The word Phototron might sound like an old, retro-age photography device. While for some individuals, the word Phototron sounds like technology in some science fiction novel. However, this was not the case. It was indeed the name for the first-ever grow box, not a technological device for images, videos, or sci-fi gizmo. Grow boxes have evolved as time has progressed, and the Phototron might be nothing more than a brand name. But at one point, it was the pioneer for plant growing endeavors, especially for weed growers. We’ll take a trip down the time lane and see what made the device an icon of its time. Numerous articles are available online if you wish to find out more about the Phototron.

Grow Boxes And The Phototron

A grow box is a self-contained structure that lets you create environmental elements for planting and harvesting. Such a device works like an actual garden, only this time you are in total control. Grow boxes use a technological process known as the hydroponic system. Such a system requires pumps and other equipment to deliver quality and nutrient-rich water to plant roots. It is an ideal process for cleaner plant growth. The Phototron was the first grow box ever, intended for growing plants and crops. Many individuals used it for weed growing back in the Eighties. When the marketing and the product came, the Phototron was a state-of-the-art and remarkable piece of technology. One that was ahead of its time.

At The Peak Of Greatness

The Phototron found phenomenal success during the Eighties and the Nineties, phenomenally selling units. As the years went by, more variants of the product were released: the Phototron 2, Phototron 2000, and the Phototron 3000 XS. Many households had a unit not only for investment purposes. Some folks had a Phototron as a gnarly way for growing plants and other greens. Imagine yourself visiting an ordinary house. And suddenly, you see a seemingly technologically advanced plant growing machine. How cool would that have been, especially in an era where technology was still finding its way? Science fiction might not have sounded so fictional one bit. However, the Phototron craze died down during the late Nineties, and the device was nothing more but a memory.

A Still Comeback

Fast-forward to the mid-2000’s. It is now 2012, and the Phototron is back in action. New mandates and the legalization of cannabis and weed have allowed the Phototron device to have a second wind in such an industry. The company Growlife has made a number of improvements in the grow box’s overall design and mechanics. However, things did not go well for the product. All the development and marketing lead only to a revival that passed quietly. In 2016, Phototron products ended up in online markets. And unfortunately today, you could not purchase a Phototron any longer.

Present Day

The company that used to manufacture Phototron, Growlife, continues to operate within the cannabis industry. The company’s stock ticker remains PHOT, which is a relic of a time long lost. 

What Went Wrong

The Phototron hype died down as time passed. Here are some of the contributing factors why the technology lost its time in the light. 

• The cannabis grow box industry was not as open as it was today. Back then, weed and cannabis had not seen a lot of support for legality. 
• Phototron was ahead of its time. The world had seen nothing like it. It was an alien concept to some people.
• New forms of marketing and advertisement took over the scene. Videos and press releases were left in the dirt.

The Phototron’s Influence In The Modern Era

The Phototron structure did leave its mark in the grow box enterprise. Technology has finally caught up with the Phototron ideal. Thanks to Phototron, new grow box systems and advancements exist. In addition, enhanced techniques for growing and harvesting keep the industry afloat. Now we have better yield and a production rate that sees no signs of slowing. If you ask us, the first grow box’s legacy is set in stone. It is a bright light that will not dim nor die down anytime soon.