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DWC (Deep Water Culture)
Definition: Deep water culture (DWC) is a hydroponic method where cannabis roots hang directly in an oxygenated nutrient solution. A net pot filled with clay pebbles holds the plant above a reservoir, and an air pump with air stones bubbles oxygen into the water around the clock so the roots never suffocate.
How DWC (Deep Water Culture) works
DWC is the simplest true hydroponic setup: no timers, no drip lines, just a bucket, a lid, and bubbles. Roots with constant access to water, nutrients, and oxygen can grow remarkably fast.
Basic setup
- A 5-gallon (19 L) bucket or larger, opaque so light can’t reach the water.
- A lid with a 6-inch net pot filled with clay pebbles.
- An air pump, tubing, a check valve, and one or two air stones per bucket.
Water level
Start with the solution touching the bottom of the net pot so young roots can reach it. Once roots grow into the reservoir, drop the level 1 to 2 inches to leave an air gap, which gives the upper roots extra oxygen.
Key numbers
- Water temperature: 65 to 68°F (18 to 20°C). Above about 72°F (22°C), oxygen levels drop and pathogens thrive.
- pH: roughly 5.6 to 6.0, checked daily.
- Reservoir changes: every 7 to 10 days.
Reading the roots
Healthy DWC roots are bright white and fuzzy. Brown, slimy roots with a swampy smell signal root rot, the main risk of the method. Some growers add beneficial microbes to the reservoir as a preventive measure.
RDWC
Recirculating DWC links several buckets to a central control reservoir, so you adjust pH and nutrients once for all plants. It scales well but adds pumps and plumbing to maintain.