer to the plant, around 40cm, and I'm aiming for around 400 PPFD now towards end of veg.
Week 7
Ooops, should say flowering, not veg. Aint it just a little darling? Look at her go with such limited conditions. Trimmed most of the leaves to help with air flow and, I presume, lower the risk of PM. The RH is between 50-60%, depending on outdoor conditions. I'm not able to use any hvac.
Week 8, 2nd week of flowering.
The little darling is looking frail but healthy. Buds are starting to form and the plant is stretching a bit. I'm giving it around 400-500 PPFD and it's taking it well. No sign of light bleach or other issues.
Week 9, 3rd week of flowering.
Bud development is progressing albite with limited speed due to the small lamp. Nothing to complain about, this was to be expected. I'm limiting the colas to five as I don't think the plant or lamp would be able to develop more efficiently.
NorGrower
