Monster cropping is a powerful method of creating huge buds from flowering cannabis plants. Also known as Flowering Clones, it’s not as popular as other training techniques but it often leads to remarkable harvests.
By taking the budding clones and putting them back to vegetation, we create a bunch of plants with more colas.
Thus, its name is an apt description of what to expect when we practice it. In monster cropping, that’s exactly what we’ll get: gigantic plants that produce monster buds.
While it leads to successful results outdoors, monster cropping is even more useful in the grow room. As any indoor cannabis grower knows, it’s tough to maximize every inch of space and light in an indoor setup.
Most of the time, the plants don’t get equal amount of light, so some would be flowering while others are still vegetating.
To combat this problem, it makes sense to grow cannabis plants that are already in the same stage of the flowering cycle.
As such, instead of just one mother plant hogging the light and air, they will be optimized by several clones.
Learn more about the benefits of monster cropping and other advanced growing techniques when you download my free marijuana grow bible.
Once the plant is fully grown you will need to start thinking about flowering, and of course, harvest time.
Additionally, the cloning process boosts their energies to grow long side branches and produce more THC. As a result, we get bushy plants that create huge delicious buds.
To get the best results, the right knowledge is necessary as well as a bit of growing experience. So, in this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about monster cropping.
Once we understand the basics, we can apply this method with confidence.
How to monster crop marijuana plants
Before we start taking clones, it’s best to read up on the procedure to avoid mistakes. Basically, the process is the same except that in monster cropping, we take the cuttings while the plant is budding.
It’s not typical to take clones from flowering cannabis and many experts would even say that it’s not a smart move. However, growers who try it enjoy enormous results, and the science behind it checks out.
But first, let’s look at some vital information to help us understand more.
What is monster cropping?
Monster cropping can cause considerable stress to the cannabis plant. Cutting good parts of it to grow the clones places a huge burden on its overall health.
If not done right, it could weaken the plant and even cause it to stop growing. But when done right re-vegging flowering clones will cause them to grow monstrous!
Stress rejuvenates cannabis
Interestingly, if done properly, the effects of stress can be beneficial to the plants as it can trigger the development of desired traits.
This includes the more vigorous growth of leaves and branches as well as more nodes and bud sites.
Best of all, experts believe that the stress response of cannabis plants is to release high levels of THC. And this is why training techniques often produce high-quality weed.
Monster cropping is not for all strains
Unfortunately, due to the trauma on the plants, monster cropping is suitable only for regular photoperiod strains. Even so, they need enough time to recover from the damage.
Luckily, regular strains have long life cycles which help them get more time to heal and finish flowering.
Selecting the correct strain is a vital part of monster cropping. Make sure to check out high-quality regular seeds in our marijuana seed bank.
Buy feminized seeds
- Every plant will produce flowers
- No time wasted growing useless cannabis
- Grow nothing but harvestable plants
However, auto-flowering varieties require only a few weeks to grow which is not ideal for cutting out clones. Hence, it’s better not to apply high-stress methods like monster cropping on them.
Also read Low stress training marijuana plants
On the other hand, they can handle all kinds of low-stress methods like LST, ScrOG, and super cropping.
Gather materials
When doing the procedure, always use clean and sharp scissors to reduce any chances of infection. In fact, some growers go to the extent of sterilizing their cutting tools.
This is vital to help the plant heal easily from the damage and the clones to root successfully. Of course, we also need a container with clean water to soak the stem of the clones and make it root.
Start and try monster cropping
Now that we have the essentials, it’s time to learn about the steps. In this section, we will demonstrate how to execute monster cropping correctly.
Step 1: Choose the clones
The best time to cut some clones is when the marijuana plant is about 3 weeks into the flowering stage. But it’s also okay to take them later as this won’t affect the outcome.
When choosing which parts to take, go for the lower branches as they tend to root faster than from the ones on the top. And cut diagonally across the stem so there’s more surface for nutrients and water to get in. Additionally, it will provide more surface for the roots to grow.
When planning how many clones to take, keep in mind that not all of them will survive. Due to some unforeseen variables, some clones will just not sprout new leaves. So, it’s wise to keep a balance between how much to take and how much to leave for the donor plant to still produce a decent harvest.
Step 2: Root the cuttings
Clones root faster when the growing medium is a few degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature.
Jorge Cervantes
After taking the clones, place it in a glass of water and let it sit there for some time. This will ensure that no air seeps into its fragile vascular system.
Otherwise, the clone will suffer from a fatal condition and all our efforts will go to waste.
Step 3: Revert to vegetation
To get the clones back to the vegetative state, simply utilize the light schedule for that stage. Depending on what we prefer, we can choose 18/6, 20/4, or 24/0.
And don’t worry about the light’s intensity since the clones don’t need much to survive. Just be sure not to disturb the buds on the clones or they will stop growing.
Boost with SCROG
To maximize the product of our hard work, we can combine monster cropping with the ScrOG method.
To any serious cannabis grower, this makes a lot of sense as ScrOGging is easy to apply and highly effective. For sure, this combo will create heavy branches of monster buds in the shortest time.
Monster cropping creates monster buds
When it comes to training methods, this cropping method may not be the most popular or common, but it sure offers amazing results. As such, we get several clones that grow great buds at the same time with the donor plant. So, it’s a great way to get an endless supply of superior weed.
To make monster cropping work, it’s important to focus on each step so we can avoid errors. Moreover, this method requires a lot of work, so commitment to the craft is essential. But once we see the stunning results, all the hard work will make all the trouble worth it.
My free little Harvest Guide will help you determine the best moment to cut your monster buds!
Though experience in cloning is an advantage, newbies can still be successful with a bit of patience and knowledge. With enough practice, we will gain the confidence to use it as often as we want to get as many quality buds as possible.
Other pruning methods
Besides monstercropping, there are more techniques to prune your plants for more yield. Find a short explanation in my pruning article, or head directly to a technique below:
- Topping
- Fimming
- Schwazzing
- High Stress Training
- Low Stress Training
- Mainlining
FAQs about monster cropping marijuana
Should I monster crop my plant as a beginner grower?
It is recommended to read up on the procedure to avoid making any mistakes since even though this method provides enormous yields, mistakes can end up hurting your plants.
What cannabis plants are suitable for monster cropping?
Monster cropping is only suitable for regular photo-period strains, since their long life cycle gives them enough time to fully heal and finish flowering.
can you monster crop outdoor growing?
I tried this method last summer, but I removed the bud placing the cuttings into rainwater for twenty-four hours then into jiffies. I used the sunlight from sunset till sundown then placed them under an ordinary household light bulb for the remainder of the night. I did this for two weeks. Fantastic results grown outdoors.
It’s all about getting the best results from your stran and Biggest yield
I want to learn more about growing marijuana
Great video Monster Cropping Looks right my ally would of not of thought Cutting it That way Great tips .. I Will be starting my plant in February then put them into flower late march cut clones in late april and Plant the plants outside so they will go back to veg and hope for a super monstrous cropping plants!!!
I’m going to try monster cropping for 1st time this video answered alot of questions plus what not to do. Thank you
Did I miss it somewhere in here or what? HOW LONG SHOULD YOU REVEG?? Until a certain size? Or a certain amount of time? Doesn’t seem to say, I guess. Thanks bruhs. And thanks author! Happy BYaY! Keep up the good vwerk every buddy. 100% legal, everywhere. I want to be free.
Brutmiester, This article is about Monster Cropping but, I can say that after a reveg, You ask how long should you wait. I ask; How long should you wait for what? I advise you to join our support forum, where we are better set up to help you and you will get quicker answers. Happy growing 🙂
Monster buds are the way to go! I have used this method for almost a year and it works wonderfully! FYI Don’t touch the clone at all for at least 14 days. If you move the clone at all in the dirt it will not grow!
Thank you
Did this by mistake thought I had two trainwreck mothers, scrambled to take low cuttings 3 weeks later when I realized I was missing a mother. ended up with the biggest buds I’d ever grown. Didn’t know why. No more leaving plants in the veg room until I can get Cuttings. Move the razor blades into the flower room. Very cool article
What a great article and I cant wait to give it a try. I’ve got no experience growing but I’ve did alot of research about growing weed in the last 2 years now and I’m saving money for a complete grow tent kit and looking for a place outside for a outdoor project.
Love your vidoes & your growing guide! ✌️
Thanks for the awesome tips Robert,and happy b-day!
Sorry! Just picked this back up… thank you for advice. I realised straight after id typed that of course it couldnt go 12/12 as would be straight back to flower. Doh! I know ive read somewhere that the best time to clone is 2 or 3 weeks into flowering….. but, say i missed it? Say am flushing! Can i still do…. asking for a friend 🙂 Thank youuuuu!
I’ve read that some folks clobe all the way to harvest
bradah willz.
Sorry. That is bad advice. Should not clone late in flower.
Stells.
It is not advisable to clone at finish. Cloning for “monster cropping” is best 2-3 weeks into flower. For normal cloning op, you need to clone before inducing flower photo period. 🙂 Join our forum. We can help you all the way!
Just so I get this right…. cloning in flower would revert her back to veg state? So this would mean having to have a separate light set up? Why couldn’t it go back in with the 12/12? Has anyone done this?
Stells,
Yes, you would need a veg area. I use a small area 2’x2′ and a 2′ T5 with 4 bulbs.
I have placed these cuttings in both a veg photo period..say 18/6, and I have set them out straight back into the flowering room at: 12/12. You can do either; However, using the shorter photo period will result in the plant finishing so much faster and yielding much less. Hope this helps. 🙂
Clyde,
At least 3 weeks of flowering or more. Cuttings from the bottom root easier. Only use regular seed genetics (seeds that have to be sexed once in flower), You will cull the males. Do not use auto flower genetic due to the fact they are genetically predisposed to flower and die in a few weeks. Immediately place cuttings in a glass of water to prevent embolism from occurring, killing the clone. You could actually root the clone in the water just like the sweet potato in elementary school. 🙂 One more thing. The want to use the SOG method. SCROG is is used to train seedlings. Of course; The original plants will be seedlings and you could train them with the SCROG method but, clones will be a SOG (Sea of green) method.
Good luck and happy growing
This is very interesting, but just so i understand it correctly….
Take a plant that is about 3 weeks into flower and cut some clones from the bottom if possible.
root and put those clones back under veg lighting schedule for a few weeks and then switch them back to flower? Then rinse and repeat from the now flowering clones?
Does this require a second tent? Or do you revert everything to 18/6 including the flowering mother?
derold,
It is a matter of choice whether or not you use a 2nd tent to keep plants in perpetual veg 18/6. It is a good idea to keep the mother in a separate space.
I’ve cloned both in the veg cycle and bloom cycle and it works great, I’ve scrog and cloned ak-47, train wreck, banana cush, super silver haze, white widow, purple haze, crystal, and it’s all done indoors and it all works well
Been growing for 35 years and never called it monster cropping lol but this process allows you to keep growing your favorites year after year. Works great and you can add new strains easily then rotate your stock. ✌️
Same here, I was told last year they gave this type of growing a name. I do the same thing this person does but I do it in a little different way…Works like a charm.
I love the results of this method…multi branches w/o the slowing seen by topping…and when taken during the third week of flowering..they are rooted and growing at the mother plants harvest…so every 3 months I harvest (clone king areoponic units give 100% returns once learned)
This is the best thing I have read all a long. Before I read this I started doing it on my own and boy is it true.
Hi Keith, glad we could help!
The general consensus is that you do not top or cut on auto flower plants.
Repotting them is still up for debate. Some growers say place them in one pot and leave there. Others have started in some type of starter cube and then to a 1 gallon, or 3 gallon soil pot.
If you use hydroponics system; You can start the seed and place in system and be done transferring.
Can you monster crop autos??
Mona,
Not sure what you are asking. If you are asking if cropping would affect potency; Then the answer is NO. Potency is not affected by one method of growing or another. Lights; Environment; Temps, and Humidity; Along with a balanced nutrient schedule, and a lot of care, dictate potency. All this of course is based on high quality genetics being used.
Anyone know how/if potency is affected?
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Just had my best ever yield after accidentally monster cropping my cuttings. What I found was they filled the space much more evenly particularly the corners and required no scrog work making the veg time shorter. Cuttings took a bit longer to strike and get going but if you strike them at 2 weeks into flower they’ll be perfectly timed for the next crop
Thanks for sharing!
Can u help with my monster crop comment? Thx
I have 3 nicely rooted folwered clones. Do I leave the apex bud there? Do I need to remove it for re veg?
I fell across “monster cropping” just by dumb luck and a guy that let his plants get to tall for his room. I was asked to check out a grow site for a buddy and give him some pointers. Well I seen his plants just burning on his lights!!! Can’t take the lights up any higher and can’t lower the plants any lower 🙁 cut off the dead brown ones I said and let’s tie the rest down. We had to cut off 3 to 4 inches from some of these tops. I felt so bad doing it that I wanted to try and save or rescue any and all that I could lol. Dude says “you can’t root a bud bro.” I said “you mind if I try?” “Go for it!.” he says. “I bet you an Oz you can’t do it.” He says…….. Challenge excepted. 🙂 I had what looked like the worlds smallest flowering “Casey Jones” plant for about a month then over night BOOM!! This thing turned into the monster bush!! I thought I was onto something ……. Lol.
I am currently trying this method and am completely blown away at the massive results, omg no lost time topping etc , using cream caramel from sweet seeds and ive been growing 8years, this is an amazing find thank you so much
hey weed man–you are not a part of this organization are you? Have you free loaded all your life?
This article , like the rest I’ve read so far is awesome. This is something i haven’t read about, and I’ve read alot. So glad to have found this site.Keep up the good work and thank you for the information.
I had forgotten about this, but yes it does work awesomely
I have to ask about lights. It has to do with LED’s. I have not heard much here about them. What are your thoughts about them
There awesome , cost effective and the low heat out put is perfect for my set up sinceci put my stick 3in off the cola .. Sticks work great on “Tipped” plants since u can cover many colas /branches . I use blue And red lights for veg +flower and purple for germ. But I have moved the purple over colas and had good harvests… I swear by Mine. Idk if u seen a cola have sex with a bulb but my girls do ..lol they Wrap there Fan fingers around the bulb and they capture max light . only possible with LED since u would Burn the whole cola using HID or Flur.
Monster Cropping over here on the west coast of the us is a totally different thing, which incorporates LST, Super-cropping, SCROG, and in most cases DWC Hydroponics all used together.
I take em as late as day of harvest . I rarely loose one …
I have never had very good luck with taking clones from a flowering plant, but maybe I have gone beyond the 3 week mark. The article makes me want to give it another shot though.
THIS LOOKS AWSOME GOTTA TRY IT THANKS FOR THE TIP MAYBE A NICE VIDEO ON THIS LIKE YA DID ON THE SCROG
I have seen this successfully done on a lemon haze with great results. There was always at least one unflowered clone at the suggestion of those ‘experts’ to supposedly maintain the original genetics better, but yes, a “perpetual garden” with very few plants was very successfully maintained using techniques very similar to as described here by Robert. I’m glad to see someone actually describe the process, I’ve always only seen it in such detail passed around first person, not really on a public forum or any other reputable sites similar to this one.
Oh yeah. The strain was “Oldtimes”, an underground UK strain.
I have done this a few times with success. I owuld like to add; I actually have taken cuttings during flower stage, and placed directly into moist soil pot. I left clones in the flower room under 12/12; Shorter photo periods promote faster root growth. Now; I did not get a lot of bud at 1st.
The plant rooted and then began to grow new leaf sets, which are imperative for re-vegitating the plant. At the end of the grow; I remove the bud, but left all the other foliage. This turned into a re-vegitated Mom, from which I took cuttings and cloned them. Once in a 5g bubbler, I grew one of these clones to a LB. yield “dry”. Using my Dutch Master Formula. Try it out. You will like this technique. Good stuff! 😀