Cannabis dictionary

When we talk about growing cannabis, most growers immediately think of fertilizers, LEDs, or genetics. However, there's a much quieter (and more decisive) factor that acts in every phase of cultivation: plant hormones, also known as phytohormones. These invisible molecules are truly responsible for whether a plant grows tall or compact, whether it branches more or less, how it responds to stress, or even how and when it flowers. Hormones control the development of cannabis plants. We could say, without exaggeration, that hormones are the internal language of cannabis, a network of chemical signals that coordinates every vital process. Understanding them not only brings us closer to better comprehending the plant, but also allows us to make much more precise and efficient growing decisions. And this is where things get really interesting: it's not about adding miracle products, but about learning to interpret how the plant responds to what we do... but what are these hormones really and what role does each one play?

Read more

Have you noticed that the buds on your plant are growing in a strange way, with elongated towers sticking out from the centre of the calyx like tiny spirals or tails? If so, you're very likely looking at the famous foxtailing. Don't worry — you're neither the first nor the last grower to come across this phenomenon, and understanding it well can make the difference between a spectacular harvest and an avoidable disappointment. In this article, we explain everything: what it is, why it happens, how to identify it and, above all, what to do about it.

Read more

If you've been growing cannabis for a while, you've surely heard of apical pruning. And if you're just starting out, we can assure you that this technique will become one of your best allies. When properly applied, it allows you to modify the plant's structure, improve light efficiency and significantly increase final yields. Poorly executed or carried out at the wrong time, it can stunt growth, cause unnecessary stress or even ruin a harvest.

Read more

Leaf color in cannabis plants has long been a subject of interest for both growers and botanical enthusiasts. While deep green is the predominant color, especially during the vegetative growth stage, the color palette in cannabis can include shades of red, yellow, lilac, purple, and even almost black, often seen during flowering. These color changes not only offer a beautiful visual spectacle but can also provide key information about the plant's health, genetics, and growing conditions. Throughout this article, we will explore the causes behind these color variations and how to interpret the colors on cannabis leaves to improve the quality of the crop, if necessary. Let's go!

Read more

The term "Khardala" comes from the Berber dialect spoken in the Rif region of northern Morocco and often means "mixture" or "blend". In the context of cannabis, it refers to a hybrid strain of unknown parentage that is known for its resilience and adaptability to harsh climate conditions, such as those found in North Africa. Over the years, Khardala has become synonymous with Moroccan cannabis plants, renowned for their contribution to the production of the area's famous hashish, which has led Morocco to become one of the world's leading hashish-producing countries. Hundreds of Moroccan farmers have cultivated this strain, which has established itself as one of the most representative of the country's cannabis culture, offering cannabis with its characteristics, both in its genetics and in its effect. Today we tell you more about it.

Read more

In the world of cannabis cultivation, auto-flowering or automatic seeds have revolutionized the way many growers approach their projects. These unique and versatile genetics have gained popularity for their ability to flower automatically instead of depending on the traditional light cycle, in addition to having undergone a genetic improvement process that has led them to offer the great results of today. In this article, we will tell you where auto-flowering cannabis comes from, from its origin and distinctive characteristics to the benefits and challenges of growing this type of strain. We offer you a complete guide that will help you better understand how to make the most of these fast-growing, high-quality plants. Get ready to discover the secrets of automatic seeds and take your cultivation to the next level!

Read more

Cannabis is an ancient plant and, in fact, archaeological studies show that it was being already cultivated around the year 8000 BC. There is a great deal of information on the chronology of this magnificent plant, catalogued by gurus, shamans, doctors, biologists and scientists as a spiritual, medicinal, recreational or industrial plant, as it has many different and varied uses. In this post, we will leave cannabis as a material for the industrial sector (textiles, paper...) aside and focus on explaining the different ways of consuming it.

Read more

Viviparity may be a strange-sounding word, but it actually describes one of the best-known phenomena among mammals (and other species), that of embryos developing inside the mother's body until the moment of birth, at which point they are already prepared to survive in the outside world. This viviparity, which is so familiar to us humans, is not so frequently found in the plant kingdom, where the embryos are released by the mother plant as a seed and will depend exclusively on the environment to develop and grow. However, viviparity can also occur in some plants and sometimes, the seed that would normally wait to be released begins to grow in the mother's body and emerges to the surface like an alien unleashed. The result? Plants that seem like something from a horror movie but that are, in reality, premature mothers.

Read more

A mutation is a random change in the nucleotide sequence or in the organisation of DNA (genotype) or RNA of a living being, which produces a variation in its characteristics. DNA and RNA are polymers formed by long chains of nucleotides. For the most part, these changes only affect a single nucleotide or a very small DNA region of the billions of nucleotides that make up the genome, but they are responsible for the genetic variability that can be observed in all species. Without mutations, we would all be identical and, most importantly, there would be no possibilities for evolution and adaptation. Therefore, using the simplest possible terms, mutation refers to ‘errors’ in the genetic code of cannabis which make plants develop differently than expected.

Read more

When it comes to cannabis, the part of the plant that gets all the attention is naturally the bit we're all growing for: the flowers. But while it's easy to be enamoured with the beautiful frosty flowers we shouldn't overlook the rest, because behind the bud there's a whole plant, with all its component parts, each playing an essential role in bringing us our precious harvest. Here at Alchimiaweb we strongly believe that the more we know about our favourite plants, the more success we'll have cultivating them, and the happier we'll be with the results! For these reasons here we're going to take a closer look at the cannabis plant and identify all the different elements of its anatomy to help you get to know this wonderful plant a little bit better.

Read more

What are IBL, S1, BX, F2 or landrace cannabis plants?

Read more

In the world of cannabis, Sativa varieties have become the favorites of many users, who prefer their stimulating effect compared to other, more relaxing types of plants. Native to the tropical and subtropical fringes of the planet, cannabis Sativa plants have captivated growers, enthusiasts, and users for centuries. With their narrow leaves, towering height, and energizing cerebral effects, Sativa strains offer a unique experience that resonates with the very essence of the warm, sunny climates where they thrive. Today we are going to explain to you the main characteristics, cultivation, and effects of these legendary varieties. Additionally, we will talk about the typical Sativa/Indica classification of cannabis and see if there are other ways to classify our favorite plants today.

Read more

Indica cannabis strains stand out for their rich history and distinctive characteristics. Originally from the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush, these plants have captivated growers and consumers for centuries with their relaxing effects and therapeutic properties, and are also used to make resin concentrates such as hashish. Today, we invite you on a journey to the highest mountains on the planet to better understand Indica cannabis. We will learn more about its origin, unique characteristics, and medicinal uses, and better understand how these revered genetics have left a lasting mark on cannabis culture all over the planet.

Read more

In the world of cannabis cultivation, the phenomenon of hermaphroditism is a topic that arouses curiosity and concern among growers, especially those who are just starting. Unlike many other plants, cannabis has the unique ability to develop both male and female flowers on the same plant. This can result in hermaphrodite plants. In this article, we will explore in detail what hermaphroditism in cannabis is, how it develops, what its causes are, and what implications it has for growers. Additionally, we will discuss strategies to prevent and manage hermaphroditism in cannabis cultivation. We'll help you keep your crops free of genetic contamination and maximize the quality of the final product.

Read more

How to differentiate cannabis males and females  The cannabis plant (cannabis sativa sp.) is dioecious or unisexual, meaning it produces male and female flowers on different plants. However, it can also produce plants that have both sexes in the same individual, plants that we call hermaphrodites or monoecious. As a general rule, plants that produce male flowers are called male plants, while those that produce female flowers are called female plants. Male cannabis plants flower, producing clusters of "bags", which hang downwards and end up opening and releasing pollen, which, transported through the wind, will pollinate the female plants and lead to the formation of seeds in them. For their part, female cannabis plants produce tear-shaped calyxes from which two small hairs emerge, usually white and called pistils, which are grouped to form what we typically call buds. In today's article, we are going to teach you how to differentiate them correctly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Read more