Oxygen and CO2
OXYGEN AND CO2
All plants including cannabis require oxygen and CO2 to live. The roots take in oxygen between watering and the leaves take in CO2 through the stomata of the plants so they can use it in photosynthesis. These are like pores in the leaves that help the plant breathe.
In order to make sure your plants have enough oxygen and CO2, you must provide them with fresh air constantly. This is done through the use of exhaust and ventilation fans.
Oxygen
In addition to providing fresh air, you must also make sure not to over water your plants. Cannabis likes to dry out between watering and it is during this drying period when the roots can take in the oxygen that is needed. Well draining soil along with good watering practices will ensure your plants can thrive with plenty of oxygen.
Well draining soil and breathable pots made of fabric are good ways to ensure the water does not build up in the pot.
Carbon Dioxide or CO2
CO2 is critical to your plants growth. Too little CO2 stops the photosynthesis process and the plants will be stunted and not grow. The air we breathe contains approx 415 PPM of CO2 which is enough to provide your plants the CO2 is needs.
There are two main reasons an indoor grow space does not have enough CO2 - not enough ventilation for fresh air OR the air you are providing is not fresh. This can happen when the air from your grow space is exhausted back into the area you are getting your fresh air from. The air becomes depleted of CO2 and suffocates the plants.. Always make sure you exhaust your room to the outside and not simply out of the room/tent into the area outside the room.
It is possible to increase growth and yields by adding CO2 to your grow space, but only if you also provide high amount of light at the same time. Light and CO2 are both limiting factors for growth and work hand in hand in this process. Adding CO2 to a tent with low light will actually harm your plants because they cannot process that much CO2 without additional light.
Adding large amounts of CO2 can be tricky and expensive so it is usually only recommended for experienced growers in a sealed environment. However, even beginner growers can add small amounts of CO2 through the use of "Green pads" or mushroom bags that are hung in the grow room. These can provide just that little bit of CO2 if you find yourself in a depleted environment. but they need to be replaced often and are only enough to get you through until you can fix the problem.
If you think you may be experiencing lower CO2 levels, the best way to tell is with a CO2 meter, While expensive for most growers, it can be the difference between thinking this is your problem to knowing it is your problem.
