Roots to terms

the language of growth

After months of growing, harvesting, drying, and curing, you’re finally left with your prized cannabis buds. Now comes the exciting part: deciding what to do with them. Cannabis buds can be enjoyed in many ways beyond traditional smokinge explores all your options, including the equipment you’ll need, the pros and cons, and the steps to take for each method.

— A —

24/0 light cycle: A continuous light cycle used during Germination and Early Vegetation stages to maximise growth.
Abiotic factors: Non-living environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, light) affecting plant growth.
Abiotic stress: Stress caused by non-living factors such as temperature extremes, drought, or nutrient imbalance.
Aerated compost tea: A nutrient-rich liquid derived from compost, aerated to stimulate beneficial microorganisms.
Aeration: The process of introducing air into soil or substrate to enhance root oxygen availability.
Aeroponic cloner: A device used to propagate clones in an aeroponic system by misting cuttings with nutrient-rich water.
Aeroponics: A method of growing plants where roots are suspended in air and misted with nutrient solution.
Air flow: Measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h), indicating the volume of air circulating in the grow space.
Air pruning: A root pruning method using exposure to air, promoting healthy root growth.
Air stone: A device used in hydroponic systems to create bubbles, improving oxygen levels in the nutrient solution.
Apex: The tip of the plant where the most vertical growth occurs, often removed during topping.
Autoflowering: Cannabis varieties that flower based on age rather than light cycles, usually maturing in 8–12 weeks.
Automation: Technology used to automate cultivation processes, such as watering and lighting.
Auxins: Plant hormones regulating cell elongation, primarily concentrated in the plant’s growing tips.

— B —

Backcrossing: A breeding technique where a hybrid is crossed with one of its parent plants to stabilise traits.
Balanced spectrum: A light spectrum containing equal amounts of red, blue, and white light, suitable for all growth stages.
Bentonite clay: A soil amendment that improves drainage and retains nutrients in organic cultivation.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A cannabis concentrate extracted using butane, known for its high potency and use in edibles or other extracts.
Bloom enhancers: Supplements rich in phosphorus and potassium designed to increase the size and density of cannabis buds.
Blooming: The flowering phase of cannabis plants, during which they produce buds.
Brix level: A measure of sugar content in plant sap, used to evaluate plant health and nutrient absorption efficiency.
Bud: The flower of the cannabis plant, rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD, typically used for consumption.
Bud rot: A fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea, leading to the decay of cannabis buds.
Buffer zone: A layer of substrate or water surrounding roots that stabilises pH and nutrient availability.

— C —

Calcium deficiency: A nutrient deficiency causing brown spots, distorted growth, and weak stems.
Calyx: A small structure in female cannabis flowers surrounding the pistils, forming the bud.
Cannabidiol (CBD): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic properties, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cannabigerol (CBG): A minor cannabinoid known as the “mother cannabinoid” since it serves as a precursor to THC and CBD.
Cannabinoids: Chemical compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis phenohunting: The process of growing multiple seeds of the same strain to identify and select the best-performing phenotype.
Canopy: The upper layer of leaves, often trained for even light distribution and airflow.
Canopy temperature: The temperature at the top of the plant canopy, crucial for managing light and heat levels.
Carbon filter: A device using activated carbon to remove odours from the grow space.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid): The acidic precursor of CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic properties.
Chloramine: A chemical used for water disinfection, more stable than chlorine but harder to remove.
Chlorine: A chemical used for water disinfection, which can evaporate or be neutralised before use in cultivation.
Chlorophyll: The green pigment in plants essential for photosynthesis.
Chloroplasts: Structures in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, converting sunlight into sugars.
Chlorosis: Leaf yellowing due to a lack of chlorophyll, typically caused by nutrient deficiencies or stress.
Clone: A cutting from a mother plant used to produce a genetically identical new plant.
Closed loop system: A cultivation or extraction system where materials are continuously reused to minimise waste.
CO₂ ratio: The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, usually measured in parts per million (ppm).
Coco (Coco Coir): A natural substrate made from coconut fibres, ideal for controlled cultivation.
Colas: The main flowering sites of a cannabis plant, often the largest and most resinous buds.
Companion lighting: Low-intensity lighting used to extend daylight hours or support shaded areas.
Companion planting: The practice of growing other plants alongside cannabis to deter pests or enhance soil health.
Compost tea: A nutrient-rich liquid made from compost, used to feed cannabis plants.
Composting: The process of recycling organic materials into nutrient-rich compost for cannabis cultivation.
Crimping: A plant training technique involving gentle bending to encourage lateral growth.
Cytokinins: Plant hormones promoting cell division and affecting shoot and leaf growth.

— D —

Dark cycle: The dark period in a light cycle, essential for flowering in photoperiod cannabis varieties.
Decarboxylation: The process of heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids, such as converting THCA into THC.
Deciduous traits: Characteristics of plants that naturally shed their leaves during ripening.
Defoliation: The removal of leaves to improve airflow and light penetration to lower parts of the plant.
Drip irrigation: A precise watering system delivering water and nutrients directly to roots in controlled amounts.
Dry amendments: Solid, slow-release fertilisers added to soil, often used in organic cultivation.
DWC (Deep WaterCulture): A hydroponic system in which plant roots are submerged in an oxygenated nutrient solution.

— E —

Ebb and flow: A hydroponic system periodically flooding and draining the root zone to promote aeration.
EC (Electrical Conductivity): A measurement of nutrient concentration in hydroponic solutions, expressed in milli Siemens per centimetre (mS/cm).
Electrical hazard: A risk arising from improper wiring or the presence of water near electrical components.
Energy distribution: A plant’s natural process of allocating energy to various parts, influenced by pruning and training.

— F —

F1 hybrid: A first-generation hybrid resulting from crossing two genetically distinct cannabis varieties.
Fan leaves: Large cannabis leaves used for photosynthesis, often removed during pruning.
Feminisation: A process used to produce seeds that develop into female plants only, often using chemicals like colloidal silver.
Feminised seeds: Seeds specifically bred to produce only female cannabis plants, eliminating the chance of males.
Fertilisers: Substances that provide nutrients to plants for growth.
Flavonoids: Plant compounds found in cannabis that contribute to flavour, aroma, and potential health benefits.
Flush-to-waste system: A hydroponic system where excess nutrient solution is drained and discarded instead of being recycled.
Flushing: The process of using plain water to remove excess nutrients from the substrate.
Foliar spray: Applying nutrients or pesticides directly to the plant’s leaves.

— G —

Germination: The initial stage of growth where seeds sprout and form seedlings.
Greenhouse effect: Heat accumulation caused by trapped sunlight in a closed space, relevant for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation.
Greenhouse growing: The cultivation of cannabis in a controlled environment using natural and supplemental lighting.
Grinder: A tool used to break down cannabis flowers for consumption or processing.
Grow medium: The substrate in which plants grow, such as soil, coco coir, or hydroponic systems.

— H —

Harvest window: The optimal time period for harvesting cannabis, determined by trichome colour and flower development.
Heat map: A visual representation of temperature distribution in a grow space to identify hotspots.
Heat stress: A condition caused by excessive heat, with symptoms like leaf curling, yellowing, or wilting.
Hermaphrodite: A cannabis plant that produces both male and female flowers, often due to stress or genetic predisposition.
HST (High Stress Training): Plant training techniques, such as topping or bending, that redirect growth and increase yield potential.
Humic acids: Organic compounds that improve soil structure and nutrient uptake by cannabis.
Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air, ideally kept between 40–70% depending on growth stage.
Humidity dome: A cover placed over seedlings to maintain high humidity during early growth stages.
Hydroponic solution: A liquid mixture of nutrients used in soilless cultivation systems.
Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil, using water-based nutrient solutions instead.

— I —

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A strategy combining biological, cultural, and chemical controls to manage pests effectively with minimal harm.
Intermodal spacing: The distance between nodes on a stem, influenced by light intensity and plant genetics.
Internode: The space between two nodes on a stem, often used to assess plant health and growth.
Interveinal chlorosis: Yellowing between leaf veins, often caused by magnesium or iron deficiencies.
IPM: see Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Iron deficiency: A nutrient deficiency causing yellowing of new leaves, often due to pH imbalance or poor water quality.

— K —

Kief: A resinous substance collected from cannabis flowers, used for hash production or as an additive.

— L —

Leaf miner: A pest that burrows inside leaves, creating visible tunnels and reducing photosynthesis.
Light leakage: Unwanted light entering the grow area during dark cycles, potentially disrupting flowering.
Light spectrum: The range of wavelengths of light provided to plants, including red, blue, and white light for different growth stages.
Limonene: A common cannabis terpene with a citrus aroma, known for its uplifting effects.
Living soil: Soil rich in organic matter, beneficial microorganisms, and fungi, supporting a self-sustaining ecosystem.
LST (Low Stress Training): A training method designed to shape the plant canopy and optimise light exposure without causing stress or damage.

— M —

Macro nutrients: The primary nutrients required in large amounts: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Mainlining: A structured plant training method combining topping and LST to create a symmetrical canopy.
Male pollen: Reproductive cells produced by male cannabis plants, used in breeding.
Microbes: Beneficial bacteria and fungi that support plant nutrition and health.
Microclimate: The localised climate within the grow space, influenced by factors such as ventilation and lighting.
Micronutrients: Nutrients required in small quantities, such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper.
Monosilicic acid: A silicon supplement that strengthens plant cell walls and boosts cannabis resilience.
Mulching: Applying a layer of organic material to the soil surface to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Mycorrhizae: Beneficial fungi forming a symbiotic relationship with roots, improving nutrient uptake.
Myrcene: A common cannabis terpene with earthy, musky aromas and calming effects.

— N —

Negative pressure: A condition in which more air is removed than supplied, preventing odour leaks from grow spaces.
Nitrogen toxicity: A condition caused by excessive nitrogen, characterised by dark green leaves and stunted growth.
Node: The point on a cannabis stem where leaves, branches, or flowers grow.
Nutrient burn: Leaf scorching caused by over-application of nutrients.
Nutrient lockout: A condition where nutrients become unavailable due to pH imbalance or salt build-up.
Nutrient precipitation: A process where nutrients fall out of solution, rendering them unavailable to plants.

— O —

Open pollination: A natural breeding method where plants are pollinated without human intervention.
Osmosis: The movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane, essential for nutrient uptake by roots.
Overdrying: A condition where cannabis buds lose too much moisture during drying, becoming brittle and less aromatic.
Overfeeding: Applying too many nutrients, leading to nutrient burn and poor plant health.
Overwatering: A common issue where excessive watering causes wilting, root rot, and slow growth due to waterlogged soil.
Overwatering: Excessive watering causing wilting, root rot, and slow growth due to saturated soil.

— P —

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation): The spectrum of light (400–700 nm) used by plants for photosynthesis.
Parabolic reflector: A type of light reflector that maximises light distribution and intensity across the canopy.
Pesticide drift: The unwanted transfer of pesticides to neighbouring plants or areas due to wind or improper application.
pH (potential Hydrogen): A scale measuring acidity or alkalinity, crucial for nutrient availability to plants.
pH adjusters: Chemicals like pH-Up and pH-Down used to balance acidity in water or nutrient solutions.
Phenotype: The observable characteristics of a cannabis plant, influenced by genetics and environment.
Phloem: Vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars and nutrients from leaves to other parts.
Phosphorus deficiency: A nutrient deficiency causing purple stems, delayed growth, and poor flower development.
Photoinhibition: A condition where excessive light intensity reduces photosynthetic efficiency, often caused by high-intensity lights.
Photoperiod: The duration of light and darkness a plant receives, essential for regulating growth phases in photoperiod strains.
Photosensitivity: The plant’s sensitivity to light cycles, critical for triggering flowering in photoperiod strains.
Pinching: A gentle training method that redirects growth by slightly damaging the plant’s internal tissue.
Pistil: Hair-like structures on female cannabis flowers that catch pollen.
Potassium deficiency: A nutrient deficiency causing yellowing and browning on leaf edges, and weak stems.
ppm (parts per million): A unit of measurement for the concentration of nutrients in water, essential for precise feeding in cultivation.
Pre-flowering stage: The transition phase between vegetative growth and flowering, when plants start showing their sex.
Propagation tray: A flat tray used for germinating seeds or rooting cuttings, often paired with a humidity dome.
Pruning: The practice of removing unwanted growth to direct the plant’s energy to desired areas.

— R —

Relative humidity (RH): The amount of water vapour in the air relative to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature.
Resin: A sticky substance produced by cannabis trichomes, containing cannabinoids and terpenes.
Resin glands: Structures in cannabis trichomes responsible for cannabinoid and terpene production.
Ripening: The final flowering stage when cannabis buds mature, reaching peak potency and flavour.
Rockwool: A cultivation material made from spun rock fibres, used in hydroponics for water retention and aeration.
Root ball: The mass of roots and soil or substrate surrounding the base of a plant.
Root bound: A condition where roots outgrow their container, restricting further growth.
Root exudates: Compounds secreted by roots to interact with soil microorganisms and enhance nutrient uptake.
Root hairs: Fine extensions of roots that increase surface area for water and nutrient absorption.
Root pruning: Trimming roots to encourage new growth and prevent root overcrowding.
Root zone: The area of soil or substrate where roots interact with nutrients, water, and oxygen.
Roots: Structures that anchor the plant in the substrate, absorb water and nutrients, and interact with soil microorganisms.
Runoff: The water that drains out of the growing medium after watering, often used to measure pH and nutrient levels.

— S —

ScrOG (Screen Of Green): A training technique using a net to create an even canopy and maximise light exposure.
Seedbank: A business specialising in the sale and storage of cannabis seeds.
Seedling: The growth phase following germination, when the first leaves appear.
Shelf-life: The time a fertiliser or product remains effective under proper storage conditions.
Side lighting: Supplemental lights placed around plants to improve growth of lower buds.
Silica additives: Supplements enhancing cell wall strength and plant resilience, especially against stress.
Soil moisture: The amount of water present in the soil or substrate.
Spider mites: Tiny pests feeding on plant sap, causing damage and reduced yields.
Stem: The main structural support of the plant, transporting water, nutrients, and sugars between roots and leaves.
Stigma: Hair-like part of the pistil on female flowers that captures pollen.
Stomata: Tiny openings on leaves regulating gas exchange, including CO₂ uptake and water release.
Stress testing: Techniques used to assess a plant’s resilience, often in breeding for hardier strains.
Sugar leaves: Small, trichome-covered leaves within buds, often used for extracts or edibles.
Super cropping: A high-stress training method involving bending or pinching branches to boost yields and redirect growth.

— T —

Taproot: The main root developed during germination, forming the basis of lateral root systems.
Temperature: An environmental factor measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
Terpene profile: The unique combination of terpenes in a cannabis strain, contributing to its aroma, flavour, and effects.
Terpenes: Aromatic compounds in cannabis contributing to its flavour, aroma, and effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its euphoric effects.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): The non-psychoactive precursor form of THC found in raw cannabis.
Time-release fertilisers: Fertilisers designed to release nutrients over time, often less suitable for cannabis cultivation.
Tissue culture: A propagation method using small tissue samples for cloning plants under sterile conditions.
Top dress: Applying fertilisers or soil amendments to the surface of the substrate for gradual release.
Topping: A high-stress training method involving cutting the plant’s main apex to encourage lateral growth.
Trichome heads: The bulbous tips of cannabis trichomes containing the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Trichomes: Resinous glands on cannabis flowers and leaves that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.

— V —

Vapour barrier: A layer used during grow space construction to prevent moisture leakage or ingress, maintaining stable humidity.
Vegetative growth: The growth phase where cannabis focuses on developing leaves and stems, building structure for flowering.
Vertical growing: A method of cultivation where plants are grown on vertical racks to maximise space utilisation.
VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit): A measure balancing temperature and humidity to optimise plant transpiration and growth.

— W —

Water flow: Measured in litres per hour (L/h), useful for irrigation systems.
Water hardness: The concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, affecting pH stability and nutrient mixing.
Wet trimming: The process of trimming cannabis immediately after harvest, before drying.
Wet weight: The weight of cannabis buds immediately after harvest, before drying and curing.
Winterisation: A post-extraction process removing fats, waxes, and impurities, producing cleaner concentrates.
μmol/m²/s: Micromoles per square metre per second, a unit for measuring photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD).

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