Cannabis Growing Glossary

Plain-language definitions for common terms used in grow diaries and community discussions.

Educational only: Terms and techniques do not override local laws, product labels, or basic electrical and environmental safety.

Core growing terms

IPM

Integrated pest management: a prevention-first system that combines monitoring and low-impact controls.

Veg

Short for vegetative stage, when a plant focuses mainly on roots, stems, and leaves.

Flower

The reproductive growth stage when a mature plant develops flowers.

Trichomes

Tiny resin-producing structures found on cannabis flowers and nearby leaves.

Seedling

A young plant in its earliest stage after germination.

Clone

A cutting taken from a plant and rooted to create a genetically matching plant.

Water and nutrition terms

pH

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution or medium is.

EC

Electrical conductivity: a measurement commonly used to estimate dissolved mineral concentration.

Runoff

Liquid that drains from a container after watering.

Medium

The material around plant roots, such as soil, coco coir, or another growing material.

Substrate

Another term for the material that supports roots; often used similarly to growing medium.

Plant-training terms

LST

Low-stress training: gently guiding plant growth without major cutting.

Topping

Removing a growing tip to change the plant's branching pattern. It can stress unhealthy or very young plants.

Use the terms in context

Read the seedling care guide, flowering stage guide, and IPM guide for practical context. Record unfamiliar terms and observations in a grow diary so community discussions remain clear.