In cannabis farming, an internode is the bit between leafy spots on a cannabis stem. Leaves, branches, and buds grow at nodes, while internodes are the empty spaces. Factors like strain, surroundings, and growth stage affect internode length and spacing.
Genetics plays a big role; some strains have short internodes, creating bushy plants, while others have long ones, making plants stretch out.
In the growth phase, plants have long internodes to reach light and soak up energy. But if they get too long, plants may become tall and weak, risking bending or falling.
When it’s time to bloom, internodes get shorter as the plant focuses on making buds. Short internodes are what growers want because they lead to tight, dense buds, boosting the harvest’s quality and quantity.
Growers can use techniques like topping and low-stress training (LST) to control internode length. Topping means cutting the main stem, and LST involves bending and tying branches. These tricks help get shorter and evenly spaced internodes, creating bushy plants that catch more light and have uniform bud growth.
Checking internode length is a handy way to keep an eye on your plant’s health. Extra-long internodes can mean they’re not getting enough light or nutrients, and extremely short ones could be a sign of too much light or crowded conditions.
