What Are Plant Hormones in Cannabis
Quick Summary: Plant hormones, or phytohormones, are natural chemical messengers that dictate every stage of the cannabis lifecycle. From root-boosting auxins to flower-triggering ethylene, balancing these “weed enhancers” is the secret to maximizing yield, resin density, and aromatic terpene profiles in elite genetics.
What Are Plant Hormones in Cannabis?
Plant hormones in cannabis are internally produced chemical compounds that act as tiny directors orchestrating the growth and development of your plants. These phytohormones are active in extremely low concentrations but carry massive influence over how a plant responds to its environment. They regulate everything from the initial crack of the seed shell to the final accumulation of cannabinoids and trichomes on the buds. Understanding these signals is the difference between a basic homegrow and professional-grade cultivation.
Recommended Strains
Yumbolt Banana
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THC | 20% - 25% (Medium) |
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Type | Feminized |
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Yield | Low |
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Phenotype | 60% Indica / 40% Sativa |
Big Bud Auto
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THC | 18% - 22% (Medium) |
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Type | Autoflowering |
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Yield | Medium |
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Phenotype | 80% Indica / 20% Sativa |
In the technical sense, a cannabis growth hormone doesn’t just “make the plant bigger.” It tells cells whether to stretch, divide, or transform into specialized tissues like roots or flowers. For example, when you apply high-intensity light (measured in PPFD), the plant uses hormones to decide how to use that energy. Without a proper hormonal balance, even the best NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) nutrient regimen will fail, as the plant won’t have the “instructions” to process those minerals into high-quality biomass.
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Types of Phytohormones in Cannabis Cultivation
There are five primary groups of hormones that every grower must master: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid (ABA), and ethylene. These weed enhancers work in a complex tug-of-war. For instance, while some hormones promote rapid cell division to increase bud density, others work to prevent the plant from wilting during high-heat periods. Maintaining this equilibrium is critical for stabilizing elite strains like Girl Scout Cookies or Blue Dream, ensuring they express their full genetic potential.
Growers often use organic “teas” made from nettles or garlic to provide natural boosts of these hormones. However, it is vital to apply these fresh, as phytohormones are biologically volatile and degrade quickly once extracted. Excessive application can lead to “hormonal toxicity,” which might cause strange growth patterns, such as the circular leaves seen in light-stressed plants or unwanted hermaphroditism. A precision-based approach, focusing on the plant’s current growth stage, ensures that the external supplements support rather than disrupt the natural internal chemistry.
Technical Comparison: Cannabis Growth Hormone Roles
| Hormone Type | Primary Function | Growth Stage Focus | Grower Training Match | Effect on Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auxins | Rooting & Apical Dominance | Seedling / Vegetative | Topping & LST | Stronger structural integrity |
| Cytokinins | Cell Division & Lateral Growth | Vegetative / Early Bloom | Mainlining / Scrog | Denser, resinous buds |
| Gibberellins | Germination & Stretching | Germination / Pre-flower | Seed Starting | Faster cycle transitions |
| Ethylene | Flower Sex & Ripening | Late Flowering | Harvest Timing | Peak terpene accumulation |
| Abscisic Acid | Transpiration & Stress | Lifecycle-wide | Drought Management | Environmental resilience |
Auxins and Their Role in structural Integrity
Auxins are the growth hormone weed plants use to determine “which way is up.” Primarily concentrated in the apical meristem (the main top tip), auxins suppress the growth of side branches, a phenomenon known as apical dominance. When a grower “tops” a plant, they are physically removing the auxin source, which forces the plant to redistribute these hormones to lower nodes. This biological hack results in a bushier plant with multiple “main” colas instead of just one.
Beyond shaping the plant, auxins are the primary drivers of root initiation. In cloning, growers use synthetic auxins (like IBA or NAA) to trick a severed branch into producing roots. By splitting or scraping the stem to expose the cambium layer, you allow these hormones to concentrate exactly where cell transformation is needed. This creates a massive, white, and fuzzy root system that can support a heavy harvest later in the cycle.
Cytokinins: The Secret to Bud Density and Quality
If auxins are about height and roots, cytokinins are about width and density. These hormones promote cell division (cytokinesis) and are produced in the root tips before traveling upward. High levels of cytokinins encourage the plant to grow thick, secondary branches and large, broad fan leaves. In the flowering stage, they are essential for creating the “swelling” effect where calyxes stack tightly on top of each other, resulting in the dense, heavy buds seen in strains like GG4.
Furthermore, cytokinins play a major role in delaying senescence (plant aging). By keeping the leaves green and photosynthetic for longer, the plant can produce more sugars. These sugars are then converted into secondary metabolites like THC, CBD, and aromatic terpenes such as Myrcene and Limonene. This “Entourage Effect” is significantly boosted when the plant’s hormonal health allows for a slow, full ripening process rather than a rushed finish caused by stress.
Professional Tips for Hormonal Management
- Use Fresh Botanical Teas: Apply homemade teas like alfalfa (rich in Triacontanol) or coconut water (loaded with cytokinins) immediately after brewing. Their hormonal activity drops by over 50% within hours of exposure to air.
- The 45-Degree Rule: When taking clones to stimulate root-inducing hormones, always cut at a 45-degree angle. This maximizes the surface area of the cambium layer, where auxin activity is highest.
- Temperature Syncing: Keep your root zone 5°F (3°C) warmer than the ambient air during the seedling stage. This encourages the downward movement of auxins and accelerates taproot elongation.
- Avoid Late Pruning: Never perform heavy pruning or defoliation more than two weeks into the flowering stage. Doing so disrupts the transition of ethylene and can cause the plant to produce “nanners” (male stamen) due to hormonal confusion.
- Silicon for Support: While not a hormone, adding Silica helps the plant build cell walls that better respond to the expansion signals sent by gibberellins, preventing “lanky” stems that snap under bud weight.
How do plant hormones affect cannabis yield?
Plant hormones dictate the number of flowering sites and the “swell” of each individual bud. By managing auxins through topping, you increase the number of colas. By supporting cytokinins, you ensure those colas are dense and heavy. A perfect hormonal balance ensures the plant directs energy toward flower production rather than excessive stem stretching, directly increasing the final dry weight of your harvest.
What is the function of plant hormone balance in cannabis plants?
Hormone balance acts as the plant’s internal regulatory system. It ensures that the transition from vegetative growth to flowering happens smoothly. If gibberellins are too high, the plant stretches too much, leading to airy buds. If abscisic acid is too high, the plant stops growing to conserve water. A proper balance ensures consistent nutrient uptake and maximum resin production, resulting in a high-quality, aromatic final product.
Can I use growth hormone on weed to speed up harvest?
While you can use ethylene-based products to signal the plant to finish ripening, it is a delicate process. Natural boosters like gibberellins can speed up germination, and cytokinins can keep the plant producing energy longer. However, “forcing” a plant too hard with synthetic hormones often results in lower terpene levels and reduced potency, as the biological clock of the plant needs time to synthesize complex cannabinoids properly.
