Grower Glossary – RUpdated 10 days ago

R

“R” is all about roots, rhizomes, and resin — the real workhorses of every grow. This section explains key root-zone processes, runoff management, and resin formation for high-quality harvests.

R-Value (Insulation Term)

A measurement of how well a material resists heat transfer.

Grower Slang: “Thermal rating.”

Used when insulating grow tents or rooms to maintain consistent temperatures.

Radicle

The first root that emerges from a germinating seed.

Grower Slang: “Taproot start.”

Strong radicle growth leads to a healthy root system.

Rapid Rooter

A seed-starting plug made from composted tree bark and polymers that retain moisture.

Grower Slang: “Starter plug.”

Cronk Tip: Perfect for germination and early root development in coco or hydro systems.

Ratio (Nutrient Ratio)

The relative proportion of elements (N–P–K or micros) in a nutrient solution.

Grower Slang: “Mix ratio.”

Cronk Tip: Keep feeding balanced — high nitrogen for veg, high phosphorus and potassium for bloom.

Re-Veg (Re-Vegetation)

When a flowering plant is reverted back to vegetative growth through extended light exposure.

Grower Slang: “Re-veg,” “back to veg.”

Cronk Tip: Common after monster cropping or cloning from flowered plants.

Reach (Light Distance Slang)

Grower slang describing how far a light penetrates into the canopy.

Grower Slang: “Light reach.”

Adjust canopy spacing for even PPFD across plants.

Reaction Wood

Wood formed by plants in response to stress, such as bending or LST.

Grower Slang: “Stress wood.”

Leads to thicker stems and stronger branches.

Recharge (Microbial Additive)

A product or process that reintroduces beneficial microbes into the root zone.

Grower Slang: “Microbe feed.”

Cronk Tip: Monkey Juice acts as a recharge additive — boosts root health and nutrient uptake.

Recycle-To-Waste (RTW)

A hydroponic system that feeds plants once and discards runoff instead of recirculating it.

Grower Slang: “Drain-to-waste.”

Cronk Tip: Ideal for coco or soil where salt buildup is common.

Red Spectrum

Light wavelengths (around 660 nm) that promote flowering and bud formation.

Grower Slang: “Bloom light.”

Cronk Tip: Increase red light intensity during flower for denser buds and enhanced terpene expression.

Redox Reaction (Reduction-Oxidation)

A chemical exchange where electrons move between molecules, critical in plant respiration and photosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “Energy reaction.”

Reflective Film

Material used on grow room walls to bounce light back toward plants.

Grower Slang: “Reflective wrap.”

Mylar or white poly sheeting boosts light efficiency up to 30%.

Reservoir

A tank or container that stores and circulates nutrient solution in hydroponic or coco grows.

Grower Slang: “Res,” “tank.”

Cronk Tip: Keep reservoir clean, aerated, and between 18–22°C to prevent pathogens.

Resin

The sticky trichome-rich substance produced by cannabis flowers.

Grower Slang: “Frost,” “sap,” “goo.”

Cronk Tip: Resin production peaks with balanced nutrition, strong lighting, and optimal temperature/humidity ratios.

Resin Gland

A trichome structure where cannabinoids and terpenes are produced.

Grower Slang: “Head,” “crystal.”

Clear → Cloudy → Amber = maturity stages.

Respiration

The process by which plants convert sugars into energy, opposite of photosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “Plant breathing.”

Requires oxygen — ensure good airflow and root aeration.

Rest Period

The dark cycle phase when plants recover and build energy.

Grower Slang: “Sleep cycle.”

Disrupting it (light leaks) can cause stress or hermaphroditism.

Retention (Moisture Retention)

How well a medium holds water.

Grower Slang: “Hold rate.”

Balance retention and drainage for oxygen-rich root zones.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

A water filtration method that removes minerals and impurities.

Grower Slang: “RO water,” “clean water.”

Cronk Tip: Always add CalMag when using RO — it strips out essential calcium and magnesium.

Revive (Recovery Feeding)

A light nutrient feeding given to stressed or recently transplanted plants.

Grower Slang: “Rescue feed.”

Cronk Tip: Use Grow + CalMag at ¼ strength to restore vigor.

RH (Relative Humidity)

The amount of moisture in the air compared to maximum possible at that temperature.

Grower Slang: “Humidity.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain

• Veg: 60–70% RH

• Bloom: 45–55% RH

• Drying: 50–60% RH

Ripe

The stage when buds have reached full cannabinoid and terpene maturity.

Grower Slang: “Ready,” “done.”

Check trichomes for cloudy heads with 10–20% amber for ideal harvest timing.

Ripening Phase

The final stage of flowering when buds swell, pistils darken, and resin thickens.

Grower Slang: “Final swell.”

Cronk Tip: Reduce nitrogen and lower humidity to enhance ripening.

Rippers (Slang)

Grower slang for people who steal plants or harvests.

Grower Slang: “Crop thieves.”

Security Tip: Lock grows, use motion lights, and avoid location sharing.

Rockwool

A hydroponic medium made from spun basalt fibers.

Grower Slang: “Wool block,” “cube.”

Great for clones or hydro grows but must be pH-conditioned before use.

Root Ball

The dense mass of roots that forms inside a container.

Grower Slang: “Root clump.”

Healthy root balls are white, firm, and smell earthy — not sour.

Root Bound

When roots circle and compact around the pot, restricting growth.

Grower Slang: “Pot-bound.”

Cronk Tip: Transplant early or use fabric pots for natural air pruning.

Root Hair

Tiny extensions of root cells that absorb water and nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Feeder hairs.”

Sensitive to pH changes and oxygen levels.

Root Mass

The total volume of a plant’s root system.

Grower Slang: “Root zone.”

Bigger root mass = bigger yield potential.

Root Pruning

Trimming or air-pruning roots to encourage new lateral growth.

Grower Slang: “Root trim.”

Cronk Tip: Fabric pots naturally prune roots for stronger growth.

Root Rot

A fungal or bacterial disease that causes roots to brown and decay.

Grower Slang: “Slimy roots.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain oxygen levels and avoid standing water; Monkey Juice supports microbial defense.

Root Shock

Stress caused by transplanting or root damage.

Grower Slang: “Transplant shock.”

Cronk Tip: Water immediately after transplant and use Monkey Juice to ease recovery.

Root Zone

The area of soil or medium where roots grow and absorb nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Rhizosphere.”

Cronk Tip: Keep root zone oxygenated, pH-balanced, and microbe-rich.

Root Zone Temperature (RZT)

The temperature of the medium surrounding roots.

Grower Slang: “Soil temp.”

Ideal range: 18–22°C (65–72°F). Low RZT slows uptake; high RZT risks root rot.

Runt (Slang)

Grower slang for a small, slow-developing plant.

Grower Slang: “Tiny pheno.”

Can still produce fire buds with care — some “runts” become legendary (like Runtz).

Runtz (Strain Term)

A famous hybrid strain combining Gelato and Zkittlez genetics.

Grower Slang: “Runtz,” “Z-candy.”

Known for sweet candy terps, high resin production, and colorful buds.

Runoff

Excess nutrient solution draining from pots after watering.

Grower Slang: “Drain water.”

Cronk Tip: Always test runoff EC and pH — it’s the best way to monitor root zone balance.

Rust Spots

Brown or reddish marks on leaves from calcium deficiency or pH imbalance.

Grower Slang: “Leaf rust.”

Cronk Tip: Add CalMag and confirm pH range (5.8–6.3).