AROYA Office Hours

In this week’s episode, host Cian and resident expert Jason are joined by Anders Peterson, Director of Horticulture at PIPP Horticulture. If you’ve ever marveled at wall-to-wall multi-tier canopies in a grow room, chances are PIPP had a hand in it—and Anders has been at the center of that evolution.

Anders kicks things off by sharing his journey, from his early days in the Bay Area working with Prop 215 growers and running his own facilities, to his transition into high-tech vertical cultivation design across the globe. 

Together, the trio explore the state of the cannabis industry both domestically and internationally, comparing trends and best practices from the U.S. to Europe and beyond.

The discussion covers the major factors driving multi-tier adoption, pitfalls to avoid, and how state-of-the-art climate control and data-driven solutions can maximize your yield. 

Anders and Jason don’t just talk tech—they share candid war stories from their hundreds of facility visits, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is key to next-level growing. 

Whether you’re curious about airflow best practices, the importance of robust crop registration, or the future of facility design, this episode is jam-packed with tips you can take straight to your grow operation.

Tune in for a masterclass in modern cultivation—and stick around for insider anecdotes, practical advice, and a look at what’s brewing for 2025 and beyond!

00:00 Cultivation Insights with Anders

05:17 From Gardener to Global Grower

08:34 European Cultivation Strategies Insights

11:20 Diverse Global Preferences

17:18 Vertical Farming: Location and Market Viability

18:28 Strategic Real Estate for Expansion

22:19 Mechanical System Challenges in Facilities

25:36 Efficient Ductwork Designs for HVAC

31:45 Optimizing Climate Through Rack Design

35:09 Optimizing Airflow for Growth

37:53 "Plant Empowerment: Greenhouse Challenges"

41:30 Optimal Sensor Placement & Data Strategy

45:25 Streamlining Plant Growth Process

48:19 Climate Control: Key to Growth Transition

53:24 Optimal Airflow for Plant Growth

54:15 "Importance of Sub Canopy Lighting"

57:56 Cultivation Questions? Contact Us!

We’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed

📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA
📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/

Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!
📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343
📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.

We really appreciate your support.

Host Links:
📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/
📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/

‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //
Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_

About the Show
We dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

Welcome to Episode 135 of Office Hours LIVE, where cultivation knowledge meets practical application! 

Today, we're exploring the critical relationship between environment and irrigation for superior plant development. Host Cian is joined by cultivation experts Jason and Seth, ready to tackle your most challenging questions in real time.

On today's agenda: mastering optimal dryback rates, comparing stakes versus sprayers for irrigation efficiency, conquering VPD management challenges, and maximizing your existing equipment's potential. 

We'll also examine media selection strategies and reveal how the precise balance of temperature and humidity can dramatically enhance your harvest quality.

Whether you're an experienced grower or just starting your cultivation journey, this episode delivers actionable insights to transform your growing practices. 

Get ready to elevate your cultivation expertise with the targeted guidance you've come to expect from Office Hours LIVE.

00:00 AROYA Office Hours: Intro

03:58 Water Management in Coco Bags

07:44 "Optimizing Late-Day Watering Strategies"

11:01 Optimal Pot Size Transition Tips

15:34 Custom Media Solutions for Growing

17:53 Customizable Pot Options in Cocoa Cultivation

19:53 Optimizing Media and Pot Efficiency

23:48 Optimizing Irrigation and Substrate Choices

28:01 Plant Growth: VPD vs. Temperature Swing?

31:56 "Efficient Harvesting and Environmental Control"

34:02 Temperature's Impact on Cannabis Color

37:25 Optimizing Growth Conditions

42:35 Optimizing System Capabilities Efficiently

43:29 Investing in Data for Upgrades

47:35 Optimizing Older Equipment Strategies

52:50 Flexible, Affordable Sprinkler System

54:23 "Living Soil: Pot vs. Traditional"

56:39 Explore Arroyo: 135 Episodes Available

This episode explores the science and engineering behind optimal climate control for indoor plant cultivation. We're joined by special guest Willy Stober from Stober Engineering, alongside our expert hosts Cian, Jason, and Seth.

Willy shares exclusive insights from his groundbreaking PG&E-funded research study examining energy consumption patterns and thermal load management in controlled environment agriculture. His work has revolutionized our understanding of how environmental factors impact plant development in indoor growing facilities.

Episode Highlights:

- Climate Control Optimization: Discover cutting-edge techniques for maintaining ideal temperature, humidity, and air circulation to maximize crop yields

- Environmental Stability: Learn how consistent growing conditions significantly enhance plant health and production quality

- System Integration: Explore how modern HVAC systems can be integrated with lighting, irrigation, and monitoring technology for comprehensive facility management

- Energy Efficiency: Understand the latest innovations for reducing operational costs while maintaining optimal growing conditions

Whether you're an experienced commercial grower or managing a small-scale indoor garden, this episode delivers valuable technical knowledge and practical applications from leading industry experts. Join us as we examine the engineering principles that drive successful indoor agriculture in today's rapidly evolving industry.

00:00 Indoor Cultivation Energy Study

05:46 Challenges of Scaling Cultivation

11:08 Optimizing Room Environment Constraints

19:41 Integrated vs. Standalone Dehumidifiers Analysis

25:47 Challenges in System Optimization

26:51 Facility Systems Integration Focus

34:30 Greenhouse Innovation for Growth

37:35 Emerging Opportunities in HVAC Industry

44:21 Data Visualization Importance

52:54 Optimizing Irrigation and Facility Management

56:01 Tech Solutions for Farm Equipment Monitoring

59:34 Prioritize Expert Integration Solutions

In this episode, our resident experts, Cian and Jason, explore common cultivation challenges, offering insights and strategies to enhance your grow operations. From debating vegging in place versus dedicated veg rooms to exploring solutions for persistent pest issues like thrips, they cover a wide range of topics crucial for cultivators. 

They also discuss efficient methods for resetting grow rooms, share techniques for optimal cloning, and address the impact of stressors on plant health. 

Whether you're facing challenges with plant seeding or looking to optimize your cloning process, this episode is packed with expert advice and practical tips to elevate your cultivation game. 

Plus, don't miss a special shoutout to Jack Whipple's free crop steering e-book and an exciting community event in Sacramento. Tune in and level up your cultivation expertise!

00:00 Engagement Request and Feedback Encouragement

05:26 Sterilize Rooms Between Each Run

08:12 Optimizing Veg Room for Efficiency

09:55 Optimizing Plant Growth with Substrates

13:17 Strategic Facility Planning Tips

19:16 Sensor Reliability in Crop Management

21:48 Genetic Factors in Seed Production

23:39 Chlorine Dioxide Fumigation Tips

26:41 Optimizing Plant Growth Transitions

30:04 Improving Clone Rooting Efficiency

34:21 Thrip Management Challenges and Solutions

37:15 Flower Cycle Timing Challenges

40:27 Adjusting Plant Pruning Strategies

44:02 Questioning Light Deprivation Benefits

46:53 Coco Matric Potential Insights

53:10 Stress Management in Plant Cultivation

54:22 Optimizing Rockwool and Coco Use

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE, where we explore the intricate world of commercial horticulture. 

In today's episode, host Cian and expert Seth Baumgartner navigate the complexities of substrate EC, irrigation strategies, and the optimization of growing conditions under various lighting environments. 

The duo discusses the importance of understanding your market, making responsible business decisions, and investing in key cultivation areas to remain competitive in a fluctuating industry. 

They also touch on plant breeding and phenotype selection challenges, offering actionable advice for novice and seasoned growers. 

00:00 Enhanced Accuracy of TEROS Sensors

09:40 Optimizing Nutrition for High-Intensity LEDs

14:13 Market-Driven Plant Cultivation Choices

19:51 Adapting Production Strategies

23:36 Cutting Losses in Cannabis Growing

31:28 Design Considerations for HVAC & Irrigation

35:09 Optimizing Investment in Growth Systems

44:01 Optimizing Plant Nutrition Signals

45:15 Boost Nutrient Feed for Better Yields

52:25 Strategic Plant Breeding Techniques

59:10 Finding Success in Business Stability

We’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed

📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA
📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/

Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!
📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343
📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.

We really appreciate your support.

Host Links:
📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/
📲Seth Baumgartner, https://www.instagram.com/seth_baumgartner/
📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/

‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //
Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_

About the Show
Seth, AROYA’s Manager, Client Success, and Jason AROYA’s Director of Applied Science, lead you down the rabbit hole of cultivation insights and demystifying bro-science. We dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE, AROYA's podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate world of cultivation. 

In episode 131, join our host Cian, alongside cultivation experts Jason and Seth, as they dive into the complexities of environmental conditions and their impact on plant growth. 

From the effects of substrate EC levels and CO2 on plant health to the potential benefits and considerations of under-canopy lighting, this episode provides valuable insights for growers looking to optimize their production. 

The team also touches on the significance of crop registration and the role of technology like AROYA in managing and improving cultivation efficiency. 

Whether you're dealing with fluctuating environmental conditions, planning a new facility, or simply looking to enhance your growing operations, this episode offers expert advice and strategies to help you succeed.

00:00 Runoff EC Influencing Factors

05:33 Diagnosing Plant Health Accurately

07:24 "Efficient Root Zone Monitoring"

12:09 Enhancing Growth with Light Strategies

13:08 Balancing LED Light for Plant Yield

18:37 "Embrace Ugly Plants for Strong Yields"

21:59 "Fine Tuning for Optimal Yield"

25:35 Tech Revolution in Agriculture

27:45 Canopy Light Effects on Plants

30:59 Growing: Factors and Misconceptions

34:30 Integrating Science and Experience in Cultivation

38:17 Focus on Correcting One Variable

40:20 Genetic Variability Challenges

44:16 "Optimal CO2 for Plant Efficiency"

48:35 Importance of Crop Registration

52:13 Documenting Cultivation Factors

54:06 Importance of Properly Labeling Wiring

58:29 Facility Planning Discussion Wrap-Up

01:00:23 Feedback Appreciated; See You Episode 132

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE. This is episode 130. Join our resident experts Seth and Jason as they unravel the complexities of managing light and nutrient dynamics to optimize plant growth. 

This week, we're tackling a question from our audience: Does higher PPFD and DLI require higher EC, and how should you adjust your nutrient strategy accordingly? 

We explore the intricate balance between light levels, nutrient uptake, and plant health, offering insights drawn from both scientific principles and practical cultivation experiences. 

Don't forget to engage with us on YouTube and Instagram and smash that like button to support the growth of Office Hours LIVE. Your reviews and feedback help us thrive!

Hello and welcome back to another episode of AROYA Office Hours LIVE Episode 128, your go-to source for cultivation education! I'm your host, Kaisha, and we are thrilled to reach episode 128. Today, we have an engaging discussion lined up with experts Jason, Seth, and special guest Cian.

This episode is packed with valuable insights directly from our live audience's questions. We start by diving deep into a question on the complexities of fertigation schedules and dryback percentages for newly transplanted clones. 

From there, we touch on volumetric water content raised by the community and discuss the intricacies and challenges of microclimate management, especially for those using fans in their grow rooms.

With practical advice and detailed explanations from our experts on optimal sensor placements, nutrient balance, root health, and even airflow dynamics, this episode promises to elevate your cultivation game. 

Whether you're dealing with varying environmental challenges in different geographies or refining your plant health diagnostics, our panel has the insights you need.

Stay tuned and don't forget to drop us your reviews and questions for future episodes. Let's dive into today's content-rich discussion!

00:00 Optimizing Hugo Plant Growth

05:57 Balancing Watering for Clone Rooting

11:16 Optimal Transplant Timing

16:06 Cloning: In-House vs. Sourcing

24:27 Growing: Finding Optimal Dryback

31:26 Irrigation Strategy and Plant Health

37:28 Optimal Soil Moisture Management

43:44 Challenges in Rockwool Crop Steering

47:56 Plant Nutrient Uptake Dynamics

50:38 Optimizing Airflow with Shaffer Fans

59:38 Climate Challenges in Facility Management

01:00:58 Optimizing Grow Facilities Strategically

We’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed

📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA
📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/

Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!
📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343
📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.

We really appreciate your support.

Host Links:
📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/
📲Seth Baumgartner, https://www.instagram.com/seth_baumgartner/
📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/
📲Kaisha McMillan, https://www.instagram.com/ahsiak/
📲Christian Hertel, https://www.instagram.com/christian_aroya/

‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //
Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_

About the Show
Seth, AROYA’s Manager, Client Success, and Jason AROYA’s Director of Applied Science, lead you down the rabbit hole of cultivation insights and demystifying bro-science. We dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

Hello and welcome back to another episode of AROYA Office Hours LIVE Episode 128, your go-to source for cultivation education! I'm your host, Kaisha, and we are thrilled to reach episode 128. Today, we have an engaging discussion lined up with experts Jason, Seth, and special guest Cian.

This episode is packed with valuable insights directly from our live audience's questions. We start by diving deep into a question on the complexities of fertigation schedules and dryback percentages for newly transplanted clones. 

From there, we touch on volumetric water content raised by the community and discuss the intricacies and challenges of microclimate management, especially for those using fans in their grow rooms.

With practical advice and detailed explanations from our experts on optimal sensor placements, nutrient balance, root health, and even airflow dynamics, this episode promises to elevate your cultivation game. 

Whether you're dealing with varying environmental challenges in different geographies or refining your plant health diagnostics, our panel has the insights you need.

Stay tuned and don't forget to drop us your reviews and questions for future episodes. Let's dive into today's content-rich discussion!

00:00 Optimizing Hugo Plant Growth

05:57 Balancing Watering for Clone Rooting

11:16 Optimal Transplant Timing

16:06 Cloning: In-House vs. Sourcing

24:27 Growing: Finding Optimal Dryback

31:26 Irrigation Strategy and Plant Health

37:28 Optimal Soil Moisture Management

43:44 Challenges in Rockwool Crop Steering

47:56 Plant Nutrient Uptake Dynamics

50:38 Optimizing Airflow with Shaffer Fans

59:38 Climate Challenges in Facility Management

01:00:58 Optimizing Grow Facilities Strategically

We’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed

📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA
📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/

Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!
📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343
📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.

We really appreciate your support.

Host Links:
📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/
📲Seth Baumgartner, https://www.instagram.com/seth_baumgartner/
📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/
📲Kaisha McMillan, https://www.instagram.com/ahsiak/
📲Christian Hertel, https://www.instagram.com/christian_aroya/

‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //
Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_

About the Show
Seth, AROYA’s Manager, Client Success, and Jason AROYA’s Director of Applied Science, lead you down the rabbit hole of cultivation insights and demystifying bro-science. We dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

In today's session, we answer pressing questions from our dedicated community. Our experts, Jason and Cian, alongside our ever-engaging host, Kaisha, tackle a variety of topics—from managing PH runoff and exploring the best irrigation strategies to understanding the complexities of canopy uniformity and the science behind optimal VPD levels.

We kick things off by addressing Billy's detailed inquiry about dealing with PH levels during the mid-flower stage and the potential solutions, including adjusting EC levels and irrigation tactics. We then transition to insightful discussions on sensor placement accuracy, optimal moisture contents for drying and curing, and how different strains might react to specific crop steering strategies. Our experts also provide guidance on handling larger substrate sizes and ensuring uniform canopy growth, which is crucial for achieving high-quality yields.

Whether you're tuning in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, or any other platform, get ready for a session filled with practical advice, scientific explanations, and expert recommendations. Every question brings us closer to mastering the art of cultivation.