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One of the most common mistakes among beginner self-growers is not investing in quality substrate for their plants, even though it is essential for proper development. However, to choose the best marijuana substrate, you must know its main characteristics to understand what to look for.
What is a substrate?
In general terms, the substrate is the surface where a plant lives. Its quality varies depending on its components, and there are almost as many combinations as there are plants, as it is not uncommon for growers to create their own soil tailored to the nutritional needs of their crop. This is why there is no single best marijuana substrate. It will depend on what each plant requires.
In outdoor marijuana cultivation, plants are usually planted in native soil, although soil enhancers are used to provide the specific nutrients that the plants need and that the natural soil lacks.
The easiest option is always to purchase a prepared substrate from a trusted grow shop. In this case, it will also be necessary to be informed about the formulation to choose the best substrate for marijuana cultivation according to factors such as location, climate, or planted variety.
What components does a good substrate need?
The common characteristics that all substrates must have are a correct texture and drainage capacity, optimal water retention to keep the plant hydrated, a pH value as close to 6 (within the range of 5.8 to 6.3 cannabis will give good results), and the necessary nutrients, at least to cover the requirements of the marijuana plant during the germination phase. Normally, the best substrates contain enough nutrients to feed it until the flowering phase, or close to it.
There are several components that are combined to achieve a suitable substrate that possesses the described characteristics. Normally, the base of all cultivation soil is a mix of black and blonde peat to which enhancers are added.
Types of marijuana substrates
Among some of the types of marijuana substrates that can be found are the following:
Coconut Fiber
Coconut fiber can be used alone in hydroponic marijuana cultivation or as an enhancer for soil substrate. Being inert, it does not contain nutrients, but it is an excellent aerator and gives the soil a much spongier texture.
When looking for coconut fiber, it is important to note that not all are suitable for marijuana cultivation due to their configuration. To reverse this situation, it will need a good wash in fresh water and treatment with a buffer agent. This way, the pH level will remain constant, and the cannabis substrate will be improved.
Perlite
It is a material made from volcanic rock that helps improve the substrate of marijuana plants by increasing water retention and oxygenation, resulting in greater plant growth. An excess of perlite is harmful to the plant, as the water contained in the soil will be too much, so it should never exceed 20% of the substrate composition.
Vermiculite
The function of vermiculite is very similar to that of perlite: keeping the soil moist and aerated. Additionally, it is a good pH stabilizer and thermal insulator, perfect for summer outdoor crops.
Other essential elements for a good substrate
Worm humus
Humus provides several characteristics to the substrate. On one hand, it increases drainage and water retention in the soil. On the other hand, it is widely used to provide plants with the micronutrients they need, thus improving soil fertility.
Rock wool
It is one of the most used compounds for germinating marijuana seeds or for cloning when planting with hydroponic methods. It is also suitable for improving the water retention of marijuana substrate in any soil cultivation, but being an inert material, the plant will need constant nutrition.
Bat guano
It is one of the most well-known natural fertilizers to provide all the necessary nutrients for a cannabis crop. However, it also serves as a natural fungicide, decomposition accelerator, and soil texture and drainage improver.
Expanded clay
It is made from volcanic rock coated with clay. In case of excess water, expanded clay lets the water flow while providing air to the substrate. It is usually placed at the base of the pot, although it is also very common to use it in hydroponics.
Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae play a fundamental role in the absorption of nutrients by the plant, creating a symbiotic relationship with the root system while protecting it against soil pathogens.
Humic and fulvic acids
The combination of these elements improves the cannabis substrate by increasing yield, stress resistance, and therefore promoting plant growth.
How to choose the best substrate for growing marijuana
Of course, the choice of the best substrate for marijuana will depend on the type of cultivation being carried out and where it is done.
Choosing the best substrate for growing marijuana is key to obtaining healthy plants and abundant harvests. Some of these characteristics include:
- Considering the texture and composition of the substrate; an ideal one for cannabis should be porous and light to ensure good aeration and drainage, qualities that favor robust root development.
- Having a neutral or slightly acidic pH, generally between 6.0 and 7.0, to facilitate optimal nutrient absorption.
- The substrate should contain essential nutrients in the right proportions for the growth and flowering phases of the plant, although it is advisable not to be overly enriched at the beginning to avoid over-fertilizing young plants.
Substrates for outdoor cultivation
When conducting outdoor cultivation, the first thing to consider is the type of climate in each area. In warmer regions, it is very useful to use a mix of perlite with coconut fiber to ensure a balance between water retention and aeration of the substrate, so that the plants always have the necessary water.
On the contrary, in cold climate cultivation, the best substrate for marijuana will not be the one that retains the most water, as the plants do not hydrate as frequently. The best option is to protect the roots from the cold using perlite or vermiculite.
Substrate for organic cultivation
Another factor to consider is the type of cultivation. When it comes to a 100% organic cultivation, you will need large amounts of blonde peat that provide enough decomposable material from which to obtain nutrients. This cannabis substrate is improved by adding elements that accelerate the decomposition rate, such as mycorrhizae or worm humus.
Substrate for guerrilla crops
In the case of guerrilla cultivation, the best substrate for marijuana plants will be composed of slow-release ingredients and those capable of retaining water so that the plant maintains moisture despite going days without being watered. Large amounts of black peat are an excellent option.
In both guerrilla and organic cultivation, the Super Soil technique is a good option, although some practice and knowledge about the cultivation and the variety to be planted are required.
Hydroponic cultivation: what substrate to use?
Finally, for hydroponic marijuana cultivation, the best substrate is composed of inert enhancers such as expanded clay, coconut fiber, or rock wool.
There is a wide variety of fertilizers to choose from for cultivation. However, the best substrate for marijuana is not the one that incorporates the most ingredients, but the one that contains the components that will meet the needs of the crop according to the area, type, and variety of plant chosen.
