7 Steps to Grow Exotic Cannabis
Welcome to your comprehensive guide on how to grow exotic cannabis! Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis cultivator or a beginner looking to grow your own plants, this article will provide you with all the information you need to grow exotic cannabis strains that are sure to impress. With proper care and attention, you can produce high-quality buds with unique flavors, aromas, and effects that will take your cannabis experience to the next level.
Table of Contents:
- What is exotic cannabis?
- Benefits of growing exotic cannabis
- Key factors to consider before growing exotic cannabis
- Popular exotic cannabis strains and their characteristics
- Selecting the best strain for your needs
- Where to find exotic cannabis seeds
- Indoor vs outdoor growing
- Choosing the right grow lights
- Temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements
- Soil vs hydroponic setups
- Preparing your seeds for germination
- Methods of germination
- Caring for seedlings
- Lighting, watering, and nutrient requirements
- Training techniques
- Pruning and topping
- Lighting, watering, and nutrient requirements
- Managing pests and diseases
- Harvesting and curing your buds
- Super cropping
- Screen of Green (ScrOG)
- Sea of Green (SoG)
- Defoliation
- Summary of key points
- Final thoughts on growing exotic cannabis.
We hope this guide helps you on your journey to growing exotic cannabis. Good luck, and happy growing!
1. Introduction:
Cannabis has been cultivated for thousands of years, and today, there are many different strains available to growers. One type of cannabis that has become increasingly popular in recent years is exotic cannabis. Exotic cannabis strains are known for their unique flavors, aromas, and effects that can be quite different from more common varieties. In this article, we will explore what exotic cannabis is, the benefits of growing it, and key factors to consider before you start.

What is Exotic Cannabis?
Exotic cannabis strains are typically those that have been selectively bred to produce unique traits in their buds. These strains can have exotic flavors and aromas, and may also have different effects than more common strains. Some examples of exotic cannabis strains include Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue, and Blue Dream. These strains are known for their potency, flavor, and effects, and are often sought after by connoisseurs.
Benefits of Growing Exotic Cannabis:
There are several benefits to growing exotic cannabis strains. First and foremost, these strains can provide a unique cannabis experience that is different from what you might get from more common strains. This can be especially appealing to those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes, as different strains can have different therapeutic effects. Additionally, growing exotic cannabis can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to explore the many different varieties of this amazing plant.
Key Factors to Consider Before Growing Exotic Cannabis:
Before you start growing exotic cannabis, there are several key factors you should consider. First, you will need to make sure that you have the right equipment and space to grow your plants. This may include grow lights, a grow tent, and other accessories. You will also need to make sure that you have the right strain for your needs, as different strains can have different growing requirements. Additionally, you will need to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation, as growing cannabis may not be legal in all areas.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can set yourself up for success when growing exotic cannabis. With the right equipment, knowledge, and patience, you can produce high-quality buds that are sure to impress.
2. Choosing the Right Strain
Choosing the right exotic cannabis strain is crucial to producing high-quality buds. There are many different exotic strains available, each with its own unique characteristics, flavors, and effects. Here are some of the most popular exotic cannabis strains and their characteristics:
- Girl Scout Cookies: Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a hybrid strain that has become very popular in recent years. GSC is known for its sweet, earthy flavor and potent effects. This strain has a high THC content and can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Gorilla Glue: Gorilla Glue is a potent hybrid strain that is known for its sticky, resinous buds. This strain has a pungent, earthy aroma and can produce strong, long-lasting effects. Gorilla Glue is a popular choice for those who want a strong, relaxing high.
- Blue Dream: Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that is known for its sweet, fruity flavor and uplifting effects. This strain can produce a creative, euphoric high that is perfect for daytime use. Blue Dream is also a popular choice for treating chronic pain and depression.
- Purple Punch: Purple Punch is an Indica-dominant hybrid that is famous for its sweet grape and blueberry flavor. It’s a great choice for growers who want a high-yielding strain with a potent, sedative effect.
- Orange Zkittlez: Orange Zkittlez is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that has a sweet citrus flavor and aroma. It’s known for its energizing and euphoric effects, making it a popular choice for daytime use.
- Gelato: Gelato is a hybrid strain that is famous for its sweet and fruity flavor, as well as its potent, relaxing effects. It’s a great choice for growers who want a high-quality, flavorful strain that’s also relatively easy to grow.
When selecting an exotic cannabis strain, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some strains may be more suitable for medicinal use, while others may be better for recreational use. You should also consider factors such as the strain’s growing requirements and the size of the plant, as well as its flavor and aroma.
Where to Find Exotic Cannabis Seeds:
Finding exotic cannabis seeds can be a challenge, but there are several options available. One option is to purchase seeds from a reputable online seed bank. These seed banks typically offer a wide variety of exotic strains and can ship seeds directly to your door. Another option is to obtain seeds from a friend or fellow grower who has a particularly good strain. However, it’s important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation and possession before obtaining any seeds.
In conclusion, choosing the right exotic cannabis strain is essential to producing high-quality buds. By considering your specific needs and preferences, as well as the strain’s characteristics and growing requirements, you can find the perfect strain for your needs. And with the right seeds and equipment, you can begin growing exotic cannabis and enjoying its unique flavors, aromas, and effects.

3. Setting Up Your Grow Room
One of the most important factors in successfully growing exotic cannabis is setting up the right environment for your plants. Here are some key steps to follow when setting up your grow room:
Indoor vs Outdoor Growing:
The first decision you’ll need to make when setting up your grow room is whether to grow indoors or outdoors. While outdoor growing can be more natural and less expensive, it’s also more vulnerable to weather and pests. Indoor growing, on the other hand, allows you to control the environment more closely but requires more equipment and energy.
Choosing the Right Grow Lights:
If you choose to grow your exotic cannabis indoors, you’ll need to choose the correct grow lights to provide your plants with the right spectrum of light. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lights are a popular choice for their efficiency and high yields, while light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a newer option that can be more energy-efficient and produce less heat.
Temperature, Humidity, and Ventilation Requirements:
In addition to the right lighting, your grow room will also need to have the right temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Most exotic cannabis strains prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Humidity levels should be between 40% and 60%, and good ventilation is essential to prevent mold and mildew.
Soil vs Hydroponic Setups:
Finally, you’ll need to decide whether to grow your exotic cannabis in soil or in a hydroponic setup. Soil can provide a more natural environment for your plants, but hydroponic setups can allow for greater control over nutrient delivery and water uptake. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to choose high-quality soil or nutrients and to keep a close eye on your plants’ nutrient levels.
In conclusion, setting up your grow room correctly is essential to successfully growing exotic cannabis. By choosing the right growing environment, lighting, temperature, humidity, and nutrient delivery system, you can ensure that your plants thrive and produce high-quality buds.
4. Germinating Your Seeds:
Once you have your exotic cannabis seeds, the next step is to germinate them so they can grow into healthy seedlings. Here are some key steps to follow when germinating your seeds:
Preparing Your Seeds for Germination:
Before you can start germinating your seeds, you’ll need to prepare them properly. One important step is to soak your seeds in water for several hours or overnight to help soften their outer shells and improve their chances of sprouting. You can also use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in the water to help prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Methods of Germination:
There are several methods you can use to germinate your exotic cannabis seeds, including:
- Paper towel method: Place your soaked seeds between damp paper towels and keep them in a warm, dark place for several days until they sprout.
- Direct planting: Plant your soaked seeds directly into a small pot or starter cube and keep the soil moist and warm until they sprout.
- Jiffy pellet method: Use Jiffy pellets (compressed peat moss) to plant your seeds, which will expand when wet and provide a good growing medium for your seedlings.
Caring for Seedlings:
Once your seeds have sprouted and grown into seedlings, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure they grow into healthy plants. This includes providing them with the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, as well as ensuring the right temperature and humidity levels. Most exotic cannabis strains prefer a temperature range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Humidity levels should be around 60%.
Be sure to monitor your seedlings closely and adjust your care as needed to promote healthy growth. As your seedlings grow, you can begin to gradually increase their exposure to light and adjust their nutrient levels accordingly.
In conclusion, germinating your exotic cannabis seeds is a crucial step in the growing process. By preparing your seeds properly, choosing the right germination method, and caring for your seedlings, you can ensure they grow into healthy plants that will eventually produce high-quality buds.

5. Vegetative Stage
After your seedlings have sprouted and grown a few sets of leaves, they will enter the vegetative stage, where they will grow rapidly and develop a strong root system. Here are some key steps to follow during this stage:
- Lighting, Watering, and Nutrient Requirements:
During the vegetative stage, your exotic cannabis plants will require a lot of light, water, and nutrients to fuel their growth. For lighting, most growers recommend providing 18-24 hours of light per day, using high-quality grow lights that emit the right spectrum of light for cannabis plants. Watering is also crucial during this stage, as your plants will require regular watering to stay hydrated and healthy. Nutrient requirements will vary depending on the specific strain you are growing, but most exotic cannabis strains require a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the vegetative stage.
- Training Techniques:
To encourage healthy growth and maximize your plant’s yield, many growers use various training techniques during the vegetative stage. These can include techniques such as topping, which involves removing the top of the plant to encourage more lateral growth, or low-stress training, which involves bending and tying down the branches to create a more even canopy and increase light penetration.
- Pruning and Topping:
Pruning and topping are both common techniques used during the vegetative stage to improve the overall health and structure of your plants. Pruning involves removing any unwanted leaves or branches that may be blocking light or hindering growth, while topping involves cutting off the top of the plant to encourage more lateral growth and create a bushier, more compact plant. Both techniques require some skill and knowledge, so be sure to research and practice before attempting them.
In conclusion, the vegetative stage is a crucial time in the life cycle of your exotic cannabis plants. By providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, using effective training techniques, and implementing pruning and topping as needed, you can ensure your plants grow strong and healthy, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest in the flowering stage.

6. Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is when your exotic cannabis plants will begin to produce buds. This stage typically lasts between 6-12 weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions. Here are some key steps to follow during this stage:
- Lighting, Watering, and Nutrient Requirements:
During the flowering stage, your exotic cannabis plants will require different lighting, watering, and nutrient requirements than during the vegetative stage. Most growers recommend providing 12 hours of light per day, with high-quality grow lights that emit a spectrum of light that mimics natural sunlight. Watering should be done carefully to avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold and mildew. Nutrient requirements will also vary depending on the specific strain you are growing, but generally, your plants will require more phosphorus and potassium and fewer nitrogen during this stage.

- Managing Pests and Diseases:
The flowering stage is a critical time to manage pests and diseases that can damage or ruin your crop. Some common pests that can infest cannabis plants include spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Diseases such as powdery mildew and bud rot can also affect your plants. To prevent and manage these issues, it’s important to keep your grow room clean and well-ventilated, use organic pesticides and fungicides when needed, and inspect your plants regularly for signs of infestation.
- Harvesting and Curing Your Buds:
Once your exotic cannabis plants have finished flowering, it’s time to harvest your buds. This involves cutting the branches off the plant, trimming the buds, and drying them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. Proper curing is also essential to preserve the potency and flavor of your buds. This involves placing your dried buds in airtight containers and allowing them to cure for at least two weeks, opening the containers periodically to release moisture and exchange air.
In conclusion, the flowering stage is a crucial time in the life cycle of your exotic cannabis plants. By providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, managing pests and diseases, and properly harvesting and curing your buds, you can enjoy a high-quality and potent harvest.
7. Advanced Techniques
If you’re an experienced grower and want to take your exotic cannabis growing to the next level, there are several advanced techniques you can use during the flowering stage. Here are a few popular techniques:

- Super Cropping:
Super cropping is a technique used to increase yield and promote bushier growth by gently bending the branches of your plants. This technique involves squeezing the stem between your fingers and thumb, creating a weak spot, then bending the stem gently until it bends at a 90-degree angle. This will create more space between nodes, allowing for increased light exposure, and ultimately, higher yields.

- Screen of Green (ScrOG):
ScrOG is a technique that involves using a screen or netting to train the branches of your plants to grow horizontally, creating a more even canopy of buds. This technique can increase yields and promote even light distribution, resulting in larger and more potent buds.
- Sea of Green (SoG):
SoG is a technique that involves growing many small plants closely together in a small space. This technique is ideal for growers who want to maximize yield and minimize the time it takes to grow a crop. By growing many small plants, rather than a few large ones, you can create a “sea” of buds that will be ready for harvest at the same time.

- Defoliation:
Defoliation aka Lollipopping is the process of removing some of the fan leaves from your plants during the flowering stage. This technique is used to increase light penetration and air circulation, resulting in larger and more potent buds. However, defoliation must be done carefully, as removing too many leaves can stress the plant and lead to lower yields.
In conclusion, advanced techniques such as super cropping, ScrOG, SoG, and defoliation can help you take your exotic cannabis growing to the next level. However, these techniques should only be attempted by experienced growers who are confident in their skills and knowledge of plant physiology. By incorporating these advanced techniques into your growing strategy, you can increase your yield, potency, and overall quality of your harvest.
8. Conclusion
Growing exotic cannabis can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this article, we covered the key factors to consider before growing, choosing the right strain, setting up your grow room, germinating your seeds, and caring for your plants through the vegetative and flowering stages. We also explored several advanced techniques for experienced growers who want to take their growing to the next level.
In summary, growing exotic cannabis requires a combination of knowledge, patience, and passion. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of a successful harvest and enjoy the unique benefits of growing exotic cannabis.
Final Thoughts:
Growing exotic cannabis is not just about the end result, but the journey itself. It is an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about plant physiology, and experience the therapeutic benefits of growing your own medicine. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced grower, growing exotic cannabis can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby. So, get started today and embark on a journey to grow exotic cannabis that is tailored to your needs and preferences.