Flowcharts & decision trees

for Cannabis cultivation

Cannabis cultivation is a step-by-step journey, requiring informed decisions at every phase to ensure healthy plants and optimal yields. This comprehensive guide explores key topics, organised systematically to guide growers from planning to post-harvest. Flowcharts and decision trees simplify complex processes, offering clarity and actionable steps.

01. Grow room essentials

Select grow space →
→ Ensure electricity and water access
→ Install reflective materials
→ Set up climate control
→ Test functionality.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Indoor

Requires controlled environment (lights, fans).

Outdoor

Dependent on seasonal conditions, pest-proofing needed.

02. Lighting

Choose light type →
→ Choose light type
→ Match wattage to space
→ Install timers
→ Adjust height for phase.

LED or HID?

LED

Efficient, long-lasting, low heat.

HID

High intensity, budget-friendly upfront.

03. Climate control

Install thermostat →
→ Place humidifier/dehumidifier
→ Set optimal temperature and humidity for the current phase.

Seasonal needs?

Winter

Add heaters and insulation.

Summer

Increase airflow and use air conditioners.

04. Temperature, humidity & VPD

What phase are you in?

Germination

Temp: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
RH: 70–90%
VPD: 0.6–0.8 kPa

Vegetation

Temp: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
RH: 50–70%
VPD: 0.8–1.2 kPa

Flowering

Temp: 18–26°C (65–79°F)
RH: 30–60%
VPD: 1.2–1.5 kPa

Is the temperature outside the range?

Too High

Use fans, A/C, or frozen water bottles.

Too Low

Add heaters or insulated covers.

Is the humidity outside the range?

Too High

Use dehumidifiers or increase ventilation.

Too Low

Add a humidifier or mist plants.

TIP

Monitor and adjust to maintain optimal VPD.

05. Selecing strain & medium

Sativa or Indica?

Sativa

High energy, long flowering time.

Indica

Relaxing, shorter flowering time.

Photoperiod or Auto?

Photoperiod

Controlled by light cycles.

Autoflower

Faster and less light-dependent.

Grow medium

Select soil, coco, or hydro →
→ Adjust pH
→ Amend with nutrients or buffers
→ Prepare containers

Do you need better drainage?

YES

Add Perlite or Gravel Layer to bottom.

NO

Proceed with standard setup.

What is your pot size requirement?

Small Plant/ Seedling

→ 1–3 L (0.25–0.75 gal)

Vegetative

→ 5–15 L (1.3–4 gal)

Flowering

→ 20+ L (5+ gal)

TIP

Ensure pots are elevated slightly to avoid water pooling.

Hydroponics setup

Choose system type (NFT, DWC, etc.) →
→ Assemble components
→ Test water circulation
→ Add nutrient solution.

06. Cultivation inputs & systems

Water type and pH/EC

Test water source →
Adjust pH to 6.0–6.5 for soil or 5.7–6.2 for coco, and 5.5–6.0 for hydro
→ Measure EC
→ Dilute or concentrate nutrient solution as needed.

Irrigation systems

Select manual or automated system →
Install drip emitters or hand-watering tools
→ Set schedule based on phase needs.

Nutrients

Organic

Slow-release, soil health-focused.

Synthetic

Fast absorption, precise control.

Nutrient problems: Are leaves discoloured?

YES?

Identify the pattern:

Yellowing → Likely nitrogen deficiency.
Brown edges → Potassium deficiency.
Purple stems → Phosphorus deficiency.

Is it an excess issue?

YES

Flush medium with pH-balanced water and reduce feed strength.

NO

Adjust feeding schedule based on deficiency.

Post-Correction Monitoring

Use EC/PPM metres to check nutrient concentration.
Observe plant recovery over 3–5 days.
Reassess nutrient balance and adjust feeding protocols.

07. Cultivation Phases

Germination and Seedling

Soak seeds →
→ Transfer to paper towel or soil
→ Monitor for sprouting
→ Transition to seedling stage.

Clones or seeds?

Clones

Faster start, consistency.

Seeds

Genetic diversity, stronger taproot.

Transplanting

Are roots visible through drainage holes?

YES

Prepare for transplanting.

NO

Monitor root growth; check again in a week.

How do you prepare the plant?

Water the plant 1–2 hours before transplanting
Loosen the soil gently and support the base.

What is the target pot size?

Vegetative

→ Upgrade to 5–15 L (1.3–4 gal)

Flowering

→ Upgrade to 20+ L (5+ gal)

Post-Transplant Care

Reduce light intensity for 24–48 hours.
Water lightly and avoid heavy feeding for a week.

Vegetative stages

Increase light intensity
Adjust nutrient NPK ratio
Apply training techniques
Monitor VPD.

Post-Transplant Care

Early Vegetation

→ Focus on foliage.

Main Vegetation

→ Support rapid growth.

Late Vegetation

→ Prepare for flowering.

Flowering and Ripening

Pre-Flowering
Switch to 12/12 light (photoperiod)
→ Increase phosphorus/potassium nutrients.
Blooming
Monitor bud formation
→ Control humidity to prevent mould.
Ripening
Lower nutrients
→ Reduce humidity further.

Flushing and Harvest

Stop feeding nutrients →
→ Flush medium with plain water
→ Inspect trichomes
→ Harvest when cloudy/amber.

08. Advanced cultivation techniques

Training (LST/HST)

Apply bending (LST) or topping (HST)
→ Adjust light exposure
→ Monitor for stress recovery.

LST (Low-Stress Training) techniques

What growth stage is your plant in?

Seedling
→ Avoid LST; plant is too fragile.
Early Vegetation
→ Begin tie-down methods (e.g., spiral or quad line).
Late Vegetation
→ Continue LST but avoid over-stressing stems.

What tools do you have?

Clips

→ Use for edge-of-pot tie-downs.

Wire/Ties

→ Anchor branches securely without cutting into stems.

Do you need to reduce height?

YES

→ Train horizontally using a spiral pattern or mainline technique.

NO

→ Focus on improving light penetration by spacing branches evenly.

TIP

Monitor for signs of stress and adjust ties as needed.

HST (High-Stress Training) techniques

What method of HST are you considering?

Topping
→ Remove the main growth tip to create multiple colas.
FIMing
→ Pinch off 75% of the growth tip for less dramatic training.
Supercropping
→ Gently bend stems to redirect energy.

When are you applying HST?

Early Vegetation
→ Safe to proceed; plants recover quickly.
Late Vegetation
→ Proceed with caution; plants need recovery time.
Flowering
→ Avoid HST; focus on support, not training.

Is the plant showing stress?

YES

→ Pause HST, monitor recovery, and adjust nutrient supply.

NO

→ Continue as planned.

TIP

Provide post-HST care, including adequate nutrients and hydration.

ScrOG and SOG

Install trellis net →
→ Train branches horizontally (ScrOG)
→ Encourage even canopy development.

Are you growing with ScrOG?

YES

→ Secure the trellis net 30–50 cm (12–20 in) above soil level.

NO

→ Use trellis net for bud support to prevent branch snapping.

What material will you use?

Plastic Net

→ Durable and reusable.

Twine

→ Customizable but may need frequent setup.

Do you need adjustable supports?

YES

→ Use poles with height adjustment.

NO

→ Proceed with fixed trellis net placement.

TIP

Regularly inspect and adjust the canopy position for optimal light exposure.

09. Troubleshooting and maintenance

Pest management

Identify symptom →
→ Test pH, EC, and nutrient levels
→ Diagnose pest or disease
→ Apply corrective measures.

Type of pest?

Spider mites

→ Use neem oil or predatory insects.

Fungus gnats

→ Apply sticky traps or dry soil surface.

10. Post-Harvest and storage

Drying and Curing

Hang buds in dark area →
→ Maintain 50–60% humidity
→ Cure in jars with humidity packs
→ Burp jars daily for two weeks.

Storage

Short-term or long-term?

Short-term

→ Airtight jars.

Long-term

→ Vacuum-seal and freeze.

11. Staying organised and safe

Create daily/weekly planner →
→ Assign tasks like watering, pruning, and pest checks
→ Monitor progress and adjust schedule.

Safety practices

Store tools properly →
→ Wear protective gear
→ Maintain clean grow space
→ Test equipment regularly.

12. Cleaning freak

What needs cleaning?

AVTools

→ Wipe with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher).

Surfaces

→ Use a vinegar-water solution or hydrogen peroxide spray.

How often?

Daily

→ Sweep floors and remove debris.

Weekly

→ Deep clean all equipment, reflective surfaces, and pots.

Do you need mould prevention?

YES

→ Spray surfaces with diluted hydrogen peroxide.

NO

→ Regular cleaning is sufficient.

TIP

Ensure all cleaned items are dry before reuse.