Anyone know what causes this??

[the image reaper]

They start to grow alternating nodes when they get older.

Correct ! we have a winner ! :thumbsup: ... alternating nodes indicate when the plant is sufficiently mature to begin flowering, and/or seed production ... this is the point at which I switch my plants to 12/12 lighting schedule ... (they look like that when they originate from a clone, because a clone is, technically, a mature plant, although just a piece of it - IF you've never seen your plant alternate, then you have never vegged a plant to maturity, and you flowered too early) ... :smokin:

[Mrs. Greenjeans]

I thought he meant this was something new and erratic, not the regular alternating that you see with maturity. So he's never vegged a plant before?

I answered him from the standpoint of someone who has grown before. Sorry NorCal, my bad.

Now, if you notice irregular branching that isn't related to normal age of the plant, then let me know if it's female. My males have always been much more symmetrical.

[stinkyattic]

Your plant is showing that it is sexually mature. That's all the alternating nodes mean. You may now flower it if you like.

[20dollarholla]

Your plant is showing that it is sexually mature. That's all the alternating nodes mean. You may now flower it if you like.

I always wait for the preflowers to show before flipping the lights.

It makes sense that a plant from seed will show alternating nodes when sexually mature, then the clone will show it from the beginning since it is already a mature plant.

I thought it had to do with the plant reverting back into veg. I learn something new everyday here!

[Comatose]

Grow 101: Alternating nodes indicates maturity. The ball is still in your court as to what happens to it.

[c of green]

i looked at the pics for a long time before i realized your just new to growing....yours plant has reached maturity:beatdeadhorse: lol(sorry...just trying to get my post count up)

[NorCal Grown]

Wow, forgot all about this post...... To answer a few questions: I thought it was alternating nodes, indicating maturity. I am not that new to growing, just never had the space to veg out large plants. Thanks to all for your help/input!!

[stinkyattic]

Yup! You're right, it is alternating nodes. Those pics illustrate that nicely actually.