Grower Glossary – MUpdated 8 days ago

M

“M” defines the microbial world — from mycorrhizal fungi and microbes to media management and micronutrients. This glossary section explains the magic beneath the surface that fuels healthy growth.

Macronutrients

The primary nutrients plants need in large amounts: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Grower Slang: “NPK.”

Cronk Tip: The Classic Line 3-Part (Grow–Micro–Bloom) delivers balanced macronutrients through every growth stage.

Magnesium (Mg)

An essential secondary nutrient responsible for chlorophyll production and enzyme activation.

Grower Slang: “Mag,” “Mg.”

Deficiency shows as yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis).

Cronk Tip: Use CalMag 2-0-0 or PuurCalMag to prevent and correct.

Main Branch

The primary stem structure from which all other branches develop.

Grower Slang: “Main,” “trunk.”

Mainline (Manifold Training)

A high-structure training technique where the main stem is topped and split symmetrically to form a balanced canopy.

Grower Slang: “Manifold,” “eight-top.”

Cronk Tip: Combine Mainlining + LST for ultimate yield and light uniformity.

Maintenance Feed

A low-strength nutrient solution given between heavy feeds to maintain root health and prevent buildup.

Grower Slang: “Light feed,” “buffer feed.”

Male Plant

A cannabis plant that produces pollen sacs instead of flowers.

Grower Slang: “Boy,” “pollen donor.”

Remove males from grow rooms unless breeding.

Malted Barley (Organic Amendment)

Ground barley grain containing enzymes that boost microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

Grower Slang: “Barley boost.”

Common in living soil recipes for natural enzyme action.

Manifold

See Mainline.

Grower Slang: “Symmetrical training.”

Manure

Decomposed animal waste used as organic fertilizer.

Grower Slang: “Organic base.”

Rich in nitrogen and beneficial microbes but must be composted before use.

MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate)

A fertilizer source providing both nitrogen and phosphorus.

Grower Slang: “MAP fert.”

Used in hydroponics and bloom formulas.

Marijuana

A common term for cannabis, derived from early 20th-century slang.

Grower Slang: “Herb,” “weed,” “flower.”

Cannabis is the preferred scientific name in the cultivation community.

Marker Plant

A plant used to indicate environmental or soil changes (e.g., companion species).

Grower Slang: “Indicator plant.”

Helps identify pH shifts or pest presence early.

Mass Flow

The movement of nutrients and water toward roots via transpiration pull.

Grower Slang: “Nutrient flow.”

Efficient watering and VPD balance maintain steady mass flow.

Mature Plant

A plant that has reached full vegetative or reproductive maturity.

Grower Slang: “Ready to flip,” “full veg.”

Often signaled by alternating nodes or preflowers.

Mechanical Damage

Physical harm to plant tissue from pruning, wind, or pests.

Grower Slang: “Stem snap,” “leaf tear.”

Avoid excessive handling during training or defoliation.

Medium (Grow Medium)

The substance that anchors roots and holds water and nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Substrate,” “mix.”

Cronk Tip: Coco/perlite provides perfect drainage and oxygen for root growth.

Metal Halide (MH)

A type of HID bulb producing blue-spectrum light ideal for vegetative growth.

Grower Slang: “MH bulb,” “veg light.”

Cronk Tip: Replace MH with full-spectrum LEDs for efficiency and lower heat.

Metabolism (Plant)

The sum of chemical reactions that sustain plant life — growth, energy production, and defense.

Grower Slang: “Plant engine.”

Optimized by proper temperature, CO₂, and nutrient ratios.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients required in small amounts: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo).

Grower Slang: “Micros.”

Cronk Tip: Cronk Micro delivers chelated micronutrients for perfect absorption across pH ranges.

Microbe

A microscopic organism — bacteria, fungi, or protozoa — that drives soil health and nutrient cycling.

Grower Slang: “Bennies,” “micro life.”

Cronk Tip: Monkey Juice is packed with beneficial microbes for explosive root growth.

Microbial Inoculant

A product containing beneficial microbes designed to colonize the root zone.

Grower Slang: “Root starter.”

Encourages nutrient conversion and plant immunity.

Microclimate

The localized environment around your plants, influenced by air movement, light, and humidity.

Grower Slang: “Grow zone.”

Optimizing microclimate = stronger plants and fewer issues.

Microgreens

Young seedlings harvested at 7–21 days for food or testing environments.

Grower Slang: “Mini greens.”

Not common for cannabis, but useful in companion crop systems.

Microorganism

Any tiny living entity, such as bacteria, fungi, or algae.

Grower Slang: “Micros,” “tiny life.”

Microscopy

Using a microscope to inspect trichomes, pests, or microbes.

Grower Slang: “Scope check.”

Essential for determining trichome ripeness before harvest.

Mildew (Powdery Mildew)

A common fungal disease that appears as white powder on leaves.

Grower Slang: “PM,” “powder.”

Cronk Tip: Keep humidity under 55% in bloom and improve airflow.

Milky Trichomes

Trichomes that appear cloudy under magnification, indicating peak THC production.

Grower Slang: “Milky heads.”

Cronk Tip: Harvest when trichomes are 70–80% cloudy for maximum potency.

Mineralization

The process of converting organic matter into plant-available mineral nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Nutrient cycling.”

Critical in composting and living soil systems.

Misting

Applying fine water or nutrient spray to leaves.

Grower Slang: “Foliar spray.”

Do under low light to prevent spotting or burn.

Mites

Tiny arachnid pests that feed on plant sap.

Grower Slang: “Spider mites,” “red dots.”

Control with IPM and beneficial insects like predatory mites.

Mix Ratio

The proportion of nutrients or additives mixed with water.

Grower Slang: “Feed ratio.”

Cronk Tip: Always add CalMag → Grow → Micro → Bloom → Additives (in that order).

Mobile Nutrients

Nutrients that can move from old leaves to new growth (e.g., N, P, K, Mg).

Grower Slang: “Movers.”

Deficiencies appear in older leaves first.

Moisture Content

The percentage of water in plant tissue or soil.

Grower Slang: “Moisture level.”

Target 10–12% in cured buds for perfect burn and flavor.

Molasses

A natural carbohydrate source that feeds microbes and enhances flavor.

Grower Slang: “Sugar feed.”

Cronk Tip: Sticky Bandit provides plant-available carbohydrates without sticky residue.

Monocrop

Growing a single plant species or strain in a space.

Grower Slang: “Single strain run.”

Simplifies feeding but increases pest and disease risk.

Monosilicic Acid

A plant-available form of silica that strengthens cell walls and stress tolerance.

Grower Slang: “Mono silica.”

Cronk Tip: Armadillo Armour provides pure monosilicic acid — always add first in your mix.

Monster Crop

Taking clones from flowering plants to re-veg and create bushy, branch-heavy growth.

Grower Slang: “Re-veg clone.”

Increases yield potential but requires longer recovery.

Mother Plant

A healthy female plant maintained for cloning.

Grower Slang: “Mom,” “clone donor.”

Cronk Tip: Feed mothers a mild nutrient mix and prune regularly to keep structure tight.

Mulch

A layer of organic material (like straw, leaves, or compost) placed on top of soil to retain moisture and support microbes.

Grower Slang: “Top cover.”

Cronk Tip: Use with PuurOrganics systems for living soil moisture stability.

Mutation

A genetic variation that causes a plant to grow differently from the norm (e.g., odd leaf shape or color).

Grower Slang: “Mutant pheno.”

Can be harmless or lead to unique strain traits.

Mycelium

The vegetative network of fungi that connects and supports soil ecosystems.

Grower Slang: “Fungal web.”

Healthy mycelium means thriving microbial balance.

Mycorrhizae

Beneficial fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and disease resistance.

Grower Slang: “Mycos,” “root fungus.”

Mylar

Reflective material used to increase light efficiency in grow tents.

Grower Slang: “Reflective wall.”

Increases light penetration by up to 30%.

Myrcene

A dominant terpene in many cannabis strains, known for musky, earthy aromas and relaxing effects.

Grower Slang: “Couch-lock terp,” “gas note.”

Found in classics like Kush, Skunk, and Mango.

Mids (Slang)

Grower slang for average-quality cannabis — decent but not premium.

Grower Slang: “Middle shelf.”

Often used jokingly among growers comparing runs.

Microbe Tea

A liquid brew containing beneficial bacteria and fungi.

Grower Slang: “Compost tea,” “microbe brew.”

Aerate for 24 hours for active microbial growth.

Mist Chamber

A humidity-controlled propagation unit for clones or seedlings.

Grower Slang: “Cloner dome,” “mist box.”

Maintains high humidity for root development.

Moisture Meter

A device that measures water content in soil or medium.

Grower Slang: “Soil probe.”

Helps prevent overwatering and root rot.

Mold

Fungal growth that thrives in high humidity and poor airflow.

Grower Slang: “Bud rot,” “white fuzz.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain airflow, keep RH below 50% in bloom, and remove infected material immediately.

Mycotoxin

A toxic compound produced by certain molds or fungi.

Grower Slang: “Toxin mold.”

Prevent with clean drying and proper humidity control.

Micropore Filter

A filter used in humidifiers or mushroom-style grow setups to allow air while blocking contaminants.

Grower Slang: “Air filter patch.”

Micro Drip Line

A precision irrigation system delivering slow, steady water flow to each plant.

Grower Slang: “Drip line.”

Perfect for coco or hydro runs.