Whether you are buying your first clone or dialing in your tenth run, cannabis growing terms can get confusing fast. This glossary defines 50 essential cannabis growing terms across genetics, propagation, nutrients, environment, training, anatomy, harvest, and pests — organized so you can find exactly what you need and actually understand it.

Key Takeaways

• Phenotype refers to how a plant expresses its genetics in your specific environment — two clones from the same mother can look and smell different under different conditions.
• VPD (vapor pressure deficit) is the single most important environmental variable for healthy cannabis clones; target 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.0–1.5 kPa in flower.
• EC (electrical conductivity) measures nutrient solution strength; most cannabis strains thrive between 1.2–2.4 mS/cm during peak growth.
• HLVd (Hop Latent Viroid) is the most dangerous pathogen in cannabis cultivation — it is asymptomatic in many plants and spreads through contaminated cutting tools.
• SCROG and SOG are two distinct training philosophies: SCROG maximizes canopy area per plant; SOG maximizes plants per square foot.
• Understanding these terms helps you read grow guides, troubleshoot problems, and make smarter decisions about genetics, equipment, and feeding.

Quick-Reference: 50 Terms by Category

Category	Terms Covered
Genetics & Breeding	Phenotype, Genotype, Pheno Hunt, Landrace, Hybrid, IBL, F1/F2, Backcross, Autoflower, Photoperiod, Feminized, Regular
Propagation	Mother Plant, Cutting/Clone, Rooted Clone, Teen Plant, Callus, Hardening Off, Rooting Hormone
Nutrients & Feeding	EC, PPM, pH, Cal-Mag, Nutrient Lockout, Flush, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Runoff
Environment	VPD, RH, DLI, PPFD, umol, CO2 Enrichment, Light Schedule
Training	LST, HST, Topping, FIM, SCROG, SOG, Defoliation, Lollipopping, Mainlining, Supercropping
Plant Anatomy	Cola, Node, Internode, Calyx, Trichome, Pistil, Fan Leaf, Sugar Leaf
Harvest & Cure	Harvest Window, Trichome Color, Drying, Curing, Water Activity, Burping
Pests & Disease	HLVd, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis, IPM
Chemistry	Terpene, Cannabinoid, COA

Genetics & Breeding Terms

Phenotype

A phenotype — often called a “pheno” — is the physical and chemical expression of a plant’s genetics in a given environment. Two clones taken from the same mother plant share identical DNA but can still look, smell, and produce differently if grown under different conditions (temperature, light spectrum, nutrients). When growers talk about “finding a good pheno,” they mean selecting the individual plant that expresses the most desirable traits.

Genotype

Genotype is the underlying genetic blueprint of a plant — the complete set of DNA it carries regardless of environment. Two plants can have different phenotypes but identical genotypes (as with clones). Breeders work at the genotype level when stabilizing strains.

Pheno Hunt

A pheno hunt is the process of growing out multiple seeds from the same genetic line to identify the standout individual. Growers pop 10–50+ seeds, grow them to a comparable stage, then evaluate aroma, structure, yield, and potency before selecting one to mother and clone.

Landrace

A landrace strain is a cannabis variety that evolved naturally in a specific geographic region over centuries — think Hindu Kush from Afghanistan, Durban Poison from South Africa, or Thai Stick from Southeast Asia. Landraces are the raw genetic material from which most modern hybrids were built. They are genetically stable but often not optimized for indoor production.

Hybrid

A hybrid is any cross between two distinct genetic lines — which includes the vast majority of modern cannabis strains. “Hybrid” on a dispensary menu often just means “not a pure landrace,” though most strains lean indica or sativa in their growth patterns regardless of the label.

IBL (Inbred Line)

An IBL is a strain that has been self-pollinated or sibling-crossed over multiple generations (usually 5+) to stabilize its genetics. IBLs produce highly consistent offspring from seed. DJ Short Blueberry is a classic example of a deeply worked IBL. You can shop DJ Short Blueberry clones at IWantClones.com.

F1 / F2

F1 = first filial generation; the offspring of two distinct parent lines. F1 hybrids show hybrid vigor (heterosis) — they tend to be vigorous, uniform, and productive. F2 = the offspring of two F1 plants crossed together. F2 seeds show genetic segregation, meaning plants vary widely — some great, some not.

Backcross (BX)

A backcross involves crossing a hybrid back to one of its parents to increase the influence of that parent’s traits. BX1, BX2, BX3 indicate how many rounds of backcrossing have occurred. Breeders use backcrossing to stabilize desirable traits while preserving genetic diversity.

Autoflower

An autoflowering plant triggers its flowering cycle based on age rather than light schedule. Autoflowers typically flower in 7–10 weeks from seed regardless of whether lights are on 18, 20, or 24 hours. They contain genetics from Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies from Northern Europe and Central Asia. Note: autoflowering clones do not reset their internal clock — learn more about autoflowering cannabis clones before propagating them.

Photoperiod

A photoperiod (or “photo”) strain flowers in response to the light cycle — specifically, it needs 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness per day to trigger flowering. Photoperiod plants stay in vegetative growth under 18/6 or longer light schedules. Most clones at IWantClones.com are photoperiod genetics.

Feminized

Feminized seeds are bred to produce only female plants (the bud-producing sex) approximately 99%+ of the time. All cannabis clones are effectively feminized because they are genetic copies of a confirmed female mother plant. See are cannabis clones feminized? for a full breakdown.

Regular Seeds

Regular seeds are produced by pollinating a female plant with a male, resulting in roughly 50% male and 50% female offspring. Breeders use regular seeds for crossing and pheno hunting. Home growers working with clones do not need to worry about males.

Propagation Terms

Mother Plant

A mother plant is a female cannabis plant kept in perpetual vegetative growth specifically to provide cuttings. A good mother can supply hundreds of genetically identical clones over her lifespan. Mothers are kept under 18+ hours of light to prevent flowering. Quality mother plant selection directly determines the quality of every clone taken from her.

Cutting / Clone

A cutting is a branch tip removed from a mother plant, typically 4–6 inches long, with lower leaves stripped and the stem placed into a rooting medium. Once it develops roots, it becomes a rooted clone — a genetically identical copy of the mother. The terms “cutting” and “clone” are often used interchangeably, though technically a cutting becomes a clone once rooted.

Rooted Clone

A rooted clone is a cutting that has successfully developed its own root system and can sustain itself independently. At IWantClones.com, we ship established rooted clones — not fresh cuttings. They are 10–14 days post-cut with visible root development, ready to transplant into your medium of choice. For next steps, see our guide on transplanting cannabis clones.

Teen Plant

A teen plant is a rooted clone that has been grown on for several additional weeks — typically 4–8 weeks past the cutting stage — resulting in a plant 12–24 inches tall with a developed canopy and root system. Teens are further along than fresh clones but cost more and ship less reliably due to size. Not all retailers sell teens; most ship at the rooted clone stage.

Callus

Callus is the white or cream-colored mass of undifferentiated cells that forms at a cutting’s stem base before roots emerge. Callus formation is a sign the plant is on track to root. Roots typically emerge from or near the callus within 7–14 days under proper conditions (75–80°F, 70–80% RH, humidity dome).

Hardening Off

Hardening off is the gradual acclimatization of a clone from a high-humidity rooting environment to lower-humidity ambient conditions. Fresh clones cannot uptake water through their (non-existent) roots — they rely on foliar absorption. Rushing this process causes wilting. Proper hardening off takes 3–7 days and involves slowly lowering humidity dome time. Learn more in our hardening off guide.

Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormone contains auxins — naturally occurring or synthetic plant hormones (most commonly IBA: indole-3-butyric acid) that stimulate root initiation at the cut stem. Available as gel, powder, or liquid. Gel formulations provide the most consistent coating and reduce contamination risk. Most propagators use a concentration of 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA for cannabis cuttings.

Nutrients & Feeding Terms

EC (Electrical Conductivity)

EC measures the total concentration of dissolved minerals in a nutrient solution, expressed in millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm). Pure water reads 0.0 mS/cm; cannabis in veg typically needs 1.2–1.8 mS/cm; in peak flower, 1.8–2.4 mS/cm. High EC above 3.0 mS/cm causes nutrient burn. Read our full guide on EC, PPM, and runoff cannabis feeding for practical targets by stage.

PPM (Parts Per Million)

PPM is another way to express nutrient solution concentration — the number of dissolved particles per million water particles. EC and PPM measure the same thing but use different scales. The 500 scale (HM Digital, Milwaukee) multiplies EC by 500; the 700 scale (Hanna) multiplies by 700. Always note which scale your meter uses. At 1.6 mS/cm EC: 800 PPM on the 500 scale, 1,120 PPM on the 700 scale.

pH

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water or substrate on a scale of 0–14. Cannabis in soil thrives at pH 6.2–6.8; in hydroponics, 5.8–6.2. Outside these ranges, nutrient uptake is blocked at the root level even if the nutrients are present — this is called lockout. pH is often the first thing to check when plants look deficient. Cheap pH pens drift; calibrate weekly.

Cal-Mag

Cal-Mag is a calcium and magnesium supplement — two secondary macronutrients that are frequently deficient in cannabis, especially when using soft water, coco coir, or RO (reverse osmosis) filtered water. Calcium deficiency appears as brown spots on new growth; magnesium deficiency shows as interveinal yellowing starting on older leaves. Most growers add 2–5 mL/gallon of cal-mag when mixing nutrients.

Nutrient Lockout

Nutrient lockout occurs when a plant cannot absorb available nutrients — usually because pH is out of range, EC is too high (salt buildup), or there is a nutrient antagonism (too much of one mineral blocking another). Lockout looks like deficiency even though nutrients are present. Fix: flush with pH-corrected water, then reintroduce nutrients at proper EC.

Flush

Flushing means running large volumes of pH-adjusted plain water through the substrate to clear salt buildup. Pre-harvest flushing (7–14 days before cut) is a debated practice — some growers swear it improves taste by depleting stored nutrients; others argue it starves the plant. Regardless of harvest flushing philosophy, mid-grow flushing when EC runoff climbs too high is universally accepted practice.

Macronutrients

The three primary macronutrients cannabis requires in large quantities are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) — expressed as NPK ratios on fertilizer labels. Nitrogen drives vegetative growth; phosphorus supports root development and flower formation; potassium regulates water use and overall plant health. Secondary macros include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

Micronutrients

Micronutrients (trace elements) are needed in small quantities but are still essential: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). Most complete cannabis nutrient lines include micronutrients. Deficiencies are less common than macronutrient issues but can still limit yield and terpene expression.

Runoff

Runoff is the water that drains from the bottom of your container after watering. Testing runoff EC and pH tells you what’s actually happening in the root zone — which can differ significantly from what you’re putting in. If input pH is 6.5 and runoff pH is 5.9, your root zone is acidifying. Track runoff metrics on every watering to catch drift before it becomes a problem.

Environment Terms

VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit)

VPD is the difference between the maximum moisture the air can hold at a given temperature and the moisture it actually holds, measured in kilopascals (kPa). It is the single most precise environmental metric for cannabis cultivation. Low VPD (below 0.6 kPa) reduces transpiration and invites mold; high VPD (above 1.8 kPa) stresses plants and shuts stomata. Targets: clones/seedlings 0.4–0.8 kPa; veg 0.8–1.2 kPa; flower 1.0–1.5 kPa. Our VPD for cannabis clones guide covers this in depth.

RH (Relative Humidity)

Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air relative to the maximum it can hold at that temperature. RH alone does not tell the full story — 60% RH at 65°F is very different from 60% RH at 85°F. That’s why VPD (which factors in temperature) is more actionable than RH alone. Target RH: clones 70–80%; veg 50–65%; flower 40–55%; late flower 35–45%.

DLI (Daily Light Integral)

DLI is the total amount of photosynthetically active light a plant receives over a full day, measured in moles of photons per square meter per day (mol/m²/day). Cannabis in veg performs well at 20–40 mol/m²/day; in flower, 40–65 mol/m²/day. DLI ties light intensity (PPFD) to photoperiod — a longer light period at lower intensity can achieve the same DLI as a shorter period at higher intensity.

PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density)

PPFD measures the number of photosynthetically active photons hitting a surface per second, expressed in micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/m²/s). It’s the “intensity” number on a light’s PAR map. Cannabis targets: clones/seedlings 100–300 μmol/m²/s; veg 400–600; flower 600–900+. High-intensity LED grows can push 1,000–1,200 in late flower with CO2 supplementation.

umol/J (Micromoles per Joule)

umol/J is the efficiency rating for grow lights — how many photons a fixture produces per watt of electricity consumed. HPS fixtures average 1.5–1.7 umol/J. Modern quantum board LEDs run 2.5–3.0+ umol/J. A higher umol/J rating means more light output per dollar of electricity. It’s the single most important spec when comparing grow lights.

CO2 Enrichment

CO2 enrichment means supplementing your grow space with additional carbon dioxide beyond ambient levels (ambient is ~420 ppm). Cannabis can use CO2 up to approximately 1,200–1,500 ppm — but only when light intensity is high enough (600+ μmol/m²/s) and temperature is elevated (82–88°F). CO2 without adequate light is wasted money. An airtight sealed room is required to maintain elevated CO2 levels.

Light Schedule

Light schedule refers to the daily hours of light vs. dark a plant receives, written as hours-on/hours-off (e.g., 18/6, 12/12). Photoperiod cannabis stays vegetative at 13+ hours of light and flowers at 12 hours or less. Most indoor growers use 18/6 in veg and trigger flowering by flipping to 12/12. For a full breakdown of scheduling options, see our optimal light schedules guide.

Training Terms

LST (Low-Stress Training)

LST involves bending and tying branches to create a flat, even canopy without cutting or breaking the plant. By training branches horizontally, you expose lower nodes to direct light, converting them from “larf” sites into full cola sites. LST starts in early veg and continues through the first few weeks of flower. It is the most beginner-friendly training technique. See our topping and LST guide for step-by-step instructions.

HST (High-Stress Training)

HST involves techniques that damage or remove plant tissue — including topping, FIM, supercropping, and mainlining. HST typically requires a recovery period (3–7 days) before the plant resumes vigorous growth. Do not apply HST within 2 weeks of flipping to flower, as recovery time is lost flower time.

Topping

Topping is cutting the main stem’s growing tip to force the plant to produce two main colas instead of one. Each of those two colas can be topped again, creating four, then eight — exponentially increasing bud sites while keeping the plant short and wide. Topping is best done in early to mid-veg when the plant has 4–6 nodes.

FIM (F*ck I Missed)

FIM is a variation on topping where only 70–80% of the growing tip is removed rather than cutting cleanly through the internode. Instead of producing 2 new tops, a successful FIM produces 3–4 new growing tips from a single cut. It is less traumatic than topping but less predictable. Named after a grower who accidentally botched a topping and got better results.

SCROG (Screen of Green)

SCROG involves stretching a horizontal screen (typically 4–6 inches above the canopy) across the grow space and weaving branches through it as they grow. The screen creates a flat, even canopy that maximizes light penetration to all bud sites. SCROG works best with a small number of large plants. It requires training attention throughout veg. See our comparison of SCROG vs SOG for a full analysis.

SOG (Sea of Green)

SOG is the opposite philosophy — pack many small plants into a space, each allowed to produce one main cola, and flip to flower early (after 2–3 weeks of veg). SOG maximizes canopy coverage by using plant density rather than plant size. It’s ideal for fast-cycling strains and production grows with access to a large number of clones.

Defoliation

Defoliation is the strategic removal of fan leaves to improve light penetration into the lower canopy and increase airflow. Large-scale defoliation is performed at two key points: once at the flip to flower (day 1) and again at day 21 of flower (the “schwazzing” approach). Aggressive defoliation without sufficient light or plant health will stress rather than improve the plant.

Lollipopping

Lollipopping is the removal of all lower growth — branches, leaves, and bud sites — from the bottom third of the plant. The goal is to direct all the plant’s energy into the upper canopy where light intensity is highest, while eliminating “larf” (airy, underdeveloped buds) that grow in low-light zones.

Mainlining

Mainlining is a structured training technique that creates a symmetrical plant with 8 or 16 equal colas, all fed by a single main “manifold” at the base. It involves a precise sequence of topping and LST steps starting at node 3. Mainlining produces highly even canopies but takes 4–6 additional weeks in veg compared to untraining.

Supercropping

Supercropping involves pinching and bending a branch until the inner tissue collapses, then bending it 90 degrees. The plant responds by building a swollen “knuckle” at the bend point that becomes stronger than the original stem. Supercropping is used to bring tall branches down to canopy level without cutting them off.

Plant Anatomy Terms

Cola

A cola (from the Spanish word for “tail”) is a large, dense cluster of flowers at the top of a cannabis branch or main stem. The main cola — the dominant central bud — is sometimes called the “apical bud.” A well-trained plant with multiple topped and trained branches produces multiple colas of similar size.

Node

A node is the point on a stem where leaves, branches, and eventually bud sites originate. Cannabis plants develop new nodes as they grow — counting nodes is a common way to gauge how mature a clone or seedling is before topping. Nodes are numbered from the bottom up; topping typically happens at node 4–6.

Internode

Internode is the length of stem between two nodes. Short internodes produce a compact, bushy plant. Long internodes indicate the plant is stretching — often due to insufficient light intensity or inappropriate light spectrum (too much red, not enough blue). Monitor internode spacing as a real-time indicator of lighting adequacy.

Calyx

The calyx is the small teardrop-shaped structure at each bud site — technically the base of the flower. Female calyxes swell and pack together to form the cola structure. In late flower, swollen calyxes (without seeds) are a sign of peak ripeness. In hermaphroditic or pollinated plants, calyxes develop into seed pods.

Trichome

Trichomes are the tiny resin glands covering cannabis flowers and sugar leaves. They produce and store cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) and terpenes. Three types exist: bulbous (smallest, sparse), capitate-sessile (mid-size), and capitate-stalked (the large, mushroom-headed glands visible to the naked eye). Trichome color — clear, cloudy, or amber — is the primary indicator of harvest readiness.

Pistil

Pistils are the hair-like structures on female flowers — technically the female reproductive organs. Immature pistils are white; they turn orange, red, or brown as the plant matures. Pistil color is a rough harvest indicator but less reliable than trichome color. A plant with 70–80% orange pistils is typically approaching peak ripeness, but trichome inspection is the gold standard for harvest timing.

Fan Leaf

Fan leaves are the large, multi-pointed leaves on the main stems and branches. They are the primary site of photosynthesis. Fan leaves typically have 7–13 leaflets (points) in mature plants, though leaf count varies by genetics and stage. Fan leaves are removed during defoliation or lollipopping to improve airflow and light penetration.

Sugar Leaf

Sugar leaves are the small leaves that grow directly out of bud sites during flowering. They are coated in trichomes (hence “sugar”) and are often trimmed off at harvest. Some growers keep them for making hash or concentrate. Sugar leaves with high trichome coverage are valuable trim material.

Harvest & Cure Terms

Harvest Window

The harvest window is the optimal period to cut a plant — when trichomes, pistil color, and calyx swelling align to indicate peak cannabinoid and terpene development. Harvest windows typically last 5–14 days depending on the strain. Harvesting too early means lower potency; harvesting too late means THC has degraded to CBN, resulting in a more sedating, less clear effect.

Trichome Color

Trichome color is the most reliable harvest indicator. Clear trichomes = not ready. Cloudy/milky white trichomes = peak THC, energetic effect. Amber trichomes = THC degrading to CBN, more sedating. Most growers harvest at 10–30% amber depending on desired effect. Use a jeweler’s loupe (30–60x) or digital microscope to inspect.

Drying

Drying is the first post-harvest step — hanging whole plants or trimmed branches in a dark, temperature-controlled room (60–65°F, 55–65% RH) until stems snap rather than bend. Proper drying takes 7–14 days. Rushing the dry with high heat destroys terpenes and degrades quality. Learn more in our drying and curing guide.

Curing

Curing is the process of storing dried buds in airtight glass jars at controlled humidity (58–62% RH, measured with Boveda packs or Integra Boost) for 2–8 weeks. Curing continues enzymatic breakdown of chlorophyll and other harsh compounds, developing smoothness, aroma complexity, and shelf-stable moisture content. A minimum 2-week cure is widely considered essential for quality; 4–6 weeks produces noticeably better results.

Water Activity (Aw)

Water activity is a measure of the unbound moisture available for microbial growth, on a scale of 0–1.0. Cannabis should be cured to a water activity of 0.55–0.65 Aw for safe storage and optimal texture. Above 0.65 Aw, mold risk increases significantly. Dedicated water activity meters (Rotronic, Novasina) are used in commercial production; home growers approximate using humidity and feel.

Burping

Burping is the practice of opening cure jars briefly each day during the first 1–2 weeks of cure to release accumulated moisture and exchange gases (CO2 produced by microbial activity). Burping prevents anaerobic fermentation and mold development. As the cure progresses and moisture stabilizes, burping frequency decreases to every few days, then weekly.

Pests & Disease Terms

HLVd (Hop Latent Viroid)

Hop Latent Viroid is the most economically damaging pathogen in commercial cannabis production, estimated to reduce yields by 20–50% in infected plants. HLVd is a sub-microscopic RNA pathogen (smaller than a virus) that spreads almost entirely through contaminated cutting tools, infected clones, and plant-to-plant contact via contaminated hands. Many infected plants show no obvious symptoms — making PCR testing the only reliable detection method. See our complete HLVd Hop Latent Viroid guide for testing protocols and prevention.

Spider Mites

Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae and related species) are tiny arachnids (not insects) that feed on plant cells, causing stippled yellowing on leaves and fine webbing between branches in heavy infestations. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly — a population can double every 3–5 days. Miticides (spinosad, abamectin), predatory mites, and environmental control are primary management tools.

Powdery Mildew (PM)

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease caused by multiple Erysiphe species that produces white, powdery patches on leaves and stems. It thrives at moderate temperatures (68–77°F) and high humidity (above 55% RH), or when airflow is poor. Prevention through humidity control and airflow is more effective than treatment. Potassium bicarbonate sprays and UV-C light systems are effective early interventions.

Botrytis (Bud Rot)

Botrytis cinerea (gray mold / bud rot) is a fungal pathogen that attacks dense flower clusters in high humidity or wet conditions, causing gray-brown mold that spreads rapidly through a cola. It is particularly dangerous in late flower when buds are densest. Prevention: maintain flower RH below 45%, ensure airflow through canopy, and inspect plants daily in the final 2 weeks of flower.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

IPM is a systematic, preventive approach to pest and disease management that prioritizes environmental controls and biological solutions over reactive chemical sprays. An IPM program includes: environmental monitoring (VPD, humidity), regular scouting for early detection, beneficial insects (predatory mites, lacewings), and targeted treatments only when thresholds are exceeded. IPM is the professional standard in legal cannabis production.

Chemistry Terms

Terpene

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds produced by cannabis trichomes that create each strain’s distinctive smell and flavor profile — myrcene (earthy/musky), limonene (citrus), pinene (pine), linalool (floral/lavender), caryophyllene (pepper/spice), and dozens more. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids to influence the overall effect profile in what researchers call the “entourage effect.” See our deep-dive on cannabis terpenes explained.

Cannabinoid

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by cannabis that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid; CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and the focus of most medical research. Others include CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, and over 100 additional identified compounds. THC content in premium indoor cannabis clones typically ranges from 20–30%+ depending on genetics and growing conditions.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

A COA is a third-party laboratory report confirming the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a cannabis sample, and often including pesticide and pathogen testing (including HLVd). Reputable clone suppliers and dispensaries should be able to provide COAs for their genetics. When buying clones, a COA confirms what strain you’re getting and whether it has been tested for pathogens. Learn how to read a cannabis COA before your next purchase.

Ready to Put These Terms to Work?

Understanding cannabis growing terms is just the first step. The real education happens in the garden — and starting with proven, genetically verified clones puts you ahead from day one. At IWantClones.com, every clone ships overnight as an established, rooted cutting from confirmed female mother plants with traceable genetics.

Browse our current clone selection at IWantClones.com — and if you have questions about any strain or technique, we’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a phenotype and a genotype in cannabis?

Genotype is the plant’s complete DNA blueprint. Phenotype is how that blueprint expresses itself under specific environmental conditions. Two clones sharing identical genotypes can show different phenotypes if grown in different temperatures, light spectra, or nutrient programs. Clones are the only way to guarantee phenotypic consistency across crops.

What VPD should I target for cannabis clones?

Fresh unrooted cuttings need 0.4–0.6 kPa VPD — very high humidity (75–85% RH at 75–78°F) because they cannot uptake water through roots yet. Once rooted and hardened off, target 0.8–1.0 kPa in early veg. Pushing above 1.5 kPa during veg stresses plants and slows growth unnecessarily.

What is the difference between EC and PPM for measuring nutrients?

EC (electrical conductivity) and PPM both measure nutrient solution strength but use different units. EC is expressed in mS/cm (millisiemens per centimeter); PPM is derived by multiplying EC by either 500 or 700 depending on your meter. Always specify which PPM scale your meter uses, since the same solution reads 800 PPM on one scale and 1,120 PPM on another.

What is HLVd and why does it matter for clone buyers?

HLVd (Hop Latent Viroid) is a plant pathogen that spreads through contaminated cuttings and tools, suppressing yields by 20–50% with few visible symptoms. It cannot be cured — infected plants must be destroyed. Testing incoming clones with a PCR assay is the only reliable detection method. Buy clones from suppliers who test their mother plants for HLVd.

What is the difference between SCROG and SOG?

SCROG (Screen of Green) uses a horizontal screen to train a small number of large plants into a flat canopy, maximizing light exposure per plant. SOG (Sea of Green) packs many small plants into a space, each producing one main cola, and flips to flower early. SCROG suits small-plant counts with long veg; SOG suits high-plant-count grows with rapid cycling.