Root space / container size

HellO! I was just thinking of different ways I could set up my upcoming flowering phase root/container-wise.

I am going to be running a single 1000W hps.

I have 4 plants that I will put under this light. I've topped and spread them since they were wee. I plan to put them into 12/12 when they are around a foot and a half.

My question is this: Should there be a minimum gallon amount (of soil) per 1000W light? In other words, should the 4 plants' containers add up to around 45, 50 gallons (I've seen 1 plant under 1 light at 45 gallons yield a bit under a pound)? Could I get away with only using 5 gallons for each plant, or is the container space essential to achieving a yield that is worth speaking of? (at least a lb or more)

Thanks for any input

I believe a simple rule of thumb is 1 gal per final ft of vertical growth. So, with what you are describing, I'd say 5 gal should be sufficient.

ya 5gal should be fine but remember bigger root zone= bigger plants/buds

Becorath said:

I believe a simple rule of thumb is 1 gal per final ft of vertical growth. So, with what you are describing, I'd say 5 gal should be sufficient.

Click to expand...

how can u use tht when mine are like 2.5 ft tall with 8-10 tops..when u can have a 5 ft tall plant with 1-2 tops..i wud think they need about the same root space.

Thanks for the replies.

So 5 gallons will be sufficient, but here's the next question:

If I use 10 gallons for a 5-6 top plant, at a final height of about 3 to 3 1/2 feet, will 10 gallons be too much for a plant at such a height? Is there such a thing as too much root space?

not too much root space but a waste of soil and it will hold water like crazy. I've always heard 1 gallon per month of growth.

Same here 1 gal/month so if you veg for 1 month and flower for 2 then you need a 3 gallon container the longer you veg then the more medium needed
Your yield will be dtermined but many other factors though like veg time lights temps humidity food etc.
Hope this helps

I'd start with a 1 gallon...go into 3 gallon pots around 2 weeks and then go into 5 gallons right before switching to flower. That way you are keeping the plant forming a nice rootball...instead of going straight into a large container and having the roots shoot to the bottom too quickly.