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Ideally, you want to do multiple tests at source, but bring your fan leaves in and we will do a quick (°Bx) test and give you an indication of your plants health.
Brixscale(°Bx)testing
Chop leaves from multiple sites and place in a paper bag.
Bring the leaves in to the shop and we will do a (°Bx)test and give you an overall health profile of your plant.
Take corrective action to support to improve your plants health.
Decide if you want to invest in a brix meter yourself for detailed and regular testing at home
Photosynthesis importance and measurement in Cannabis
The general consensus is that growing cannabis and obtaining maximum yields, is just about going through a number of phases, but seasoned growers know that is not quite true.
Harvesting flower of acceptable quality is one thing; achieving excellence is a completely different thing. To produce cannabis flowers similar to fine dining dishes, one must master and control a world of tiny details. Introducing Brix and sugar distribution in plants.
In this section, you'll learn the major role played by sugar in the parts of cannabis plants as well as the best way to measure the sap’s sugar content, analyzing the Brix degree
We all know photosynthesis is crucial for the growth and development of all plants. Sugar production is encouraged by photosynthesis. Plants need airborne CO2 absorbed through the leaves, water absorbed through the roots, chlorophyll, and sunlight to produce complex sugars.
The major role played by sugar in hemp cultivation
In addition to making sure all 7 essentials are under control, sugar production and distribution must be encouraged to make sure plants grow strong and healthy, and produce superior yields
The distribution and sugar requirements vary wildly depending on the part of the plant and the different developmental stages. But not just that. The strain and its structure also have a direct effect on it.
Young leaves, for example, suck more sugar because they're still growing. Fully-grown older leaves, however, need way less sugar. The plant triggers an intelligent sugar management mechanism that sends the excess off to organs in need. It's quite like a self-regulating mechanism.
Young leaves, for example, suck more sugar because they're still growing. Fully-grown older leaves, however, need way less sugar. The plant triggers an intelligent sugar management
mechanism that sends the excess off to organs in need. It's quite like a self-regulating mechanism. Sugar is strategically distributed according to the natural needs of every phytobiological agent. Buds are the greatest sugar suckers for they need a constant flow of energy to grow and to produce the resin trichomes.
That's why sugars are key to the development of hemp plants in their different stages.
The refractometer, our best ally for calculating Brix
The only way to test Brix levels in plants is through a handheld tool known as refractometer. There are many different types for sale, for all budgets. The best, in our opinion, is a digital pocket refractometer that provides quick and accurate measurements. They are very easy to use as well as extraordinarily affordable.
Brix levels must be tested from the very onset in similar environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). Most of these devices calibrate automatically but make sure you verify it beforehand for the results that could otherwise be inaccurate.
To ensure the optimal development of your marijuana grow, with excellent yields and a strong immune system (resistance to pests and fungi), Brix should be anything between 12% and 15%.
This way, you'll make sure the plant produces and distributes sugar to the right places around the structure, making for healthy plants all over their life cycle as well as for top-quality heavy yields. The closer to 14% or 15%, the better.
Below 12% Brix levels mean that one of the key elements marijuana needs to survive (light, water, air, or nutrients) is lacking. It may also indicate there's something wrong with temperature. If this happens, you may have to take action. Brix can help you achieve excellence when growing your favourite plant.
Before using a refractometer, make sure it's properly calibrated. Apply some distilled water to make sure it gives a reading of 0% Brix.
Once tuned, put a few drops of sap obtained by squeezing some leaves into the hole and turn it on. The Brix percentage should appear in the digital display.
If it's anything below 12%, it may be caused by an incorrect distribution of sugar. Don't panic for there are different ways you can improve this situation.
How does the Brix scale (°Bx) affect hemp cultivation?
The Brix degree is used to measure the percentage of sucrose in an aqueous solution. It basically estimates the amount of light that is bent when it passes through any dense material or aqueous solution.
Naturally, light travels faster through air than through water because the latter is way denser.
If we place an object into water, it seems to bend, but it's not. It's just an optical illusion.
The same happens when working out in the water. Air and water density levels are, in fact, so different that it takes more effort to work out in the water than on land.
The human eye can't estimate the sugar content in cannabis plants. Before traveling to other parts, sugar is produced and stored in the leaves.
°Brix levels are tested with a refractometer that measures the angle of refraction at which light travels through the sap. It's an indicator of the sugar density in sap as well as of the immune system's endurance.
Plants' sap contains many other molecules. However, glucose molecules are one of the largest and so are easier to find and count. Our target Brix level is between 12% and 15%.
How to encourage the production of sugar in hemp plants
Take good care of each and every one of your plants' basic needs
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Use a powerful light source, in accordance with the dimensions of your grow room.
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Provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow adequately in every stage of their life cycle, including growth and bloom boosters.
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Water your plants thoroughly but avoid over watering. Make sure you adapt your watering schedule to the changing conditions.
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Ensure the best ventilation, temperature, and humidity conditions are optimal in every stage.
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Keep your growing space clean and neatly organised.
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Trimming hemp plants speeds up the production of sugar in the top branches during the blooming phase (trimming of lower branches, Scrog, or Super-cropping).
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