Short Internode

Short Internode refers to cannabis plants exhibiting minimal distance between leaf nodes along the stem, resulting in a denser, more compact plant structure. This trait is often observed in indica-dominant varieties and certain landrace populations, particularly from mountainous or resource-limited growing regions. The compact morphology develops through selective breeding and environmental adaptation, creating plants with tightly-spaced branching points. Short internodes frequently correlate with reduced plant height and increased lateral branching density, though these traits vary independently depending on genetic background. Breeders working in this category value the phenotype for indoor cultivation efficiency and canopy management, as the plant architecture allows for tighter spacing and more controlled light distribution.

Short internode plants are actively selected in breeding programs targeting space-efficient cultivars for controlled environments. The trait influences yield structure and canopy architecture, making it relevant for growers optimizing for vertical farming, SOG (sea of green), or similar high-density production systems.