Everything you need to know about pyramidal substrates and other ready-to-use growing media

In the world of cannabis growing, constant innovation has led to the development of new techniques that promise to improve the efficiency and results of marijuana plantations. Among these advances, pyramidal substrates and other ready-to-use growing media are rapidly gaining popularity. Here we’ll explore these systems in detail, along with their benefits and how they are changing the cannabis growing scene.

Jiffy peat pellets were one of the first ready-to-use substrates to be widely used in marijuana cultivation. These pellets were developed at the end of the last century and quickly became a standard tool in horticulture. They offered a compact and cost-effective solution for plant propagation, allowing growers to optimise space and resources.

The main appeal of the Jiffys is how easy they are to use: by moistening them, the compressed peat discs expand, forming a suitable medium for seed germination and the rooting of cuttings. But, despite their popularity, Jiffys have some limitations.

Although peat, the main component of Jiffys, is an organic material that decomposes slowly and retains moisture well, it has its limitations in terms of aeration and pH stability. In addition, Jiffys don’t allow for effective self-regulation of the water content, which can result in problems of excessive or poor irrigation for the seedlings that grow on them.

Over time, the demand for more efficient and crop-specific substrates led to the development of some improved alternatives. And this is where the Eazy Pyramid system by Eazy Plug comes in, offering a new perspective on cannabis growing.

What’s the Eazy Pyramid system?

Eazy Pyramid is a pyramid-shaped substrate designed to improve plant propagation and growth. Unlike Jiffys, its optimised growth volume, equivalent to 13.5 litres, is sufficient to cover the entire cannabis growth cycle. It is designed to provide a ready-to-use growing environment, with controlled pH levels and electrical conductivity (EC) and a self-regulating air-water ratio. These characteristics allow the plant to receive the perfect balance of oxygen and nutrients throughout its life cycle.

How do the Eazy Pyramid systems work?

Once the plant is in the pyramidal substrate, the system starts working by providing the necessary nutrients for growth, while the pyramid shape allows for excellent root development and aeration as well as efficient drainage. This helps the roots to grow healthily and vigorously, which in turn promotes robust plant growth.

In addition, this system is designed to be biodegradable. This means that the pyramidal pot can be transplanted directly into the soil, thereby reducing plant stress and minimising root loss. This is especially beneficial for cannabis plants, which tend to be sensitive to transplanting.

This system also offers excellent water and nutrient retention, reducing the need for frequent watering and fertilisation. Not only does this save time and money, but it also reduces the risk of overfeeding and other common complications in cannabis cultivation.

All in all, ready-to-use substrate systems like Eazy Pyramid by Eazy Plug, are designed to provide optimal growing conditions for cannabis plants. They help minimise stress and maximise the yielding capacity of the plants, making them an excellent choice for all levels of growers.

Advantages of using Eazy Pyramid

One of the main benefits of this system is the rapid and healthy development of the roots, as it is designed to promote more dense root growth through a process known as “air pruning”.

When the roots of the plant reach the edge of the substrate block, they are exposed to air, which stops their growth and forces them to branch out inside the block. This effect multiplies the number of roots, significantly improving the absorption of nutrients and water.

What’s more, Eazy Pyramids are made from organic materials that don’t require a physical wrap, thus reducing the generation of plastic waste. This ensures that they are highly sustainable from production to end of use.

These substrates are supplied dry, which makes them lightweight, easy to store, and resistant to mould (which in turn extends their service life indefinitely). When rehydrated, they quickly regain all their properties, facilitating their handling and use by growers.

With all these advantages, Eazy Pyramids lead to three weeks’ reduction in growth cycle times, and can save up to 20% in fertilisation costs thanks to their efficiency in nutrient absorption and retention. These properties translate into faster plant growth, better health, and higher yields, whilst optimising the use of resources.

Other ready-to-use substrates

Aside from the pyramidal pots, there are other ready-to-use substrate systems that have also proven to be highly effective in cannabis cultivation.

For instance, Rapid Rooters are propagation plugs made of organic compounds that provide the perfect environment for rooting, as they offer high moisture retention and excellent aeration. They are often used in propagation trays where each plug contains a seed or cutting; and their advantages include ease of use, consistency in rooting, and reduction of stress on plants during transplanting.

Rockwool cubes are another popular ready-to-use growing medium, especially geared towards hydroponic systems. These cubes are made of rockwool, which involves melting basaltic rocks and turning the molten mass into fine fibres, creating an aerated and absorbent medium. Cannabis growers highly value rockwool cubes for both their sterility (which reduces the risk of pests and diseases) and their neutral pH (which facilitates nutrient management).

Coco coir discs represent another sustainable and highly effective option for cannabis growing. They’re made from crushed and compressed coconut shells that expand when hydrated to form a rich and airy growing medium. They’re especially valued for their ability to retain moisture without becoming saturated, thereby reducing the risk of root rot. They are also renewable and biodegradable, which makes them an eco-friendly choice for growers.

Sponge plugs are also becoming a popular choice among hydroponic growers. These plugs are made of synthetic sponge, and their design ensures that the roots have constant access to oxygen, which is crucial for growth in hydroponic systems. Sponge plugs are sterilised to prevent the propagation of pests and diseases; and they can be reused, which makes them an economical and sustainable option.

Systems that are being increasingly accepted

Pyramidal substrates and other ready-to-use growing media represent an exciting advance in cannabis cultivation. Among their many advantages, they stand out for being really simple to use and for promoting healthy and vigorous growth. Although they may require an initial investment and some adaptation, the benefits in terms of consistency, efficiency, and growing quality make them an attractive option for growers of all levels.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, we are likely to see even more innovations in this field. Growers who keep up with these developments will be well-positioned to produce cannabis of the highest quality. Without any doubt, they are a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimise their growing process to get the best possible results.