An important question that arises as you become a serious grower is how to increase terpenes and terpenoids in your plants. This blog will cover all the necessary bits of information you need to know about terpenes and terpenoids.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils categorized with distinctive aromas and flavors, such as mint, citrus, berry, and more. They are extracted from plants and used in all kinds of industries, especially the medical industry. Terpenoids, terpenes, along flavonoids are abundant across the entire plant kingdom.

Function of Terpenes

Terpenes are organic compounds that emit a strong odor deterring insects and herbivores. Hence, they play an important role in pest protection. As for consumers, terpenes play an essential role in enhancing aroma and flavor, each with unique effects and benefits to each strain. This is the reason why growers want to acquire more knowledge on how to increase terpenoids and terpenes.

Difference between Terpenoids and Terpenes?

Terpenoids get denatured by oxidation. This means that they occur in drying and curing the flower. Terpenes, on the other hand, are hydrocarbons.

How to Increase Terpenoids and Terpenes

The tactics to increase terpenoids and terpenes will not just only increase terpene production but will also result in better plants all around!

Follow these tactics for healthier plants, heavier yields, and enhanced flavor and aroma!

Select Genetics Carefully

Select high-quality genetics to ensure your flowers are rich in terpenes, as the seeds’ quality plays a vital role in the terpene profile. Hence, it serves as a source of high-quality and reputable genetics.

Some strains have more striking terpene profiles than others and will naturally have an earthy or musky aroma. In contrast, others have a fruity or citrusy aroma.

Low-Stress Training (LST)

Plants tend to increase terpene and trichome production under stress. We are going to concentrate on low-stress training.

Branch Pinching

Branch pinching is one of the LST methods that manipulate the direction of growth by lightly pinching the stems and bending them. This tactic increases terpene production through a low level of stress and helps the plant receive more light.

Pruning

Pruning technique involves trimming the lower half of your plant, allowing more energy to produce flowers on your plant’s upper half. This method also causes a low level of stress, increasing trichome and terpene development.

Use of organic nutrients

Always let your plants grow organically. An organically grown plant also has a richer terpene profile than a plant that is grown on chemicals. The organic nutrients enable the plant to grow to its full potential as nature intended. Plants grown organically also have a distinct and natural flavor and aroma, unlike plants with altered flavor or smell due to synthetics.

Many supplements can enable your plant to increase terpenes, such as amino acids and carbohydrates. There are terpene enhancers that you can use to increase terpene production, such as True Terpenes.

A good flush

It is one of the essential pre-harvest steps. In this step, you cut down all nutrients given to the plant for a week or two and only pour pure water. This process enables the plant to consume the nutrients left in the cell walls and prevent its consumption. This eventually leaves the consumer with a more distinct flavor and aroma.

Environment controls

It is very vital to know the ideal range of temperature for your plant. High temperature can damage terpenes. You may lower the temperature in the last cycle of flowering and increase the yield and enhance aroma and flavor.

A grower shall ensure 50 to 60% of humidity to the plant throughout the growth cycle. However, by decreasing humidity to around 30%, there can be an increase in terpene development, but this requires a dehumidifier. Lowering humidity should be practiced during the last few weeks of flowering only.

Harvest on time

Always ensure that you harvest your plant at the right time, as it impacts the terpene profile directly.

Harvesting too early will lead to the plant being underdeveloped, while harvesting late will degrade its terpenes. It is vital to closely examine the trichomes of your plant to determine the right time to harvest.

Curing and drying

An even more important step to increase terpenoids and terpenes in plants is drying and curing. Growers need to ensure they dry the plant low and slowly. It is very important to know the drying and curing process as it directly impacts the plants’ terpenes. If you dry your plant too quickly, you will damage the terpenes. We won’t recommend you to rush to consume the flowers as it may lead to unsatisfactory quality.

Final Thoughts

If you use the tactics and steps suggested, you will experience an increase in terpenes in your plants, enhancing their aroma and flavor. If you would like to learn more, you can call the experts at GroIndoor.com at 866-GRO-INDR today!