Common Myths About Hydroponic Cannabis 

When you’re growing cannabis hydroponically, you’ll hear a lot of myths flying around like pests in some cannabis gardens. And like the pests, these myths don’t help you or your cannabis plant. 

If you’ve been led to believe that hydroponics is reserved for science geniuses or requires the space of a small country, it’s time to rethink those assumptions. It’s more accessible and easier than you think. And you don’t need a degree in botany to grow cannabis hydroponically. 

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the most common myths related to hydroponic cannabis, and why these misconceptions don’t mean anything in the real world. 

But, first, many may not even know what hydroponics means. Let’s brush over the basics. 

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics involves growing plants without using soil. Instead, the nutrients are supplied directly to the plant roots through a solution containing nutrients, water, and other elements they need for growth. The plant roots are either submerged in this solution or supported by materials like coconut coir or rock wool that provide stability without providing nutrients.

In a hydroponic setup, you will need to monitor the nutrient solution closely and adjust it to maintain the right balance of nutrients, pH levels, and oxygen which is crucial for plant development. Since plants directly absorb nutrients from the water, it’s more effective compared to traditional soil cultivation methods. This efficiency often results in higher growth rates, increased yields, and consistent quality.

Benefits of Hydroponics

Hydroponics provides various benefits compared to soil-based farming, overcoming several limitations of conventional agriculture. Let's take a look at them: 

1. Water Efficiency

Hydroponic systems are designed to maximize water usage by recycling and reusing the solution. In contrast to cultivating in soil where water can be lost through evaporation and runoff, hydroponic setups minimize water wastage. The water in these systems is continuously circulated through the growing medium and returned to the reservoir, significantly reducing the water requirement. This efficient water management makes hydroponics especially valuable in regions facing water scarcity. 

2. Precise Nutrient Delivery

Hydroponic systems deliver nutrients directly to plant roots via a water-based solution. This approach ensures that plants receive only the amount of water they require while minimizing the risk of overwatering or underwatering, which is often challenging in traditional soil farming. This accuracy in delivering water and nutrients results in better plants and optimized resource utilization.

3. Space Efficiency

A key advantage of hydroponics is it uses space more efficiently. So, you can place the plants a little closer than you would when growing in soil. Needless to say, you get more returns for your investment this way. 

Another way to take advantage of this is through vertical farming. All you need to do is stack the plants in layers on stands or other structures. This way, you can significantly increase the number of plants you cultivate in an area. You can also do this in greenhouses to optimize space. 

4. Controlled Environment

Hydroponic systems are commonly set up in controlled environments like greenhouses or indoor cultivation spaces, where you can meticulously regulate every aspect of plant growth. This includes monitoring the temperature, humidity, light levels, and nutrient concentrations. By creating an ideal growing environment, hydroponics makes it easier to grow incredible cannabis plants. 

5. No Soil Required

The absence of soil in hydroponic systems resolves issues linked to soil-based farming. Soil can host pests, diseases, and weeds that harm plant health and yield. But, by growing plants in a soilless medium or directly in nutrient solutions, hydroponics sidesteps these challenges so you can enjoy healthier plants that produce more yields. In addition, this means that you don't have to rely on chemical treatments to get rid of pests often. 

The same applies to diseases as well. Since you'll be using sterile growing mediums, the likelihood of diseases is less. If you put in the effort to maintain a good growing environment, you can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

You can also use hydroponics if you live in an area with infertile soil. In such areas, traditional cultivation is almost impossible, but you can take advantage of hydroponics and still grow plants. Even the US government has turned to hydroponics in areas where soil cultivation isn't feasible. 

This adaptability makes hydroponics suitable for many areas including your terrace, balcony, and land. 

Downsides of Hydroponics

1. High Initial Setup Costs

Setting up a hydroponic system requires a slightly higher investment, including purchasing equipment like pumps, reservoirs, and nutrient solutions. And, of course, if you're growing indoors, add the cost of grow lights as well, although you'll have to use grow lights even if you're growing in soil. This cost can act as a deterrent for some growers that want to start with limited budgets. 

2. Technical Complexity

Hydroponic systems demand a grasp of plant nutrition, pH control, and system upkeep. Managing these aspects can be daunting for beginners due to their complexity.

3. System Failures

Hydroponic setups heavily rely on technology so failures in components such as pumps or timers can result in plant stress or loss. In addition, it relies heavily on electricity, so a power cut can shut off the systems and the plants can suffer. Therefore, you have to get a power backup and monitor and maintain the systems regularly to keep them functioning well. 

Now that you have a better understanding of how hydroponic systems work, let’s get to the myths that surround them. 

Common Myths About Hydroponic Cannabis

Here are the most common hydroponic cannabis myths. 

1. Hydroponics is Complicated

There’s a widespread belief that growing cannabis hydroponically should only be reserved for expert growers with a deep scientific understanding. While it is true that knowing your cannabis plants’ needs is crucial, hydroponics isn’t that complicated. It can even simplify various aspects of growing cannabis. 

For example, for soil-based cannabis plants, various factors like soil composition and drainage can vary vastly, leading to inconsistent growing environments. On the other hand, hydroponics offers a controlled environment where such variables are minimized. As a result, managing the entire setup is easier, especially for beginners. 

Plus, the internet is full of tons of resources that are available to help you grow cannabis hydroponically with ease. You can look at online guides, beginner-friendly hydroponics kits, or even local gardening communities to get started. 

Yes, it’s easy to get scared of hydroponics at first, but as long as you pick the right method and learn from the right resources, managing a hydroponics cannabis can be pretty straightforward.  

2. Hydroponics is Unnatural

A common misconception about hydroponic cannabis is that it's considered "unnatural." This belief arises from the notion that because hydroponics doesn't involve soil, it must be artificial or less authentic compared to soil-based methods. However, this viewpoint fails to acknowledge that hydroponics represents an equally legitimate approach to growing plants. 

In nature, plants need water, nutrients, light, and air to thrive. While soil traditionally serves as a source of these elements for plants, it's essential to recognize that there are methods like hydroponics that can effectively provide these necessities without relying on soil alone. 

If anything, hydroponics mimics natural processes by providing nutrients to plant roots in a controlled setting. This method allows you to manage growing conditions, reducing the risks associated with pests, diseases, and environmental factors that impact plants grown in soil.

For decades, there has been a debate among growers between "natural" and "artificial". However, those who argue about using natural practices often ignore the reality that many agricultural practices demand human intervention. In essence, hydroponics is nothing but another way to grow plants efficiently in a sustainable environment. 

To put it simply, plants grow when they receive resources like water, nutrients, and light. Some people also believe that hydroponics can make some genetic modifications but that's entirely untrue. Instead, it just provides nutrients in a controlled and efficient manner. This method ensures that plants receive what they require at the right time without changing their genetic composition or introducing any unnatural substances. By doing so, it promotes natural growth by optimizing nutrient availability in a way that traditional soil-based systems may not always achieve.

Also, thanks to advancements in technology, it's also possible to grow hydroponic plants using organic nutrient solutions. These solutions use nutrients that adhere to organic standards, helping you produce organic marijuana. 

So, as you can see, hydroponics can be just as natural if not more than soil-based farming as it eliminates soil variability and potential contaminants.

3. Hydroponics is Expensive 

Another common misconception when it comes to growing cannabis hydroponically is that it is very expensive. Yes, setting up a hydroponic system indeed requires more money. We even mentioned that in the cons above. So, what gives? 

Well, when you compare costs, you have to think about the long-term financial implications and advantages for a comprehensive understanding. Don't think only about short-term gains. Instead, zoom out and look at the big picture. 

So, for example, you'll buy equipment like grow lights, pumps, reservoirs, nutrient delivery systems, and environmental control systems. These initial costs may be higher than those for soil cultivation where primary expenses typically revolve around pots, soil, nutrients, and grow lights if you're growing indoors. However, you will have more returns in the long term as your setup will be much more efficient than other types of cultivation. 

Once you set up a hydroponic system, you'll need to maintain it, but it won't be expensive as you're only going to spend initially. Moreover, hydroponics often needs less water and fewer nutrients compared to soil cultivation since water is recycled within the system and nutrients are delivered with precision. So, you'll save a bit more there. 

In contrast, traditional soil farming will also involve expenses, and they will quickly add up. For instance, you need to spend money on soil preparation, pest management, water, ongoing maintenance, and much more. If you're growing indoors, the cost is almost the same but since soil cultivation has more recurring costs, you'll realize that hydroponic farming is a more sustainable choice in the long term.

Also, with hydroponics, you don’t need to spend money on soil and its fertilizers and amendments. You can get started with a bucket and water — look up space bucket hydroponics. 

There are various types of hydroponic setups, which can be adapted to various budgets. Whether you’re interested in a DIY system using recycled materials or prefer an affordable kit, you have many options. Heck, you can even set up a hydroponic system with a few hoses, trays, and minimal lighting. 

4. Hydroponically Grown Cannabis is Less Potent

The potency of cannabis primarily hinges on the levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD in the plant. Various factors influence these concentrations, including genetics, cultivation conditions, and harvesting techniques. While the choice of growing medium (soil, versus hydroponics) impacts plant development, it is not the most crucial determinant of potency.

Factors that can influence the potency of cannabis include:

• Genetics: The type of cannabis strain determines the levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids it can produce.
• Light Exposure: The quality and quantity of light directly affect the production of cannabinoids and terpenes, so having the right lighting is crucial for maximizing potency.

Hydroponic cannabis is just as potent, if not more than soil-grown cannabis as long as you manage the growing conditions carefully. Many growers prefer soil as it provides a good environment where microorganisms contribute to the plants' overall well-being. Some growers argue that soil-grown cannabis is more aromatic due to its terpene profile. And, since the entourage effect suggests that the potency of cannabis is a result of the terpenes and cannabinoids working together, soil-grown buds are more potent. 

However, this is necessarily not true as you can achieve the same effects even with hydroponics. Remember that hydroponics is all about precision. If you do everything correctly, it will eventually result in higher cannabinoid concentrations and potentially higher potency. Moreover, hydroponic setups can speed up plant growth and boost yields without compromising on strength.

As mentioned before, you have to take care of other factors rather than focusing on the type of cultivation and they include:

• Nutrient Levels: Providing the ideal balance of nutrients is vital for plant growth and optimal cannabinoid production. Thus, if you provide too much or too little, it can impact potency negatively.
• Environmental Conditions: Factors like temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels also play a role in the synthesis of cannabinoids. Therefore, if you want potent cannabis, you must maintain the perfect conditions required for their growth. 
• Harvest Timing: Most importantly, the potency depends on when you harvest the plants. If you harvest when the trichomes are at their peak of producing cannabinoids, you'll enjoy potent cannabis. Harvest too early, and you won't like the effects. On the other hand, if you harvest too late, it makes you more sleepy, so you may not like those effects either. So, you must harvest the buds when the trichomes are at their peak to ensure maximum potency.

But, most importantly, you must dry and cure the buds well. These two processes will actually determine the potency. If you skip them or try to hasten them by being impatient, you'll end up with buds that are not only low in potency but low in aroma too. 

As you can understand by now, the method of cultivation has nothing to do with potency. Whether you cultivate in soil or hydroponics, other factors are more important

5. It Needs a Lot of Space to Set Up 

A misconception surrounding hydroponic cannabis growing is that it demands a large amount of space for setup. This myth could deter growers — those with limited indoor or outdoor spaces — from exploring hydroponics as a viable option for cultivating cannabis.

However, the truth is that hydroponic systems are quite versatile and can be adjusted in terms of sizes, making them suitable for various spaces — from small closets and balconies to large commercial setups.

The best part of hydroponics is its ability to maximize production in limited space. Unlike soil-based plants, you can arrange hydroponic plants vertically, creating a compact and highly efficient growing environment. This vertical stacking capability also makes this well-suited for urban settings where space is limited. 

For example, you can grow cannabis hydroponically on a balcony, basement, or even in a closet. You can use vertical farming systems, which allow you to grow plants on multiple levels, significantly increasing your yields per square meter, so to speak. 

These setups can be customized to fit any kind of space, allowing growers to make the most of the area they have without compromising on plant health or yield. There’s a reason even NASA is looking into using hydroponics for growing plants in space! 

Here are some popular hydroponic systems that work well in confined spaces:

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): In the NFT system, a stream of water along with nutrients flows over plant roots placed in narrow channels. This setup is designed to be compact and adaptable for use in small spaces. NFT systems are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them versatile for many environments.
• Deep Water Culture (DWC): DWC setups involve suspending plant roots in water with an air pump supplying oxygen to the roots. These systems can range from small to large with some home gardeners opting for containers like buckets or tubs to accommodate their plants. They are especially favored for their simplicity and space-saving design, making them ideal for beginners with less space.
• Drip Systems: Drip hydroponic systems deliver water directly to the plant roots through a network of tubes and emitters. These setups can be installed in compact grow tents or cabinets enabling growers to manage the growing environment while utilizing whatever space they have. Drip systems are also easily expandable, so you can scale it easily. 

In addition, numerous hydroponic systems are portable and can be effortlessly relocated or reorganized as necessary. This adaptability is perfect if you need to adjust your setup according to the space you have. 

Whether you live in an apartment or have an outdoor area hydroponic systems can be adjusted to suit your specific requirements and space limitations. There are multiple hydroponic systems you can choose from, each with its own space needs and setup possibilities.

6. Hydroponic Systems are Difficult to Maintain 

Hydroponic systems are available in various setups from complex ones to the easiest ones you can set up and manage. For instance, NFT may be complicated to understand, but other systems like Drip and DWC are so easy that you can set it up in hours and maintain it easily. 

Despite the high-tech nature of these systems, they are designed to be manageable, as long as you have some knowledge about them. That said, the same goes for soil too. Many people think that it's as easy as popping a seed into the soil and waiting for nature to do its trick. The reality, however, is far different. Whether you make your own soil or purchase ready-made ones, you'll have to have some understanding of how to grow plants to do well. 

Even when growing in soil, you can use soil mediums like perlite that improve the aeration. In hydroponic systems, growing mediums like perlite and rockwool are typically used as these are inert mediums that don't change the pH or deliver nutrients. Instead, they act like a medium to help the plants absorb nutrients easily. This way, you can control the nutrient supply that helps the plants grow well and produce better yields. 

To maintain a hydroponic system efficiently, you only need to make sure that the system is working as expected. One major issue that can occur could be related to nutrient imbalances where it could be less or more than necessary. However, you can fix this by monitoring the pH levels regularly. Usually, the problem lies in the pH and not the nutrients themselves. If the pH is okay, you can go back and check the nutrients or start afresh. 

Another issue is that the system may stop working suddenly. To prevent this, check the system regularly to ensure that everything is working properly. Most importantly, clean it frequently so nothing is clogging the pipes. 

Agreed,  the technology may appear intimidating but once you take a closer look, you'll see that the basic principles are simple: maintain balance, monitor various factors, and ensure proper system operation — that's all there is to it. 

If you're still not happy with hydroponic systems, you can use automated systems that are equipped with automatic features to make your life easier. Thus, even if you forget to water the plants, your automated system will ensure that your plants get everything they need. From overseeing various aspects like nutrient distribution to maintaining the right pH and lighting, these automated systems can perform much more than you expect. They can even deliver a precise amount of nutrients so you don't have to worry about it anymore. 

Some automated systems also control the climate indoors and regulate the temperature, humidity, and light intensity, so the plants have perfect growing conditions without your interference. 

Starting out with these systems can be daunting as it involves balancing multiple factors. But, you can overcome this by starting with easier hydroponic systems and then gradually using more complex systems as you gain experience. However, it's not even necessary as you don't need to fix something that's not broken. If an easy setup is working for you, why would you want to change to a complicated one, unless it's producing a lot more yields? 

7. It Uses a Lot of Water 

Contrary to popular belief, growing cannabis hydroponically does not use a lot of water. It is actually more water-efficient than growing cannabis in soil. Let’s take it a step further — studies show that hydroponics can use up to 90% less water than traditional cultivation methods! 

When you grow cannabis in soil, you have to give your plant a lot of water. A lot of this water is lost to evaporation or gets drained away, leading to inefficiency. And you can’t always recycle this water, especially if you’re growing in the ground. 

But when it comes to hydroponics, your setup uses a fixed amount of water, which is constantly being cycled through the system. You only have to refill the reservoir when it runs out of water or nutrients. 

In the long run, this can conserve a LOT of water. And don’t worry, just because your plant doesn’t use the same amount of water doesn’t mean it isn’t getting enough water. Hydroponic systems only use the amount of water necessary for growth without losing anything to evaporation or drainage. 

8. Hydronics is Not Sustainable 

A common misconception about hydroponics is that it lacks sustainability. However, growing cannabis hydroponically can be very eco-friendly and offers various environmental advantages over soil-based cultivation. We already covered this in the previous section. 

Another common advantage is the elimination of soil from the system, which helps prevent soil erosion and degradation. Soil-based growing often leaves the soil devoid of nutrients or causes soil erosion caused by wind and water. Both instances are not eco-friendly. 

On the other hand, hydroponics don’t use soil, so they bypass these negative impacts, helping preserve land and maintain soil health. 

Plus, growing cannabis hydroponically usually requires fewer or no pesticides and herbicides due to the controlled environment that minimizes the risk of diseases and pests. This reduction in chemical use further benefits the local environment and decreases the potential for groundwater contamination. 

Then comes resource efficiency — hydroponics excels here. It uses less space, less water, and fewer nutrients. It’s an excellent way to grow cannabis while being environmentally friendly. 

9. Plants Grow Tall in Hydroponics 

Since hydroponics has so many benefits and uses a controlled environment, it’s easy to think that your cannabis will grow bigger in hydroponics. However, that may not entirely be true. 

Yes, growing hydroponically does offer the right environment for your cannabis to thrive. You have precise control over your plant’s growth, nutrient levels, water supply, pH, etc. This can help your plant reach its full potential. But that doesn’t mean your plants will grow any taller. 

Hydroponics can sometimes be unforgiving, so if you make a mistake, it will be quick to bite back. This can affect your plant’s growth. So, under ideal circumstances, where everything is perfect, your plant will grow properly. Still, it will only grow as tall as its genetics allow it to. 

If you want to optimize your plant’s size in a hydroponic system, you should maintain the right environment. This includes setting up the system properly, regularly monitoring nutrient levels, and providing sufficient light. Still, have realistic expectations. 

10. Hydroponics Produces Low-Quality Cannabis 

This is totally not true! Some of the highest quality cannabis is often grown hydroponically. Remember, hydroponics offers precise control over nutrients, pH, and other critical conditions, allowing you to grow cannabis with excellent cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles. 

In fact, the controlled environment of hydroponics often results in cannabis that matches or even surpasses the quality of soil-grown cannabis plants. You just need to carefully manage the growth process and optimize factors like nutrient uptake, light exposure, and more. 

Ultimately, the quality of your hydroponic cannabis is not inherently inferior. With the right technique and attention to detail, it can even exceed the standards set by traditional soil growth. 

One reason that may have given rise to this belief is that hydroponics is often not forgiving. So, even minor mistakes can have major side effects. But as long as you avoid those mistakes, you will grow amazing top-notch cannabis that’s probably denser than your soil-grown cannabis. 

11. Hydro Cannabis is Only for Commercial Growers

Another common misconception is that hydroponics is limited to commercial growers. The truth is that you can grow cannabis hydroponically in any way you see fit — you can always tailor it to fit any scale and budget. It’s super accessible! 

There is a reason why many hobby growers use cannabis even if it’s just to grow a single cannabis plant. It brings various benefits like faster growth rates, higher yields, and more efficient resource use. 

Whether you have a small corner in your home or an expansive greenhouse, hydroponics can be adapted to suit your specific needs, proving that it's not just for big commercial facilities but for any grower looking to optimize their cultivation process.

12. Hydroponic Cannabis is Best Suited for Specific Strains

Hydroponic systems are celebrated for their adaptability, making them ideal for cultivating an array of cannabis strains spanning from high-THC varieties to those high in resin too. Thus, this myth is absolutely untrue. The key strength of hydroponics lies in its principle of delivering nutrients in a precise manner to the plants. You can fine-tune it according to the requirements of various strains, so you can grow any strain regardless of its characteristics. 

And, it’s not just about the nutrients. With hydroponics, you can control everything if you’re growing indoors. From the light intensity to temperature and humidity, it’s possible to give the plants exactly what they want. Whether a strain thrives in hot or cold climates, you can craft an optimal environment that allows each strain to flourish.

The best part is that you can adjust and scale the system according to the strain you're growing. For instance, if you’re growing multiple plants that tend to grow very big, you can scale your DWC system accordingly. And, it goes without saying that you can adjust the nutrients according to the stage of growth. Thus, hydroponics allows you to cultivate many strains. All you need to do so is understand a bit about the setup you’re using, and you’re good to go. 

Summary: Common Myths About Hydroponic Cannabis 

So, there you have it—myths about hydroponic cannabis busted! If you’ve been convinced that hydroponics is only for the elite or that it will cost more than your last vacation, it’s time to adjust your thinking. 

Just like in gardening, if you keep your systems in check and your expectations realistic, hydroponic cannabis can yield impressive results. 

And remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, just imagine what it must be like to grow soil-based cannabis in a tropical environment where humidity can skyrocket after a short shower! Hydroponic cannabis will certainly look easier since you get to control everything.