Planting Containers
In most cases, large potting containers (10-15 gallons) are
good holding containers for mother plants. These allows
mother plants to grow fairly large without becoming root
bound. There is no written rule for the planting containers,
and some growers prefer using smaller containers and
rotating mother plants more often. Generally, larger
planting containers makes it easier to maintain the
plants’ health for a longer period of time.
Lighting for the
Mother Plants
Mother plants are basically kept in a
perpetual state of vegetative growth.
Therefore, a good full-spectrum light-
ing system with a fair amount of blue
spectrum light works best for mother
plants. Most growers opt for a metal
halide or fluorescent lighting system
as both technologies contain a good
amount of blue spectrum light. The
quality of light is also an important
aspect to remember. It is more import-
ant to provide a full-spectrum light
than a very intense light. The goal
is to maintain health, not make the
mother plants vegetate vigorously.
50
Maximum Yield
The duration of light for mother plants should be 18-24 hours
of light. I personally recommend 18 hours of light with six hours
of darkness. I believe all biological creatures benefit from
rest and plants are no different. However, if it is more difficult
for growers to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity
ranges when the lights turn off, they may be better off running
a 24-hour light cycle. Simply put, if the atmospheric condi-
tions are more consistent when using a 24-hour light cycle, that
should be prioritized over giving the plants a dark cycle to rest.
“It is more important to provide a
Full-Spectrum Light
than a very intense light. The goal is to
maintain health, not make the mother
plants vegetate vigorously.”