Avoid mistakes: The 5 most common beginner mistakes when growing indoors

Indoor growing offers a controlled environment for plants, but also presents some challenges, especially for beginners. To cultivate healthy and high-yielding plants in the long term, it is important to recognize and avoid typical beginner mistakes. In this article, we show you how to get to grips with overwatering, incorrect light cycles and inadequate ventilation.

Mistake no. 1: Over- and under-watering

One of the most common beginner mistakes is watering plants incorrectly. Many growers tend to water their plants too frequently or too infrequently, which can affect root growth and overall health.

Overwatering

Too much water often leads to waterlogging, which promotes root rot and mold growth. Waterlogging blocks the oxygen supply to the roots and can cause lasting damage to the plant.

Tips for avoidance:

• Finger test: Check the moisture by sticking your finger about 2-3 cm deep into the soil. If the soil is still moist, wait until the next watering.
• Drainage system: Use pots with drainage holes so that excess water can drain away. A drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot can also help.
• Watering routine: Develop a regular routine and make sure that the plants only get water when the top layer of soil is dry.

Subirrigation

Too little water is also problematic, as the plants need a lot of moisture during the growth phase. Dry soil can slow down growth and impair flower formation.

Tips for avoidance:

• Even watering: Make sure to water the soil evenly and avoid dry spots.
• Water-retaining substrates: Mixtures with coco soil retain moisture and are ideal for beginners who have difficulties with watering frequency.

Mistake no. 2: Incorrect light cycles and light intensity

Lighting is essential for indoor growing, as it replaces sunlight. Incorrect light cycles or insufficient lighting can severely impair growth.

Irregular light cycles

Plants need constant light cycles in order to grow healthily. In the growth phase, around 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness are ideal, while the flowering phase usually takes place with a 12/12 cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness).

Tips for avoidance:

• Use timers: A timer ensures that the lighting is reliably on schedule and eliminates the risk of plants getting too much or too little light.
• Pay attention to phase changes: Make sure to adapt the light cycle to the growth phase. For some plants, too much light in the flowering phase can delay or disrupt flower formation.

Incorrect light intensity

Too weak lighting or the wrong light color can inhibit plant growth. Blue light components promote vegetative growth, while red light supports flower formation.

Tips for avoidance:

• Use LED grow lights with full spectrumLED lamps often offer an adjustable spectrum and are ideal for covering the needs of plants at every stage of growth.
• Check the distance to the light source: Make sure that the plants are not too close or too far away from the light source, as this can impair growth. A distance of 30-60 cm is ideal in most cases.

Mistake no. 3: Inadequate ventilation and air circulation

Air circulation and ventilation are essential for healthy plants, as they supply oxygen, remove CO₂ and regulate the temperature. Poor ventilation often leads to an unhealthy climate that makes the plant more susceptible to disease.

Lack of fresh air supply

A lack of fresh air leads to CO₂ poverty, which slows growth and impairs the plant’s metabolism.

Tips for avoidance:

• Install an exhaust air system: An exhaust air system ensures that stale air is removed and fresh air flows in. A fan can help to keep the air moving.
• Use an activated charcoal filter: For odour-intensive plants, an activated charcoal filter offers an additional odour-neutralizing function.

No air circulation in the box

Stagnant air in the grow box can lead to mold growth and make the plant susceptible to diseases.

Tips for avoidance:

• Air circulation fans: A small fan inside the box promotes air movement and strengthens the plants by stabilizing them through the air movement.
• Regular checks: Check the air circulation regularly and make sure that the fan can be placed in different positions in the box.

Mistake no. 4: Improper nutrient supply and fertilization

Too much or too little fertilizer can impair the growth and health of plants. An excess of nutrients leads to root burns, while a deficiency leads to deficiency symptoms.

Overfertilization

Beginners in particular tend to use too much fertilizer, which can damage the roots and slow down growth.

Tips for avoidance:

• Reduce the amount of fertilizer: Follow the dosage recommendations on the fertilizer and reduce the amount for young plants.
• Use liquid fertilizer: Liquid fertilizers are easier to dose and allow better control over the nutrient supply.

Underfertilization

Plants that do not receive enough nutrients show signs of deficiency such as pale leaves and stunted growth.

Tips for avoidance:

• Check soil or substrate change: Some soils already contain nutrients that are used up after a certain time. Make sure to change the substrate or add additional nutrients.
• Keep an eye on the pH value: An optimum pH value of 6-6.5 in the water ensures that the nutrients are optimally absorbed.

Mistake no. 5: Ignoring the growing conditions

Many beginners make the mistake of neglecting growing conditions such as temperature and humidity. However, unfavorable conditions quickly lead to growth disorders and make the plants more susceptible to pests.

Temperature too high or too low

Temperature stress can weaken the plant and slow down its growth.

Tips for avoidance:

• Temperature control: A thermo-hygrometer helps you to constantly monitor the temperature. If necessary, you can adjust the temperature with a small heater or fan.
• Set the optimum temperature: Most plants grow best at temperatures between 20-25 °C.

Insufficient humidity

Humidity that is too high or too low has a negative effect on the growth and health of the plants.

Tips for avoidance:

• Use a humidifier or dehumidifier: Depending on your needs, you can adjust the humidity in the box to create optimal conditions.
• Regular monitoring: The ideal humidity level is between 60-70% during the growth phase, while 40-50% should be aimed for during the flowering phase.

Conclusion

Indoor growing offers the opportunity to control and specifically improve plant growth. By avoiding common beginner mistakes such as over-watering, incorrect light cycles and inadequate ventilation, you can create stable conditions and improve your harvest. Use well thought-out routines, the right equipment and regular checks to grow healthy, high-yielding plants in the long term.