Solo Cup Challenge: the art of growing cannabis in a small plastic cup

In the world of cannabis, where growers are constantly looking for innovative ways to show off their skills, a new challenge has emerged: The ‘Solo Cup’ challenge. This is an intriguing project that goes beyond the limits of cultivation with the aim of harvesting a full cannabis plant in a small plastic cup. This technique, which seeks to break the mould (literally), has gained popularity among growers for its simplicity and high profitability. So let’s dive into what it entails exactly, how it works, and why it has attracted so much attention.

As a cannabis fan, you’ve probably seen a good number of grow setups: sophisticated LED lights, automated irrigation systems, controlled environment grow tents… We’re sure you’ve seen it all. But there’s also a little secret you need to know that is learned over the years: growing cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, you can grow a surprisingly robust plant with nothing more than a plastic cup, some soil, and a little bit of determination.

As the saying goes, “good things come in small packages”; and this challenge certainly lives up to that. The essence of a ‘Solo Cup’ grow lies in its simplicity and accessibility, because it involves growing cannabis plants in small plastic cups that are often associated with parties, barbecues, or social gatherings.

Despite its modest origins, this method has gained recognition within the cannabis community for its many benefits. By using readily available materials (such as plastic cups) and basic gardening supplies, growers can embark on their own growing journey without spending a fortune. In addition, the compact size of the plants allows for efficient use of the space, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor setups.

‘Solo Cup’ growing also offers valuable learning opportunities for rookies. By starting small and focusing on the essentials, novice growers can gain practical experience and develop their skills over time. And the compact size of ‘Solo Cup’ plants makes it easier to monitor their progress and make any adjustments as needed, achieving remarkable results, and demonstrating the effectiveness of this minimalist growing approach.

Challenges of ‘Solo Cup’ growing

Growing cannabis in such a small container poses several challenges. For instance, the roots of the plant can suffer greatly due to the space restriction, resulting in a tangled mess that can inhibit nutrient absorption and hinder proper development.

As plants are highly susceptible to problems, optimum conditions must also be provided to ensure their success. Providing adequate lighting is essential, along with good air circulation to prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of mould or fungi.

What’s more, watering the plant becomes especially difficult as the plant grows. And keeping the plant upright in the pot can also be tricky due to its unstable nature.

So let’s have a look at all these challenging factors in a bit more detail.

Irrigation issues

Balancing the water requirements of plants in small containers can be a delicate juggling act, like walking the fine line between watering too little and watering too much. In the case of ‘Solo Cup’ growing, irrigation issues arise as the plants grow. With limited space in the cup, roots outgrow the size of the container, so you need to water them frequently to keep them hydrated.

However, watering too little can be as harmful as overwatering because the roots can become waterlogged and suffocate. This issue is further aggravated by the sloping nature of the ‘solo cup’, which makes it difficult to water without causing spills or displacing the plant. Growers should carefully monitor soil moisture levels and adjust their watering routine accordingly.

Balanced plants

Achieving a balance between the size of the plant and the limited space offered by the small container is key to successfully growing plants in small cups. Steadying the plants becomes a difficult task due to their unstable nature; and, as the plants grow, their weight increases, making it difficult to maintain stability.

One wrong move can cause the whole plant to fall off, which can damage branches or fragile roots. Therefore, growers should position the plant in a way that ensures that it’ll remain upright and secure. This delicate balancing act requires constant attention and adjustments as the plant continues to develop.

Growing on a sunny windowsill

Growing near a sunny window can provide an abundant source of natural light for plants grown in a cup, as it allows easy access to sunlight without the need for expensive grow lights. But if you’re using this kind of location, it’s important to consider the position of the plant to maximise exposure to the light. Placing it near the window and rotating it during the day can ensure that the plant receives a uniform distribution of light. By harnessing the power of the sun, growers can achieve successful results with this challenge, producing healthy and thriving cannabis plants.

What are the best genetics for ‘Solo Cup’ cultivation?

But, as is almost always the case, the success of any type of grow depends largely on the genetics used. And autoflowering strains have gained great popularity among ‘Solo Cup’ enthusiasts because they have a faster life cycle than photo-dependent cannabis plants.

And besides, autoflowering strains tend to be small and compact, which makes them ideal for growing in limited spaces whilst reducing the risk of the plants tipping over. If we add their resilience to adversity to all of this, then automatic varieties provide a convenient and efficient option for growers participating in the ‘Solo Cup’ challenge.

Strawberry Haze x Ruderalis

Strawberry Haze Auto

With 15% THC and moderate CBD levels, the effect might seem contained but it’s quite the opposite. The uplifting sativa high is extraordinary, stimulating the laughter muscles like no other autoflowering variety, and creating images and ideas that would never enter your head on a typical day. It’s perfect for sharing with friends who want to travel together to a sweet strawberry field of every colour imaginable.

Some top growing tips to succeed with this technique

• Choose the right cups: Generally speaking, 500 cc is the best size because plants usually grow correctly without producing many side branches, fewer leaves, and a large central bud. Remember that the cup needs to be opaque.
• Make sure all cups have good drainage. Heat a nail with a lighter and make five or six holes in the bottom of each cup.
• The key is that there is some distance between the plants and the lighting so that they don’t sprout and can therefore produce the potent central bud that you want. Keep in mind that, when they become large, they reach a height of approximately 30 – 50 cm.
• Plants normally spend about five weeks exposed to an 18/6 photoperiod so that they can increase in size before flowering. However, we skip most of that process in this scenario: Seeds are planted (they take about a week to germinate), and then, two weeks later, the photoperiod is changed to 12/12.
• As for substrate and fertilisers, this type of grow can meet the needs of plants with the least amount of resources: They require minimum doses of fertilisers, and the amount of substrate used is also smaller.
• There are many supporters of SCROG configurations using a net trellis to hold the canopy and prevent it from falling. This allows you to stretch the canopy a little with some low stress training, which means that the plants will need more space.
• You can also defoliate the plants before they start to flower, i.e., remove the lower branches that only produce small buds (which will reduce the final yield). This will make the plant focus all its energy on the central bud.
• As this growing method involves tiny containers, you can experiment by flushing the roots 1 week before the flowering begins, as well as 1 week before harvest. This will facilitate the release of the extra salts and fertilisers that accumulate in the substrate.

The future of ‘Solo Cup’ cultivation continues to grow

With the growing popularity of home cultivation, this method is set to maintain its novelty status. Its inherent simplicity, affordability, and educational value make it an attractive option for those looking to enter the world of cannabis growing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, ‘Solo Cup’ growing offers a low-budget entry point that can produce impressive results with the right care and attention.

So why not embark on this journey and discover the joys of growing your own cannabis? With just a little creativity and dedication, you can transform a humble plastic cup into a thriving garden full of vibrant vegetation and abundant yields, enriching your life and improving your connection with the natural world.