pH value, EC value & Co. simply explained – The most important measurements for healthy cuttings
When growing cannabis cuttings, two values are particularly important: the pH value and the EC value. They sound technical, but are easy to understand and largely determine whether your plants can optimally absorb nutrients.
At Cannaphilie, we recommend natural cultivation methods – nevertheless, these measurements help to detect errors early and keep your cuttings vital.
The pH value – How acidic or basic is your medium?
The pH value indicates how acidic or alkaline your irrigation water or substrate is. It directly influences which nutrients the roots can absorb.
-
Optimal range for cannabis:
- In soil / organic substrate: 6.0 – 7.0
- In hydro or coco: 5.5 – 6.5
If the pH value is too low (too acidic), important nutrients such as phosphorus or calcium cannot be absorbed. If it is too high (too basic), iron, manganese or zinc are missing – the plant shows deficiency symptoms (yellow leaves, growth stagnation).
Tip: Measure the pH value of your irrigation water regularly with a digital pH meter. If necessary, correct with pH-Down (e.g. citric acid for organic cultivation) or pH-Up.
The EC value – How much salt (nutrients) is in the water?
EC stands for Electrical Conductivity and measures the conductivity of the water – i.e. the concentration of dissolved salts and nutrients.
-
Recommended values:
- Cuttings / first weeks: 0.4 – 0.8 mS/cm (very low, pre-fertilized organic soil is often sufficient)
- Vegetative phase: 1.0 – 1.8 mS/cm
- Flowering phase: 1.5 – 2.2 mS/cm (depending on strain and substrate)
Too high an EC value leads to over-fertilization (burnt leaf tips, wilting plants). Too low an EC value means nutrient deficiency (light leaves, weak growth).
Other important values explained briefly
- Temperature: Root zone 20–25 °C, air 22–28 °C (vegetative) or 20–26 °C (flowering).
- Humidity: 70–90% in the first 10–14 days, later 40–60%.
- VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit): Advanced growers measure this value for optimal transpiration – it combines temperature and humidity.
Practical recommendation from Cannaphilie
In organic cultivation with living substrate and strong genetics, extreme fluctuations are rarer. Nevertheless: Measure pH and EC regularly in the first few weeks – this gives you security and saves effort in the long run.
Our cuttings are selected to adapt well to natural conditions and thrive with moderate values.
Share enjoyment. Live responsibly.
0 comments