Indoor gardening has become an increasingly appealing way to grow fresh plants at home, regardless of outdoor space or seasonal changes. But getting started — or maintaining a consistent growing environment — can involve more than simply planting a seed. Lighting, watering, airflow, humidity, and everyday maintenance all play important roles.
That's where a smart grow box can make indoor gardening more manageable.
Introducing VGrow Gen 2, the next generation of VIVOSUN's indoor growing system. Building on the original VGrow smart grow box, this upgraded system brings together expanded growing space, flexible growing methods, improved airflow, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and adjustable lighting.
Whether you're new to indoor gardening or looking for more flexibility in your existing setup, let's explore what's new in VGrow Gen 2 and how these improvements can make indoor growing easier.
VGrow Gen 2 at a Glance: What's New?
Short answer: VGrow Gen 2 is VIVOSUN's upgraded smart grow box with 116 cm (46 in) of internal growing height, a choice of DWC hydroponics (15 L / 4 Gal) or self-watering (6 L / 1.6 Gal), a 110W dimmable grow light with adjustable spectrum, multi-layered air circulation with a 35 CFM ventilation system, and AI-assisted sensors for temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and water level.
Six things changed from the previous generation:
| Upgrade | What changed in VGrow Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Growing space | 116 cm / 46 in internal growing height inside a 46 × 46 × 146 cm cabinet |
| Growing methods | Now supports both DWC hydroponics (15 L bucket) and self-watering (6 L pot) |
| Airflow | Multi-layered air circulation plus a 35 CFM ventilation system |
| Monitoring | AI support, 4-in-1 sensor setup, CO₂ sensor compatibility, water-level and soil-moisture monitoring |
| Lighting | 110W dimmable grow light with adjustable spectrum |
| Everyday use | Noise optimization, granular activated carbon filter, easier access and cable management |
Diagram shows the SW (self-watering) configuration; the DWC version replaces the pot with a 15 L reservoir.
Each improvement is explained in detail below.
What's New in VGrow Gen 2?
VGrow Gen 2 introduces a range of upgrades designed around the practical needs of indoor growers. From creating more room for plants to simplifying environmental monitoring, each improvement contributes to a more flexible and convenient growing experience.
Here's a closer look at six key areas of improvement.
1. More Growing Space for a Wider Variety of Plants
Growing space matters when choosing a smart grow box. The available vertical room can influence which plants you grow, how you arrange them, and how much room they have to develop.
VGrow Gen 2 provides 116 cm (46 in) of internal growing height, offering more flexibility when planning your indoor garden.
With overall dimensions of 46 × 46 × 146 cm (18 × 18 × 57 in), the system combines a compact footprint with a tall internal growing area.
This additional vertical space can be useful when growing plants that need more room above the growing medium, as well as when managing different plant structures and canopy arrangements.
What this means for growers:
- More vertical room for plant development.
- Greater flexibility when choosing plants and planning arrangements.
- More opportunities to explore different indoor gardening projects.
2. More Flexible Growing Options: DWC Hydroponics and Self-Watering
Different growers have different preferences. Some enjoy hydroponics and managing plants in a nutrient solution, while others prefer growing media and a more familiar watering approach.
VGrow Gen 2 supports both DWC hydroponics and self-watering growing, giving users more flexibility when setting up their indoor gardens.
DWC Hydroponics: A 15 L Growing System
The DWC hydroponics bucket has a capacity of 15 L (4 Gal).
According to VIVOSUN's product materials, the DWC configuration pairs its 15 L (4 Gal) reservoir with continuous aeration, a built-in inspection window for pH and EC checks, and real-time water-level and temperature monitoring in the app. The reservoir is rated for up to 7 days of hands-free operation between refills.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a hydroponic growing method in which plant roots are supported in a nutrient solution, with oxygen supplied to the root zone.
For growers interested in water-based cultivation, DWC offers an opportunity to explore soilless growing and learn more about managing nutrient solutions. Our DWC hydroponics guide compares DWC with ebb and flow systems, and Hydroponics at Home walks through a beginner's first reservoir setup.
If you're planning to grow in a VGrow system, our VGrow yield test shows what a DWC run can realistically produce inside a cabinet of this size. The DWC configuration is available on the VIVOSUN VGrow Gen 2 Smart Grow Box (DWC System) product page.
Self-Watering: A 6 L Growing Pot
VGrow Gen 2 also supports a 6 L (1.6 Gal) self-watering pot, providing an alternative for users who prefer growing with a suitable growing medium.
The self-watering configuration delivers moisture from the bottom up through a 6 L reservoir, with a real-time water meter and a quick-access refill window. Its elevated drainage base is designed to prevent water stagnation and root rot, and VIVOSUN rates it for up to 7 days of hands-free hydration.
This option gives growers another way to approach indoor cultivation based on their plant preferences and growing experience. If you'd rather skip the reservoir entirely, the self-watering configuration is listed on the VIVOSUN VGrow Gen 2 Smart Grow Box (SW System) product page.
What this means for growers:
- Explore different indoor growing methods.
- Choose between DWC hydroponics and self-watering configurations.
- Adapt your growing setup to your preferences.
If you're unsure which method to choose, our guide to hydroponic vs soil growing can help you understand the differences in watering, maintenance, and growth speed.
3. Improved Airflow for a Better Indoor Growing Environment
Air circulation is an important part of managing an indoor growing environment.
Plants grow in an environment where airflow, temperature, and humidity interact. In an enclosed grow box, thoughtful ventilation design helps move air throughout the growing space. The US EPA's indoor air quality guidance makes the same point for any enclosed indoor space: ventilation and moisture control are the two levers that matter most.
VGrow Gen 2 features multi-layered air circulation, an optimized airflow design, and a 35 CFM ventilation system.
As the diagram shows, the top module combines multi-layer internal circulation with external ventilation, while side airflow vents move air through the plant canopy.
These improvements are designed to support more organized air movement throughout the cabinet.
Why Does Airflow Matter in a Grow Box?
Air circulation helps move air around plants and throughout the growing area. It is one of the factors growers consider when managing humidity and the overall growing environment.
Good airflow management can help:
- Move air around the plant canopy.
- Reduce stagnant air pockets.
- Support humidity management.
- Maintain a more manageable indoor growing environment.
Air circulation is particularly important in enclosed growing spaces, where plants share a relatively contained environment. When air stagnates, humidity builds up in the canopy — and the EPA's guidance on moisture and mold explains why controlling moisture at the source is easier than dealing with it later.
For more practical advice, explore our guide to air circulation in indoor growing, or the step-by-step walkthrough for setting up grow tent ventilation.
What this means for growers: VGrow Gen 2 combines multi-layered air circulation with a dedicated ventilation system to give growers more tools for managing their indoor environment.
4. Smarter Growing with AI and Enhanced Sensors
One of the biggest challenges for indoor gardeners is understanding what's happening inside their growing environment.
Is the temperature appropriate? Is humidity changing? Does the growing medium need attention? Is there enough water in the system?
VGrow Gen 2 introduces AI support and enhanced monitoring capabilities to help growers gain more insight into these conditions.
Its supported monitoring capabilities include:
- Temperature and humidity monitoring.
- Soil moisture monitoring.
- Water-level monitoring.
- CO₂ sensor compatibility.
- A 4-in-1 sensor configuration.
Control is available in two ways: remotely over Wi-Fi through the app, or locally on the top display, which lets you switch between Seedling, Vegetative, Flowering, and Drying presets with a single tap.
How Can Sensors Make Indoor Growing Easier?
Environmental sensors provide information that helps growers make better-informed decisions.
For example:
- Temperature monitoring helps growers understand the thermal conditions inside their growing space.
- Humidity monitoring provides insight into moisture levels in the air.
- Soil moisture monitoring helps users understand moisture conditions in the growing medium.
- Water-level monitoring provides information about available water in the system.
- CO₂ monitoring can provide additional environmental information when a compatible sensor is used.
Rather than replacing the grower's judgment, these tools provide more visibility into the growing environment.
For beginners, this can be particularly useful when learning how different environmental conditions relate to plant development. If you also use VIVOSUN's app-connected equipment, the VIVOSUN app walkthrough shows how device readings, schedules, and automation are managed in one place.
What this means for growers: VGrow Gen 2 brings AI support and environmental monitoring into one indoor growing system, helping users better understand their growing conditions.
5. Upgraded Lighting for Greater Growing Flexibility
Lighting is one of the most important considerations when choosing a smart grow box.
Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants depend on the lighting provided within their growing environment. Different plants and growth stages can have different lighting requirements.
VGrow Gen 2 features a 110W dimmable grow light with an adjustable spectrum, giving growers more flexibility when managing their indoor lighting setup.
The 110W panel uses CREE LEDs and combines 5000 K white, 3000 K warm white, 660 nm red and 730 nm far-red channels, with distinct spectrum profiles for germination, growth, and flowering stages.
Why Does Adjustable Grow Lighting Matter?
Grow lights provide the light plants need for photosynthesis. Their intensity, spectrum, and daily operating schedule all influence how plants develop.
An adjustable lighting system gives growers more control over their setup.
With VGrow Gen 2, users can:
- Adjust light intensity.
- Explore different spectrum settings.
- Manage lighting according to their growing preferences.
For a deeper understanding of indoor lighting, check out our grow light buying guide — it explains wattage, coverage, and spectrum in plain terms.
What this means for growers: VGrow Gen 2 combines a 110W grow light with dimming and spectrum adjustment, providing greater flexibility when managing indoor plant lighting.
6. A More Convenient Grow Box for Everyday Living
A smart grow box needs to do more than support plant growth. It should also be practical to use and maintain.
VGrow Gen 2 includes several refinements designed to improve the everyday experience, from noise management to filter maintenance and equipment accessibility.
The cabinet pairs a high-density carbon filter with tool-free assembly, a faux-leather exterior, and concealed cable routing. A magnetic observation window lets you check on plants without disturbing the growing environment inside.
Improved Noise Management
The updated design includes noise optimization.
For growers placing an indoor growing system in their home, noise is an important consideration. The refined design reflects the importance of making indoor gardening more comfortable for everyday use.
Updated Activated Carbon Filter
VGrow Gen 2 uses a granular activated carbon filter to help manage odors in the growing environment.
Activated carbon is commonly used in filtration systems because its porous structure can adsorb odor-causing compounds.
For optimal odor management, we recommend replacing the activated carbon filter with a new one at the beginning of each growing cycle.
Regular replacement is an important part of maintaining your indoor growing system. Between cycles, our guide to cleaning a carbon filter covers what can be refreshed and when replacement is the better option.
Easier Access and Better Organization
Additional usability improvements include:
- An upgraded observation window handle for easier access.
- Improved cable management.
- Refined installation and structural details.
These refinements may seem small individually, but together they contribute to a more convenient indoor gardening experience.
What this means for growers: VGrow Gen 2 considers not only the growing environment, but also the practical details of maintaining and using a smart grow box at home.
VGrow Gen 2 Specifications at a Glance
If you're comparing smart grow boxes, understanding the specifications can help you determine whether a system fits your available space and growing goals.
Here's an overview of VGrow Gen 2.
| Specification | VGrow Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 46 × 46 × 146 cm / 18 × 18 × 57 in |
| Internal Growing Height | 116 cm / 46 in |
| DWC Hydroponics Bucket | 15 L / 4 Gal |
| Self-Watering Pot | 6 L / 1.6 Gal |
| Grow Light | 110W |
| Light Adjustment | Dimmable, adjustable spectrum |
| Air Circulation | Multi-layered |
| Ventilation | 35 CFM |
| Filter | Granular activated carbon |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Power Supply | 110–240V |
For the complete configuration, current availability, and regional bundles, see the VIVOSUN VGrow Gen 2 Smart Grow Box (SW System) and the VIVOSUN VGrow Gen 2 Smart Grow Box (DWC System). Setup steps and component explanations are documented in the VGrow support guide.
What's in the Box?
The two VGrow Gen 2 configurations ship with different accessory kits. Both include the core cabinet, but the SW (self-watering) kit centers on grow bags, coco coir, a water meter and a water-level sensor, while the DWC kit centers on a DWC bucket, planting baskets, rapid rooters and air stones. Included accessories can vary by region and bundle — confirm the final list on each product page before ordering.
SW system (self-watering) kit
DWC system (hydroponics) kit
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Smart Grow Box?
Not all grow boxes are designed the same way. Before choosing one, consider how you plan to grow, the space available in your home, and how much control you want over your growing environment.
Here are six factors worth evaluating.
1. Growing Space and Internal Height
Check both the external footprint and internal growing height.
If you plan to grow taller plants, vertical clearance is particularly important.
2. Growing Methods
Consider whether you prefer hydroponics, self-watering systems, or another growing approach.
Different methods have different requirements for growing media, watering, and maintenance. Our hydroponic vs soil comparison breaks down the day-to-day differences.
3. Lighting Flexibility
Look for lighting that suits the plants you intend to grow.
Because VGrow Gen 2's light is integrated into the top panel and fixed in place, there is no hanging fixture to raise or lower. Flexibility comes from dimming and spectrum adjustment instead.
For the basics of wattage, coverage, and spectrum, see the LED grow light buying guide.
4. Airflow and Ventilation
A well-considered ventilation system helps move air throughout the growing area.
Consider how the system manages air circulation in an enclosed space.
5. Environmental Monitoring
Temperature, humidity, water availability, and growing medium moisture can all influence indoor growing conditions.
Monitoring features can help you better understand these variables.
6. Everyday Maintenance
Think about how easy it is to access your plants, clean the system, replace filters, and manage water.
A system that fits your daily routine can make long-term indoor gardening more manageable. Reading a real grower's VGrow smart grow box review is a quick way to see what everyday use actually looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Grow Boxes and VGrow Gen 2
What is a smart grow box?
A smart grow box is an enclosed indoor growing system that integrates growing equipment and environmental management features. Depending on the model, it may include grow lights, ventilation, watering systems, sensors, and smart controls to help users manage indoor growing conditions.
What makes VGrow Gen 2 different from a traditional grow box?
VGrow Gen 2 combines an enclosed growing space with adjustable lighting, multi-layered air circulation, AI support, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and flexible growing options. It is designed to bring multiple indoor growing functions together in one system.
How much growing space does VGrow Gen 2 offer?
VGrow Gen 2 provides 116 cm (46 in) of internal growing height. Its external dimensions are 46 × 46 × 146 cm (18 × 18 × 57 in).
Does VGrow Gen 2 support hydroponic growing?
Yes. VGrow Gen 2 supports DWC hydroponics with a 15 L (4 Gal) bucket. More on the method here: DWC hydroponics explained.
Can I use VGrow Gen 2 for self-watering growing?
Yes. VGrow Gen 2 also supports a 6 L (1.6 Gal) self-watering pot.
What lighting does VGrow Gen 2 use?
VGrow Gen 2 features a 110W dimmable grow light with an adjustable spectrum.
What sensors does VGrow Gen 2 support?
VGrow Gen 2 supports temperature and humidity monitoring, soil moisture monitoring, water-level monitoring, a 4-in-1 sensor configuration, and CO₂ sensor compatibility. Check the final product package for the exact included sensor configuration.
How often should I replace the VGrow Gen 2 carbon filter?
For optimal odor management, VIVOSUN recommends replacing the granular activated carbon filter with a new one at the beginning of each growing cycle.
Is VGrow Gen 2 suitable for beginners?
VGrow Gen 2 brings together growing equipment, environmental monitoring, and flexible growing options in one system. These features can help make indoor gardening more approachable, although beginners will still need to understand the specific growing requirements of their chosen plants.
Explore a Smarter Way to Grow Indoors
Indoor gardening should fit your plants, your available space, and your lifestyle.
With expanded internal growing space, flexible growing methods, improved airflow, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and adjustable lighting, VGrow Gen 2 brings together a range of upgrades designed to make indoor growing more convenient.
Whether you're starting your first indoor garden or looking for more flexibility in your existing setup, VGrow Gen 2 offers a new way to approach growing at home.
Ready to discover what's new?
- Order the VGrow Gen 2 SW system (self-watering)
- Order the VGrow Gen 2 DWC system (hydroponics)
- Browse more indoor growing guides
About this guide: Written and fact-checked by the VIVOSUN Grow Team using the official VGrow Gen 2 specification sheet. Product details and included accessories may vary by region and bundle — confirm the final configuration on the product page before purchase. Last updated: November 2026.
