How to Increase Terpenes in Cannabis

What If Your Roots Could Decide Your Flavor?

Here’s a fact most growers overlook:

Cannabis plants with healthy microbial roots can yield up to 25% more terpene content than those grown in sterile soil.

Terpenes are the oils that give each strain its special smell and taste. They are affected by what happens at the roots. A healthy root zone with good microbes helps your plants take in nutrients better, handle stress, and grow tastier, fragrant buds.

In this guide, we will explain how healthy roots help make terpenes. We will also show you how to use microbes to improve aroma and flavor naturally.

Understanding Terpenes and Their Role

Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis, responsible for both aroma and effects.

They not only define a strain’s personality from the citrus snap of limonene to the earthy tone of myrcene but also work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance effects through the “entourage effect.”

However, terpene expression doesn’t begin in the buds, it starts in the roots.

Healthy roots provide nutrients that help make cannabinoids and terpenes. Poor root health can limit this process, leading to dull aroma and weaker flavor.

The Root–Terpene Connection

The rhizosphere, that thin layer of soil or coco around your roots — acts like the plant’s digestive and immune system.

When beneficial microbes (like mycorrhizae, Trichoderma, and Bacillus) colonize this zone, they:

• Unlock and deliver key nutrients like phosphorus, sulfur, and magnesium essential for terpene biosynthesis.

• Produce natural hormones that stimulate the plant’s secondary metabolism.

• Help regulate stress hormones (like ethylene), allowing plants to focus energy on resin and terpene production instead of defense.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that microbial inoculants directly increased the concentration of terpenes such as β-caryophyllene and linalool by improving nutrient absorption efficiency.

Terpene Science Snapshot

For a deeper look at terpene behavior, check out Leafly’s terpene reference library.

How Microbes Help Increase Terpenes in Cannabis

1. Mycorrhizae – The Flavor Foundation

Mycorrhizae act as nutrient “extensions” of your roots, spreading fine filaments (hyphae) through the soil.

They help plants take in phosphorus and tiny nutrients. These are important for the enzymes that create terpenes.

Growers using mycorrhizal inoculants during early veg and flowering consistently report richer aromas and more complex flavor profiles.

2. Bacillus – The Metabolic Activator

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens release natural enzymes that help break down organic matter into food for the plant.

They also make indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a growth hormone. This hormone helps plants grow more roots. More roots mean more area for helpful microbes to connect with the plants.

Better metabolism = better resin and terpene output.

3. Trichoderma – The Root Protector

Trichoderma fungi help strengthen plant roots. They protect plants from stress that can lower terpene production.

In trials reported by Cannabis Business Times, growers who used Trichoderma-rich products got more terpenes while using fewer nutrients.

Fix Your Roots, Boost Your Terpenes

Feed the microbes that feed your flavor.

The Nocturnal Grow Microbial Booster for Cannabis Roots – Mycorrhizae + Microbe Blend delivers the trifecta — mycorrhizae, Bacillus, and Trichoderma to rebuild root vitality and unlock terpene potential.

Enhances nutrient uptake. Increases terpene and resin production. Supports stress-free flowering compatible with soil & coco from seedling to harvest.

Environmental Factors That Affect Terpene Expression

Roots aren’t the only factor in terpene development, the environment plays a key role too.

• Light Intensity: Increasing light during the flowering stage can increase terpene and resin production.

• Temperature & humidity: Keep flowering rooms around 75–80 °F and moderate humidity (~50 %) to preserve volatile terpenes.

• Dry-back cycles: When plants experience some dryness, they make more fragrant substances. Microbes help the roots deal with this dryness.

Learn more about dialing environmental balance at GrowDiaries’ guide to terpene expression.

Feeding Microbes for Flavor

Just like your plants, microbes need food to thrive.

Add carbon sources like molasses or kelp extract during feedings to keep microbial populations active. Do not use strong cleaning agents or water with a lot of chlorine. They can harm helpful organisms.

According to Green Flower Media, maintaining a living soil community directly translates to more flavorful, aromatic harvests.

Grower’s Terpene Routine

Final Thoughts

Increasing terpenes in cannabis isn’t about chasing additives or flavoring products, it’s about strengthening the biological foundation of your grow.

Healthy roots with active microbes help turn nutrients into tasty terpenes. These terpenes are what make high-quality cannabis special.

Challenge: Apply a microbial booster in your next grow and track your terpene intensity from week 3 of flowering to harvest. Share your results in the comments, let’s see how much flavor your roots can grow!