Hemp as a houseplant
Hemp as a houseplant
Hemp is often associated with its use as a crop or in industry, but did you know that it also makes a great houseplant? With its striking appearance and robust properties, hemp is a great choice for anyone looking to add a green touch to their home. In this article, you'll find out whether it's legal to keep hemp as a houseplant, how to care for it properly, where you can buy it legally and what you can do about the typical smell.
Is it legal?
Hemp as a houseplant:
From April 1, 2024, you will be able to legally grow up to three cannabis plants indoors in Germany, as long as they are only intended for personal consumption. The plants must be kept in a locked area so that children and young people cannot access them. Make sure that growing indoors does not cause a nuisance for your neighbors, for example through strong smells or light. It is also important that you use certified seeds to meet the legal requirements.
This means that growing hemp as a houseplant will soon be legal if you follow these rules.
Step-by-step guide: caring for hemp as a houseplant
If you want to keep hemp as a houseplant, proper care is crucial. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Choose a location
Place your hemp plant in a spot with plenty of light, ideally by a window. Hemp loves direct sunlight, so the more light, the better for growth. - Choose a suitable pot
Choose a pot with good drainage so that excess water can run off. This prevents waterlogging, which could damage the roots. - Use the right soil
Use well-aerated soil that remains slightly moist. A mixture of potting soil and a little sand or perlite is ideal for regulating the moisture well. - Watering
Water regularly, but make sure that the soil does not get too wet. Hemp likes it when the soil is slightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. - Fertilizing
Fertilize your plant about every 2-4 weeks with a universal plant fertilizer or a special fertilizer for hemp plants. This promotes healthy growth and strong leaves. - Air circulation
Make sure the plant has good air circulation. This prevents mold growth and ensures that the plant stays healthy. - Pruning (optional)
If your plant is growing vigorously, you can prune it regularly to control growth and encourage branching. - Monitor temperature and humidity
Hemp thrives best at a temperature of 20-30°C and moderate humidity. Avoid extreme cold or drought.
If you follow these steps, your hemp will grow healthy and strong as a houseplant.
Buy hemp as a houseplant legally: What you should look out for
If you want to legally buy hemp as a houseplant, there are a few important things to consider. First of all, it must be certified industrial hemp with a THC content of less than 0.2 %. This hemp is free of psychoactive substances and is therefore approved for private cultivation in Germany. When buying, make sure that the supplier clearly states the THC content and that the plant or seeds are certified.
You can find reputable sellers in garden centers or online stores that specialize in industrial hemp. It is important to be transparent about the origin of the plants to ensure that you are within the legal framework. Be sure to keep the proof of purchase in case there are any legal queries.
It is also advisable to find out about regional regulations, as the exact rules can vary depending on the federal state or municipality. This way, you can ensure that your hemp cultivation is completely legal.
Hemp as a houseplant: what to do about the smell?
Hemp as a houseplant has the typical, intense odor that can be particularly noticeable indoors. There are some helpful measures to reduce the odor:
- Good ventilation: regular air exchange is crucial to minimize the smell of hemp. Open the windows frequently or use ventilation systems to promote air circulation.
- Odour filters: Activated carbon filters are a very effective way to neutralize the smell of hemp. These filters can be easily integrated into ventilation systems or exhaust air systems and absorb the odor particles before they spread throughout the room.
- Odour neutralizers: There are special sprays or devices that neutralize the odour. These are available in specialist stores and can be used specifically in rooms with strong odors.
- Plant spacing: Make sure that the plants are not too close together. Increasing the distance between plants can help to reduce the intensity of the odor as the air circulates better.
- Additional plants for odor control: Some houseplants, such as lavender or jasmine, can help mask the smell of hemp by emitting a pleasant scent themselves.
With these measures, you can effectively reduce the odor in your home and make growing hemp as a houseplant inconspicuous.