Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is generally more effective and widely recommended than pesticides (including fungicides or bactericides) for general lab surface sterilization and grow room decontamination. Pesticides are designed primarily for controlling pests or pathogens on living plants, not for broad disinfection of inanimate surfaces. Why Bleach Outperforms Pesticides for Disinfection - Broad-spectrum action — Bleach rapidly kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many spores by oxidizing cellular components. Standard 10% dilutions (from household bleach) are highly effective on benches, tools, floors, and equipment in tissue culture labs and grow rooms. - Pesticides’ limitations — Fungicides (e.g., bavistin, mancozeb) or bactericides target specific organisms on plants and lack the broad, rapid kill needed for surfaces. They may leave residues that inhibit cultures or are ineffective against diverse contaminants. - Standard protocols — In tissue culture labs, bleach is the go-to for wiping surfaces and decontaminating waste. In grow rooms/greenhouses, bleach or similar oxidizers are used for between-cycle cleanouts to eliminate mold, bacteria, and pathogens. Here are examples of bleach being used to wipe lab benches in tissue culture settings: 3 “LARGE” 4 “LARGE” 5 “LARGE” 6 “LARGE” 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE” Spraying disinfectants (often bleach-based or similar) during grow room/greenhouse decontamination: 9 “LARGE” 10 “LARGE” 11 “LARGE” 12 “LARGE” In contrast, pesticides/fungicides are applied directly to plants for targeted control: 0 “LARGE” 1 “LARGE” 2 “LARGE” Occasionally, low concentrations of fungicides are added as pre-treatments for tough explants or to supplement sterilization, but they’re not a replacement for bleach on surfaces. Bleach Alternatives (If Needed) For less corrosive options: 70% ethanol, quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., Green-Shield), or hydrogen peroxide-based products (e.g., ZeroTol). These are effective but bleach remains the most reliable and cost-effective for thorough decontamination.

The plant creates terpenes inside its cells using simple building blocks from sugars produced during photosynthesis. These compounds are mainly produced in the trichomes—the tiny, sticky glands on the buds. How breaking down organic material helps When you add organic matter like compost, worm castings, or leaf mulch to the soil, microbes (tiny bacteria and fungi) break it down. This process: 1. Releases important nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) that the plant uses to grow strong and produce more terpenes. 2. Creates a healthy partnership between the microbes and the plant’s roots. The plant feeds the microbes sugars, and in return, the microbes supply extra nutrients and help protect the roots from stress, pests, and disease. A less-stressed, well-fed plant can put more energy into making terpenes, which often leads to stronger aromas and better flavors. Growers who use “living soil” full of organic material and active microbes usually notice richer terpene profiles compared to plants fed only synthetic nutrients. It’s like giving the plant a natural, balanced diet instead of fast food—healthier plants make better-smelling buds!

Hey kid, imagine your cannabis plant is like a sponge that lives in a pot of dirt (we call it soil). It needs water to drink and grow big and strong, but it also needs air to breathe through its roots. If the soil is always soggy like a wet towel, the roots can’t breathe and might get sick (that’s overwatering). If it’s super dry like sand in a desert, the plant gets thirsty and sad (that’s underwatering). The perfect moisture is like a wrung-out sponge—not dripping wet, but not bone-dry either. The top couple inches of soil should feel dry, but deeper down it’s still a bit damp. This is the “wet-dry cycle”: You water it good so the whole pot gets soaked (wet phase—roots drink up nutrients), then you wait and let the top dry out (dry phase—roots get fresh air and grow stronger looking for water). Why this cycle is awesome - Wet time: Plant slurps water and food. - Dry time: Roots breathe oxygen and stretch out bigger. Most growers water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry (stick your finger in like testing cake batter—if it comes out clean and dry, time to water). Don’t water every day or on a schedule—check the plant! Signs your plant is telling you something Overwatered (too wet, no air): Leaves droop heavy, turn yellow, soil smells bad. 0 “LARGE” 1 “LARGE” 2 “LARGE” 3 “LARGE” Underwatered (too dry): Leaves wilt and curl up, tips get crispy brown. Healthy happy plant: Perky green leaves, standing tall. 10 “LARGE” 11 “LARGE” Best ways to check (super easy, no fancy tools needed) 1. Finger test — Poke your finger into the soil about as deep as your first knuckle (or two). Feels dry? Water! Feels wet or muddy? Wait a day or two. 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE” 9 “LARGE” 2. Lift the pot — Right after watering, lift it—feels heavy like a full backpack. When it’s ready for more water, it’ll feel light like an empty one. 4 “LARGE” 5 “LARGE” 6 “LARGE” Practice these every day. Soon you’ll know just by looking or lifting when it’s thirsty. Water slowly until some drips out the bottom, then stop. Your plant will thank you with big healthy growth! Start small, watch it closely, and you’ll get the hang of it quick.

In this exclusive 2-day LIVE webinar, I’m pulling back the curtain – with a real student right beside me – as we go from sterile setup to rooted plantlets… step by step, in real time. You’ll watch live demos of: • Rockwool cloning mastery (95%+ rooting rates) • Tissue culture from explant to multiplication (virus-free elites!) • Sterilization protocols that kill contamination dead • Media recipes, hormones, and environmental tweaks for explosive growth Plus: Unlimited live Q&A – ask anything, get answers on the spot. Troubleshoot your setup. Fix your failures. No recorded fluff – this is hands-on, interactive training over two full days. Spots are limited for live interaction – don’t miss your chance to transform from frustrated cloner to propagation pro. Register now and lock in your seat:

Welcome to Tissue Culture Mastery! This is the go-to community for building profitable, efficient, and reliable tissue culture skills – from beginner home setups to commercial-scale labs. We provide proven protocols, business strategies, live training, and real solutions so you can eliminate failures, scale production, and unlock serious revenue potential. Our vision: A world where everyone has the tools and knowledge to reach their full potential in tissue culture. Join the conversation, share your progress, and let’s grow elite plants – together. 🌱 what is your level of interest in tissue culture ?