Stonewool and Marijuana: A Magical Combination
Stonewool has its origins in the construction industry with its excellent properties as an insulator. However, curiosity mounted in the late 1960’s on its abilities to be used in the horticulture industry as a growing medium. After extensive testing and data collection, it was found with some modification to be an excellent growing media for a wide range of plants. This material is the direct result of melting basaltic rock and spinning it into thin, yet strong fibers into various shapes ideal for growing plants. Ever since then, the use of this material has certainly taken off and is one of the most popular growing media in the commercial horticulture industry.
Stonewool Production-
This media is very hardy and can last for several growing seasons. With this much hardiness, one may think that the creation of the media is complex. This is far from the truth as this material is the result of melting rock down. Once molten , the rock is cooled as it is spun into thin fibers. These fibers can then be shaped and pressed into the needed shapes for growing plants. The process is relatively simple. Although this is a man made substrate, the material is often regarded as a natural product as it originally came from molten rock.
Using Stonewool for Hemp and Marijuana Production-
Stonewool has been the growing media of choice for hydroponic growers for decades. Ever since the beginning this growing medium has been excellent for use with all sorts of plants. It is because of this that the use of stonewool and marijuana became a very natural segway. The overall modular nature of stonewool is that the root systems never have to be disturbed as each smaller cube can be easily placed into a larger stonewool grow cube to give larger growing area for roots as the plant matures and develops.
General Preparation-
Before use in the growing of marijuana or hemp, the stonewool needs to be prepared and stabilized. The growing media, because it comes from rock origins, the pH of the material is a neutral of 7.0. This is too alkaline for hemp to grow healthily. When the growing medium is too basic or alkaline, there is poor nutrient uptake, especially for the essential compounds of calcium and magnesium. In order to prepare the stonewool for hemp production, a proper soak in water for a full 24 hours in a nutrient solution to correct the pH to 4.5 and with an EC of 0.4-0.5. In order to ensure the grow media is the correct pH and EC, drenching the media in a 5.5 pH nutrient solution and testing the runoff.
Germination and Beginning Growth
Germinating seeds and growing from cuttings and clones can be very stressful for a plant and is a crucial point where the essential parts of a plant must establish themselves. It is important to have in place the proper growing media to start plants off on the right root. Smaller
stonewool blocks are excellent for getting started especially for a grower new to hydroponics. This media allows for new seedlings and clones to readily root quickly and efficiently in a sanitary environment that can both support the plant at its current stage of life and beyond. Once the seeds have germinated where the clones or cuttings have become rooted then a grower can make the transition to larger blocks or slabs. This can be easily done by placing the cube into a pre-cut space on a larger slab or block. A grower can also customize the growing space for larger plants such as marijuana or hemp by getting
grow slabs that are not pre-cut and cutting the holes themselves.
Established Growth and Mature Life Stages-
Once the plants have become mature and are more advanced in their life stages, the root system still needs room to grow. In order to support a larger more mature plant, they will need to be transplanted into larger cubes or slabs. With Stonewall, transplanting is very simple and easy to do. The smaller blocks or cubes can be placed into larger blocks and cubes in pre-cut spaces. Once these are placed into either a pre-cut slot or one that is cut customized to the plant's needs, the roots are able to grow out of the stonewool material into the new stonewool grow block or slab. The true benefit of using stonewool is the ability to easily upgrade a plant's growing space. This can be done without the stress of traditional transplanting as the roots are not disturbed. This contributes to plants that are less stressed and do not become stunted.
Stonewool is an excellent growing media for use in hydroponic systems as well as for the ever growing industry of hemp and marijuana production. As this industry grows, the need for support and better growing environments is a must. With the many benefits of Stonewool, the choice may be a simple one for many growers. For more information as well as suggestions for the specific growing operation, be sure to reach out to RedRock Block for guidance, recommendations, and pricing. Call-
1-310-967-2025
Visit- https://www.redrockblock.com/shop/
About RedRock Block-
Commercial Grade Stonewool Grow Media- Stonewool Grow Plugs, and
Stonewool Cubes, Stonewool Starter Blocks, Stonewool Grow Blocks, Stonewool Grow Slabs, and
Flowering Slabs. The commercial cultivator’s choice for high quality, locally sourced and manufactured stone wool grow media and propagation substrate fit for any grow operation!
Call- 1-310-967-2025
RedRockBlock.com
