Grower Glossary – PUpdated 8 days ago

P

“P” powers photosynthesis, phosphorus, and plant potential. In this glossary, learn about pH balance, photoperiods, pruning, and PuurOrganics — Cronk’s signature organic nutrient line for living soil growers.

P (Phosphorus)

One of the three macronutrients (N–P–K), vital for root growth, flowering, and energy transfer.

Grower Slang: “P,” “phos.”

Cronk Tip: Use Bloom (Classic Line) or PuurPhos to boost root and bud development during flowering.

P-Deficiency (Phosphorus Deficiency)

A lack of available phosphorus, showing as dark or purple stems and slow growth.

Grower Slang: “P drop.”

Cronk Tip: Check pH — low pH (<6.0) often causes phosphorus lockout.

P-Boost

A bloom-phase feeding strategy or additive high in phosphorus.

Grower Slang: “Phos boost,” “PK shot.”

Cronk Tip: Apply Bud Booster (0-1-3) mid-flower to enhance bud density and resin.

P-Trap (Hydro Term)

A drainage loop that prevents odors from escaping a hydro or waste line.

Grower Slang: “Drain trap.”

pH (Potential of Hydrogen)

Measures how acidic or alkaline your water or medium is (0–14 scale).

Grower Slang: “Acidity,” “balance.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain 5.8–6.3 in hydro/coco, 6.0–6.8 in soil for optimal nutrient uptake.

pH Down / pH Up

Acidic or basic solutions used to adjust pH levels.

Grower Slang: “pH fixers.”

Cronk Tip: Add slowly — overshooting pH causes lockout or stress.

pH Drift

The gradual rise or fall of pH in a reservoir or medium over time.

Grower Slang: “pH swing.”

Normal if within 0.2–0.3 daily — helps with balanced nutrient uptake.

pH Lockout

When incorrect pH prevents nutrient absorption.

Grower Slang: “Locked,” “blocked.”

Cronk Tip: Flush with pH-balanced water and recalibrate feed.

pH Pen

A digital tool for measuring water or nutrient pH.

Grower Slang: “pH meter.”

Calibrate weekly for accuracy.

pH Stabilizer

A compound that helps maintain stable pH in nutrient solutions.

Grower Slang: “Buffer.”

Found in quality base nutrients like Cronk Micro.

Par (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)

The range of light wavelengths (400–700 nm) used in photosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “Grow light energy.”

Measured as PPFD (μmol/m²/s).

Parasite

An organism that feeds on plants, causing damage or disease.

Grower Slang: “Plant leech.”

Common examples: spider mites, aphids, root aphids.

Part Per Million (PPM)

A measurement of nutrient concentration in water.

Grower Slang: “Feed strength.”

1.0 EC ≈ 500–700 PPM depending on conversion scale.

Particle Size

Refers to soil granule dimensions that affect aeration and drainage.

Grower Slang: “Soil texture.”

Mix perlite or coco for ideal balance.

Pathogen

A disease-causing organism (fungus, virus, or bacteria).

Grower Slang: “Plant disease.”

Prevent with hygiene and beneficial microbes.

Peat Moss

A natural organic material used to retain water and improve structure in soil mixes.

Grower Slang: “Peat base.”

Often blended with perlite for seedling mixes.

Pedicel

The small stem attaching a flower to its branch.

Grower Slang: “Bud stem.”

Short, thick pedicels often signal heavy buds.

Penetration (Light Penetration)

How deeply light reaches through the plant canopy.

Grower Slang: “Light reach.”

Cronk Tip: Manage canopy spacing to prevent shadowing.

Percolation

The movement of water through soil or medium.

Grower Slang: “Drain rate.”

Good percolation = strong roots + no rot.

Perennial

A plant that lives for more than two years.

Grower Slang: “Lifer.”

Cannabis is typically an annual, but mothers can be kept indefinitely.

Perlite

A volcanic rock expanded by heat to create a lightweight, porous medium.

Grower Slang: “White fluff.”

Cronk Tip: Improves aeration in soil and coco mixes.

Pest

Any unwanted insect or organism that damages plants.

Grower Slang: “Bugs.”

Cronk Tip: Implement IPM — neem oil, sticky traps, and beneficial insects.

PGR (Plant Growth Regulator)

Chemicals that artificially alter plant growth.

Grower Slang: “Hardener,” “PGR juice.”

Avoid synthetic PGRs — they reduce quality. Cronk nutrients are PGR-free.

Pheno (Phenotype)

The physical expression of a plant’s genetics — structure, smell, color, yield.

Grower Slang: “Pheno,” “cut.”

Cronk Tip: Hunt for phenos that thrive in your setup — clone keepers show consistency.

Pheno-Hunt

Testing multiple seeds or clones to find the best phenotype.

Grower Slang: “Pheno run,” “hunt.”

A crucial step for breeders and connoisseur growers.

Phosphates (PO₄³⁻)

Plant-available forms of phosphorus.

Grower Slang: “P source.”

Cronk Tip: Found in Bloom and PuurPhos for root and flower energy.

Photoperiod

The length of light vs darkness in a day.

Grower Slang: “Light cycle.”

Controls flowering in photoperiod cannabis strains (12/12 trigger).

Photoperiodic Response

How plants react to changes in day length.

Grower Slang: “Light trigger.”

Autos ignore this — they’re day-neutral.

Photosynthesis

The process plants use to convert light, CO₂, and water into energy (sugars).

Grower Slang: “Plant fuel.”

Cronk Tip: Optimal CO₂ (1200–1500 ppm) + strong light = maximum photosynthesis.

Phototropism

The plant’s growth movement toward light.

Grower Slang: “Light lean.”

Balanced light prevents uneven stretching.

Phyllotaxy

The arrangement of leaves on a stem.

Grower Slang: “Leaf pattern.”

Helps identify maturity and strain characteristics.

Phytoalexins

Natural plant defense compounds produced in response to stress or infection.

Grower Slang: “Plant immune boost.”

Healthy feeding and silica support their production.

Phytochemistry

The study of plant-based compounds, like cannabinoids and terpenes.

Grower Slang: “Plant chemistry.”

Phytotoxicity

Chemical damage to plants from sprays or excessive fertilizers.

Grower Slang: “Burn.”

Always test foliar sprays before full use.

Picogram (pg)

A trillionth of a gram — used in measuring trace hormone levels.

Grower Slang: “Tiny dose.”

Pile (Compost Pile)

A heap of decomposing organic material used to create compost.

Grower Slang: “Compost heap.”

Cronk Tip: Keep pile moist, aerated, and balanced (green + brown material).

Piping (Slang)

Grower slang for smoking, or airflow through irrigation lines.

Grower Slang: “Pipe hit,” “pipe clean.”

Pistol / Pistil

The female reproductive organ of the cannabis flower.

Grower Slang: “Hair,” “white hairs.”

Pistils darken and curl as buds mature — a key harvest indicator.

Pitfall (Grower Slang)

A mistake or issue that causes major setbacks in growing.

Grower Slang: “Rookie move.”

Cronk Tip: Avoid by following feed charts, monitoring pH, and keeping logs.

Pith

The soft core inside plant stems that stores nutrients and water.

Grower Slang: “Stem core.”

Plant Growth Promoter (PGP)

Natural biostimulants that encourage healthy growth.

Grower Slang: “Growth booster.”

Cronk Tip: Monkey Juice contains microbial PGPs for stronger roots and shoots.

Plant Hormones (Phytohormones)

Chemical messengers that regulate plant growth and development (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins).

Grower Slang: “Plant signals.”

Plant Sap Analysis

A diagnostic test measuring nutrients inside plant tissue.

Grower Slang: “Sap test.”

More precise than runoff EC or leaf testing.

Plant Stress

Any environmental or chemical condition that disrupts normal growth.

Grower Slang: “Stress,” “shock.”

Cronk Tip: Use Armadillo Armour (Silica) to harden plants against stress.

Plant Tissue Culture (PTC)

A sterile propagation technique using small plant cells or tissue samples.

Grower Slang: “Microclone,” “lab clone.”

Used by breeders for genetic preservation.

Plant Training

Shaping plants using bending, topping, or pruning to maximize light use.

Grower Slang: “Training,” “SCROG.”

Cronk Tip: Combine LST and topping for even canopy growth.

Plant Uptake

The process by which roots absorb nutrients from the medium.

Grower Slang: “Feeding.”

Plant Vigor

Overall strength and growth rate of a plant.

Grower Slang: “Vigour,” “fast growth.”

Healthy root systems and balanced nutrition = maximum vigor.

Plastic Pot

A common grow container made from molded plastic.

Grower Slang: “Hard pot.”

Switch to fabric pots for better aeration and root pruning.

Plug (Seedling Plug)

A small starter cube made from coco, peat, or foam used for germination.

Grower Slang: “Starter,” “plug.”

Cronk Tip: Ideal for transplanting into coco or hydro systems.

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from male to female plants to produce seeds.

Grower Slang: “Pollen drop.”

Unwanted pollination creates seeded buds (“nanners”).

Pop (Slang – Germination)

Grower slang for a seed sprouting or cracking open.

Grower Slang: “Seed pop.”

Cronk Tip: Keep temps 24–28°C and medium moist — not soaked.

Pot (Container)

The vessel used to grow a plant.

Grower Slang: “Grow pot.”

Cronk Tip: Use 1-gal per month of growth (e.g., 5-gal for 5-month cycle).

Potash

Another name for potassium (K).

Grower Slang: “K feed.”

Essential for flower formation and plant immunity.

PuurOrganics

Cronk Nutrients’ 100% organic, plant-based nutrient line formulated for growers who want clean, sustainable feeding with professional performance.

Grower Slang: “Puur,” “the organics line.”

Designed for living soil, coco, and outdoor gardens — providing balanced nutrition from natural sources like soy, & pumpkin seed.

Cronk Tip: Pair with Monkey Juice for enhanced microbial activity and stronger, more flavorful harvests.

Potency

The strength of cannabinoids (mainly THC and CBD) in flower or extract.

Grower Slang: “Strength,” “percent.”

Cronk Tip: Balanced feeding and curing maximize potency and flavor.

Powdery Mildew (PM)

A fungal disease forming white powder on leaves and buds.

Grower Slang: “Powder,” “PM.”

Cronk Tip: Keep humidity under 55% and airflow steady.

Power Draw

The total electrical consumption of grow lights or equipment.

Grower Slang: “Watt pull.”

Use energy-efficient LEDs to reduce heat and cost.

Pre-98 Kush

A classic indica strain predating modern OG Kush hybrids.

Grower Slang: “Pre-98,” “Old-school Kush.”

Known for heavy sedative effects and gassy terpene profile.

Predatory Mites

Beneficial mites that feed on pest mites and insects.

Grower Slang: “Good bugs.”

Part of IPM programs for pest control.

Preflower

The early sign of sex or flowering stage in cannabis.

Grower Slang: “Sex show,” “prebud.”

Appears 4–6 weeks after germination or 7–10 days after flipping to 12/12.

Pressure Washer

A high-pressure tool used for cleaning grow rooms and equipment.

Grower Slang: “Blast clean.”

Use with caution near electrical equipment.

Propagation

The process of starting new plants from seeds or clones.

Grower Slang: “Starting,” “rooting.”

Cronk Tip: Use Bonnie or Grow at ¼ strength for gentle early feeding.

Propagation Dome

A humidity-controlled cover for seedlings or clones.

Grower Slang: “Clone dome.”

Helps maintain moisture for rooting success.

Pruning

The removal of leaves or branches to improve airflow and light penetration.

Grower Slang: “Trim,” “cutback.”

Cronk Tip: Defoliate in stages — never remove more than 30% at once.

Pseudomonas (Bacteria)

A genus of beneficial bacteria that suppress root pathogens.

Grower Slang: “P-microbes.”

Found in some microbial inoculants and Monkey Juice.

Purpled Out (Slang)

Grower slang for buds that turn purple due to genetics or cool temps.

Grower Slang: “Color fade,” “purped.”

Cool nights (18–20°C) enhance color expression in some strains.

Pyrethrin

A natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers.

Grower Slang: “Organic bug spray.”

Safe in veg but not during bloom — can damage trichomes.