Marijuana Grow Tent Problems

Grow tents may seem like the perfect alternative for those who can’t afford a grow box or want a growing environment that they can easily disassemble and move. While marijuana grow tent problems are not necessarily growing on trees, there are some dangers to be aware of to protect you and your plants.

Here are the 10 most common problems and issues related to marijuana grow tents:

1. Pest and disease infestation: Grow tents can provide a perfect environment for pests and diseases to thrive, which can cause significant damage to your plants and potentially ruin your crop.
2. Mold and mildew: This is a very common marijuana grow tent problem. High humidity levels in the grow tent can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to both the plants and the growers.
3. Temperature and humidity fluctuations: Incorrect temperature and humidity levels can cause stress to your plants and prevent them from reaching their full potential.
4. Air quality: Poor air circulation and ventilation in the grow tent can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases, which can be harmful to both the plants and the growers.
5. Overheating: High temperatures caused by faulty equipment or poor ventilation can cause overheating, which can damage or kill your plants.
6. Electrical hazards: Often understated among the common problems arising from marijuana grow tents. Improperly wired or outdated equipment can pose a significant electrical hazard, which can be dangerous for both the plants and the growers.
7. Fire hazards: Poorly maintained equipment or a lack of fire safety measures can increase the risk of fire, which can cause significant damage or loss.
8. Chemical hazards: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in the grow tent can be hazardous if not handled properly, causing health and environmental issues.
9. Legal issues: Cultivating marijuana in a grow tent can be illegal in some places, and could lead to penalties, fines or even jail time.
10. Odor control: The strong smell of cannabis can be a problem in residential areas, and it can be hard to control it inside the grow tent and can be a problem for some..

Grow Tent Heat

One of the most common issues that can occur with grow tents are heat issues. Marijuana doesn’t like to be above 80F, if possible. Ideally, your grow lights should be tailored to the size of your grow tent; also, they should be placed the recommended distance away. Often, new growers will place powerful lights way too close to the plant, causing a lot of unnecessary heartbreak.

Humidity

If your grow tent is too hot, your humidity will be too low. But there are other factors at play, such as the humidity in your local area, how much air flow you have and more. That is why we recommend a 3×3 grow tent. Do your research and keep this issue in mind.

Toxins in low quality and counterfeit grow tents

Because heat is a big ingredient in making sure you get the best out of your plants, it’s important to have a grow tent that’s made to withstand grow light heat. Unfortunately, many grow tents don’t come up to scratch, either because they are of a low-quality design or they are made to seem like a good brand of tent, but are actually counterfeit, often from China. (It’s like with ladies’ handbags…if you get it for cheaper than expected, it’s not Prada.)

Counterfeit tents are an especially big problem for marijuana grow tents in 2023, because they’re often made to look like high quality grow tents. But once you start growing in them, the problems become obvious.

Signs of distress for your marijuana plant:

For starters, your plants will show mild signs of distress. You may think it’s you who’s doing something wrong. But then weirder things start happening, like your marijuana has turned strangely bright yellow. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency may also be apparent. And then your plants die. 

This is one of the most frustrating issues even for veteran growers, and it’s only in the last few years that the problem has been truly pinpointed.

Beware of PVC

Many counterfeit grow tents are made with PVC (polyvinylchloride) or PU (polyurethane). You may be familiar with these materials, they may be elsewhere in your home with no issue. But they should never under any circumstance be in your grow tent.

The reason is these two chemicals give off toxic gasses, like chlorine, that are poisonous to both you and your plants. What happens is that even when your heat in your grow tent is perfectly tuned, it’s still too much for the PVC or PU to take. When exposed to heat, they put off the gasses, strangling your plants to death, essentially.

What you should look for in a grow tent:

The best grow tent material is easily PE (polyethylene). It’s stable when exposed to heat, so it’s not poisoning you or your cannabis. Even better, it’s recyclable, so it doesn’t negatively impact the environment. There are also Nylon-type tents and similar which are also non-toxic which allows you to avoid most marijuana grow tent problems, so you do have quite a few options when it comes to buying a safe grow tent.

In case the above wasn’t enough for you, here are 10 more marijuana grow tent problems to consider:

1. Lack of proper sanitation: Not regularly cleaning and sanitizing the grow tent can lead to buildup of bacteria and other pathogens, which can be harmful to the plants and growers.
2. Poor nutrient management: Improperly managing nutrients can lead to nutrient burn or deficiency, which can negatively impact the growth and yield of your plants.
3. Pests and insects: Insects and pests can be a major problem in grow tents, especially if not controlled properly, which can lead to infestations and damage to the plants.
4. Watering issues: Overwatering or underwatering can cause problems for the plants, leading to wilting, nutrient deficiencies and even death.
5. Lighting problems: Improper lighting or light leakage can disrupt the growth cycle of plants, leading to stunted growth or reduced yields.
6. Air circulation and ventilation problems: Insufficient air flow and circulation can lead to stagnant air and high levels of humidity, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
7. Power outages: Power outages can cause serious problems for plants, especially if they are in the middle of critical growth stages.
8. Electrical issues: Improper electrical wiring and equipment can lead to problems such as power surges, shorts, and even fires.
9. Security issues: Grow tents can be a target for theft, and proper security measures should be taken to protect your plants and equipment.
10. Noise pollution: Some equipment used in grow tents can be quite loud, which can be a disturbance for neighbors and others in the area.

 Before you go, here are 5 tips to avoid marijuana grow tent problems:

1. Proper planning and preparation: Before setting up a grow tent, plan out the space and equipment you will need, and ensure that you have all the necessary components to maintain a healthy grow environment.
2. Regular maintenance and sanitation: Regularly cleaning and sanitizing the grow tent and equipment can help prevent pests, disease and other issues from arising.
3. Proper nutrient management: Properly managing nutrients is critical to the health and growth of your plants. Use high-quality nutrient solutions and follow the recommended dosage instructions.
4. Pest and insect control: Monitor your plants for signs of pests or insects, and take action immediately if any are found. Use safe, effective pest control methods to keep them under control.
5. Temperature and humidity control: Keep a close eye on temperature and humidity levels in the grow tent and take steps to maintain a consistent environment that is optimal for plant growth. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity.