How can you help your Cannabis plants to thrive in heat waves?

Signs of heat stress - The Photo above: By Dutch Passion Seed Company

Cannabis plants are hardy and survive outdoors in a wide range of temperatures. As the temperature rises past 85°F (30°C), photosynthesis slows until it stops between 90–95°F (32–35°C). At this point, plants go into preservation mode; photosynthesis stops as the plants spend energy acquiring water through the roots and transpiring it through the stomata to keep cool. 

For short periods, most cultivars withstand weather, up to 120°F (49°C), as long as they have adequate supplies of water and a large enough root system. The plants can be cooled using cooling misters or a misting fan.

You can also a fogger (which is a really useful tool) as a mister by loading it with water. It's more effective as it evenly covers every plant surface. This is a great and relatively cheap method. Here is a good model with a steep discount

If you run a commercial operation you might want to invest in a misting system

Here are some ways to beat the heat:

• If containers are portable, move plants to a shaded area during the hottest time of the day

• Place a 20–30% shade cloth over the plants to reduce stress

•Wrap the pots with white plastic to keep the roots cool. Do this at the beginning of the season for healthy root growth.

The Photo below: You know how much I love DIY solutions. Wrapping your pots with white plastic is easy to do, cheap, and very effective. Photo by Christian Petke