Short Internode

Short internode refers to reduced spacing between leaf nodes along a cannabis plant's stem, resulting in a compact, bushy growth structure. This trait is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, though certain cultivars consistently express shorter internodal distances than others. Plants with this characteristic typically develop denser canopies and require less vertical growing space, making them relevant to controlled environment cultivation. Internode length is determined by the genetic background of a strain's parents, with some lineages breeding for this trait over multiple generations. Short internode plants may produce multiple flowering sites closer together along the stem compared to long-internode varieties.

Breeders working in compact-plant categories—particularly for indoor or space-limited cultivation—actively select for short internode genetics. This trait is often crossed into larger or lankier cultivars to create more manageable plant structures while maintaining other desired characteristics.