Power Outage During Flowering | Here is How To Fix It

Undoubtedly, the flowering stage is one of the most important steps in the life of your plant. However, like all other growers, you will likely encounter various challenges in managing your grow house.

This guide focuses on a common issue among growers – the power outage during the flowering issue. Have you ever experienced it, or wanted to learn more? We have outlined all you need to know below:

Power Outage During Flowering – For Starters!

There are various details you have to consider on the power outage issue.

Depending on the duration and frequency of the outages, this may or may not be an issue for your grow house.

We have outlined a unique perspective to help inform the way outages might compromise your crop. 

First, you must learn more about how power outages can compromise your crop during flowering. You also have to learn more about the light schedules for flowering and vegetative periods.

One common mistake people make is thinking that light is the only key resource for a plant in the flowering stage. While this seems true, it’s the dark hours that encourage the flowering process.

You see, plants produce a specific hormone during the dark hours of the day. It’s the hormone responsible for activating the flowering process. So, it’s why many people or growers use the extra darkness during flowering approach.

The hormone breaks down when light exposure, especially when you plan on using techniques like the 18/6 approach. That is because the hormone won’t have sufficient time to accumulate and trigger the flowering process.

So, a power outage with lights on during the flowering stage won’t hurt your plants. The plants won’t revert to the vegetative state. 

But, setting your plants for long durations in dark conditions can negatively impact their growth patterns. 

Frequent power outages will cause your plant to develop experience compromised development. The other issues you might encounter due to outages include plant stress. The result is your plant will experience reduced growth or even die.

A power outage during the vegetative state is much more harmful than in the flowering state. It is dangerous if the plant encounters over half a day of darkness. The reason is that this will cause the plant to start flowering.

The plant will revert to a vegetative state if the lights come back on. This might occur severally, depending on the frequency and longevity of the outages.

Eventually, your plant will experience extreme stress and experienced compromised growth. We also noticed one common question among growers. 

It’s the how long autoflowers can go without light issues. While these plants can grow using 24-hour light sources, they can also use normal light cycles (18/6 or 20/4 cycles)

What are Some of the Common Causes of Power Outage During Flowering?

Here are the common reasons for a power outage near me during the flowering stage:

• Faulty lines. Usually, weather or traditional damage issues are common causes of fault lines.
• Wear and tear. Like every other item, aging power lines and systems are prone to damage.
• Unpaid power bills. Some states have strict regulations regarding the management of power bills. Each party has to ensure they make up for all their bills. 
• Tampering. You never know when malicious individuals, pesky kids, or wild animals like raccoons can damage power systems.
• Maintenance procedures. Expect power outages in your area when power line companies perform maintenance procedures. 

How to Respond to Power Outage During Flowering

Of course, it’s best to maintain an alternative power source. However, there are some things that you can do when there is an electrical outage. 

Tip #1. What to Do When Grow Lights Go Out

Ensure you get your plant receives sufficient light during the regular period.

A plant that stays in the dark for over one day can break down fast. However, you can slow this process down by providing them low light levels. 

Even though it’s best to maintain a constant light source, you must consider other options. For instance, setting a flashlight periodically over the plants helps. You can do it for a few minutes or an hour because your plants will receive some light – regardless of the outage. 

Nevertheless, your plants still thrive well when you provide them with full lights. However, your main goal is to prevent the lights from sitting in the dark for long periods. 

With all the other stress issues occuring, try and make your plants think that it’s a cloudy day – rather than a major power issue. It’s a solution that works particularly well when your plant experiences a power outage during veg cycle issue. 

We recommend you invest in the best battery backup for grow tent. Why? Doing this ensures your grow lights and the timer have sufficient light. 

Recommend Product:  EF ECOFLOW DELTA Max (2000) Portable Power Station

Tip #2. Temperature Starts Dropping 

One common reason for electricity outages is issues like winter weather. It often occurs alongside issues like freezing cold temperatures.

When the heat and grow lights are no longer functioning, your cannabis plant will become prone to cold temperatures. You have to realize that each plant has different needs. However, most plants will start producing side effects when the temperature gets to the 50°F and lower.

And, don’t even ask about freezing temperatures. Why? It’s because they can be lethal for the welfare of your plants. Our research also showed this was a major topic on the power outage indoor grow forum thread.

When there is a power outage during flowering, one key thing to consider is the heating system. It’s because producing large heat amounts requires lots of power.

If possible, try and insulate your plants in some way, as the lights are still warm. Even setting some blankets around the tent can be helpful. 

We also recommend removing your plants from the floor (especially concrete). Keeping the roots warm will ensure your plants stay resilient to the cold. Like the rest of your property, never open or close doors outside. 

Do this to avoid any cold air seeping into your grow house. Again, it’s all about reducing any possible loopholes that can increase the coldness that your plant experiences. 

Prepare Ahead of Time

Keeping your plants warm involves the same techniques that a person might use. Unless you have a backup heat source, there is not a lot that can do to save your plant. 

However, you can be surprised by the living conditions most plants can withstand. You also must be ready to address the high temperatures during the flowering issue. 

Recommended Product: Amazon Basics 1500W Ceramic Personal Heater

Tip #3. Air Pump Is No Longer Functioning 

One key issue you must consider when the power goes out in your grow house is that the roots can die from a lack of oxygen. It’s particularly important if you are using a hydroponic or DWC setup.

Usually, air bubbles through the tank or the atmosphere. However, a power outage means your plants will no longer receive air as required.

If using a hydroponic setup, consider setting your plants so they can receive more oxygen. You also can ventilate your setup, so it provides more air.

You might notice the plant dropping after a few hours. If this occurs, drain all the water from your tank and then pump it back through the system.

The electricity outage might sometimes extend for long periods. If so, drain all the water, and place the plant back in the grow house. It’s similar to performing a reservoir change without dumping out the water.

You can use a battery-powered water transfer pump for this process. Doing this will ensure the plant and its roots still recieve sufficient oxygen – despite the hydroponic power outage issue. Many people like using the Pacific Power system to address outage challenges. 

Recommended Product: Lancoon Solar Powered Air Pump Kit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The power outage during flowering is a challenge most growers experience. You have to be ready for its occurrence, and realize that the are ways of its prevention.