Effective irrigation with bottom watering

The right irrigation technique plays a crucial role in growing cannabis plants in order to ensure healthy and productive plants. One method that is becoming increasingly popular among growers is so-called bottom watering . The plant is not watered from above, but the water is absorbed from below through the root area.

In this blog article, you will learn what bottom watering is, what advantages it offers and how to use this technique correctly.

What is bottom watering?

With bottom watering, the plant is not watered directly over the soil, but the pots are placed in a bowl or saucer that is filled with water. The roots of the plant absorb the water from the soil through capillary action. This ensures an even distribution of moisture in the substrate and avoids surface problems such as waterlogging or compaction of the upper layers of soil.

Advantages of Bottom Watering

1. Promotes root development : As the plant absorbs water from below, the roots are encouraged to grow downwards. This results in a deeper and stronger root system, which makes the plant more resilient overall and improves nutrient absorption capacity.

2. Avoid overwatering : When watering from above, it is easy to give too much water and drown the plant in waterlogging. Bottom watering minimizes this risk because the plant only absorbs as much water as it needs.

3. Improved oxygen supply : Traditional top watering can compact the top layer of soil, which hinders air exchange. Bottom watering keeps the soil surface loose, which leads to a better supply of oxygen for the roots.

4. Even water supply : Water is often distributed unevenly when watered from above. Bottom watering allows the water to rise through the substrate more evenly and ensures that all roots are evenly supplied with moisture.

5. Preventing pests and diseases : Many pests and fungi prefer moist surfaces. Since bottom watering keeps the soil surface dry, the risk of pest and fungal infestation is reduced.

How does bottom watering work?

Bottom watering is easy to implement and requires only a few steps:

1. Use a suitable saucer : Use a saucer or bowl that is large enough to place the plant pot in. The saucer should be at least as big as the pot.

2. Add water : Fill the saucer or bowl with water. Make sure that the water level is about 2-4 cm high. This gives the plant enough time to absorb the water without waterlogging.

3. Allow to absorb : Leave the plant in the water for about 20-30 minutes to allow the substrate to absorb the moisture. You will notice that the substrate becomes moist from the bottom up.

4. Drain excess water : After the watering process, you should remove excess water from the saucer to avoid waterlogging.

5. Check regularly : Check the moisture content of the substrate regularly to ensure that the plant is receiving enough water. It is important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.

When is bottom watering particularly useful?

Bottom watering is particularly suitable for plants grown in pots with a dense substrate or in large pots. It is also useful when the plants are sensitive to overhead watering, for example cannabis plants that are in the flowering phase. During this phase, wet flowers can increase the risk of mold, which is why bottom watering is an ideal solution.

Bottom watering for healthy and resilient cannabis plants

Bottom watering is a simple but extremely effective technique that helps cannabis plants develop healthy roots and minimizes the risk of overwatering, pests, and diseases. This method not only promotes overall plant health, but also long-term yield potential.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, bottom watering is an irrigation technique you should definitely consider to get the most out of your cannabis plants. Try it out and see how this method can make all the difference in your grow!