Pluto Strain: Complete Profile Breakdown

Quick Answer: Pluto is an indica-dominant hybrid crossing Gelato #33 and 1991 Triangle Kush. It delivers a three-phase experience: cerebral euphoria at onset, deep body relaxation in the middle, and heavy couch lock at the peak. THC runs between 20% and 27%. Best suited for experienced users looking for a strong, physically dominant evening strain.

Pluto Strain Review

Many cannabis users prefer a heavy indica that would bring them into a state of deep relaxation, almost to sedation. Indicas hold that reputation for delivering that knockout punch, so to speak, and Pluto weed strain is one of those heavy hitters to watch out for, regardless of your experience. 

The strain name itself may give the impression of being brought further into outer space, which is what most users have reported. The weighted relaxation leads to many episodes of couch lock, which can be either pleasant or off-putting. 

This short strain guide will acquaint you with the Pluto cannabis strain well enough to know whether it will be one of your next top favorites. Be sure to read until the end. 

Pluto Strain Genetics & Origin

Many users in the know would describe Pluto’s genetic origins as a “proprietary secret,” although recent industry transparency efforts have mapped out its heritage. The most commonly known lineage trace is its cross between Gelato #33 and the legendary 1991 Triangle Kush. 

These are the two parent strains recorded on most modern Pluto variants on dispensary shelves. This is the lineage responsible for its bag appeal (thanks to the Gelato influence) and the sedating effects (thanks to the 1991 Triangle Kush influence). 

While this is Pluto’s primary origin story, there is also a “classic” version claiming that its parent strains are OG Kush and Quattro Kush. Here, pundits suggest that this strain evolved from heavy Kush varieties from the early 2000s. 

Cultivators supposedly bred these two strains to maximize the gas aroma while maintaining Pluto’s knockout power. 

User-Reported Pluto Strain Effects

• Euphoric
• Creative
• Heavy physical relaxation

Many users describe Pluto as a “creeper” strain with a “deceptive” high in the first few minutes. The sensation is often a cerebral euphoria that provides a sudden mood lift and a “hazy” sense of happiness. Some may feel more creative during this early onset. 

Once the head high peaks, the physical effects manifest next. Many describe it as a “profound body melt” that comes with tension relief on the body. As dosage increases, the couch lock takes over, essentially rendering the individual incapable of doing anything productive. 

Robert Shade says, “We typically recommend Pluto to customers who already have some experience with high-THC indicas and are specifically looking for that body-dominant experience. It is not a strain we suggest for first-timers because the couch lock can catch people off guard.”

If you are already a fan of indica flower strains and want something with more complexity than a standard body-heavy option, Pluto is worth trying.

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Pluto Strain Side Effects

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Grogginess

We’ve mentioned that Pluto is a heavy-hitter, which means you can expect the same dry eyes-dry mouth combination. And, like many potent indicas, this one can keep a person glued to the mattress, with grogginess as a side effect. 

Strains like Pluto work best through moderate intake. If you’re not used to getting knocked out by substances with high-THC potency, begin with low doses until you’re comfortable with the hit. This helps avoid unpleasant and even traumatizing experiences. 

Flavor and Aroma

Pluto is known for having a “loud” and pungent aroma profile. But what stands out most about this strain is its “industrial” and “gassy” scents, with diesel as one of its primary notes as soon as you open a jar. 

The secondary notes beneath the fuel are deep, earthy, and musky, thanks to the high Myrcene content. You will also notice subtle hints of citrus and pine undertones. 

As for the flavor, the initial inhale is earthy with hints of lemon zest, thanks to the Limonene influence. And because of Gelato’s presence, there is a faint yet noticeable creamy sweetness in the background. 

Upon exhaling, the spicy, peppery taste from the Caryophyllene content coats the palate, with a lingering aftertaste of fuel and toasted nuts. 

Dominant Pluto Strain Terpenes

• Myrcene
• Limonene
• Caryophyllene

Among the top three of Pluto’s terpenes, Myrcene is the most dominant. Not only is it responsible for its sedative effects, but it also plays a major role in influencing its aroma. Thanks to the presence of Myrcene, Pluto boasts an earthy, musky, and herbal scent. 

Limonene not only provides the sharp citrus notes you may notice upon the first inhale, but it also balances Myrcene’s heavy sedative effects with a euphoric lift. This combination is why you may enjoy a blissful mental state at the onset before feeling the heavy body high. 

Finally, Caryophyllene provides peppery, spicy undertones on the exhale. It also adds more functionality to the existing heavy body high, soothing physical discomfort without relying too much on sedation. 

Physical Characteristics

Pluto’s Kush-leaning lineage is quite evident in its physical appearance. Its bud structure is remarkably dense and tight, and feels solid to the touch. Breaking it by hand may feel like a chore, so you may want to use a grinder here. 

As for its colors, many users describe it as “dark and moody.” Its deep green base stands out, which is perfectly complemented by the purple accents. The orange pistils also provide a sharp contrast.

But one of its striking features is the thick, resinous coating of trichomes on its surface. Its “frosty” appearance adds to its visual appeal, giving the flower a sheen-like shimmer under light.  

Cultivation and Growing Tips

Growing Pluto isn’t as overly challenging as many other top-tier strains, but it does require a balanced hand. It responds well to specific training methods such as Low-Stress Training, and pruning and defoliation are essential for achieving the best results. 

Environmental Needs

Pluto thrives in Mediterranean-style climates, with recommended daytime temperatures between 70–80°F (21–26°C). To accentuate the purple and orange hues, expert growers advise dropping nighttime temperatures by 10-15 degrees in the final two weeks before harvest. 

And because of the dense bud structure, Pluto is susceptible to bud rot. To prevent this, keep the relative humidity between 40% and 50% during the flowering phase.  

Flowering Time and Harvesting

Pluto bodes well for impatient growers, given its flowering time, which happens in as little as eight weeks. If you’re growing outdoors, late September to early October would be the best time to harvest. 

Speaking of harvest, a good indicator that your buds are ready is when the trichomes are 30% amber. This ensures the full couch lock experience. However, if the trichomes are mostly milky white, the cerebral effects may be more pronounced. 

Yields

Pluto’s yields are generally moderate to high. If you’re growing indoors, you get up to 500 grams per square meter. Meanwhile, outdoor cultivation can yield up to 600 grams per plant. 

Another thing to take note of is that Pluto’s buds tend to shrink less during the drying process because of the heavy resin presence. This often results in heavier jars of finished flower. 

What You Might Not Know About Pluto Strain

If you’ve gone this far into the article, you likely know more about Pluto than before you started reading. But here are more lesser-known facts about this heavyweight strain. 

• For growers, you may be interested to know that Pluto’s lineage has always remained a mystery, with ongoing debates. The conversations mostly surround the Gelato #33 and 1991 Triangle Kush union, but this mystery has been perfect for its “outer space” branding. 
• The higher presence of Cannabigerol (or CBG for short) balances Pluto’s psychotropic power punch. Many believe the CBG content is responsible for its physical relaxation effects. 
• Pluto may be different from Pluto Kush, but the two strains are often sold as the same. For a clearer distinction, the former has a creamier exhale, while the latter is more earth-forward. 
• Pluto may be sensitive to humidity and bud rot, but it is highly pest-resistant. Its thick resin coating acts as a deterrent against common pests like spider mites. 
• Pluto is highly sensitive to light leaks, so even the slightest interruption can cause it to develop male flowers. This is one of the reasons why this strain requires attention. 

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Related Strains of Pluto

Pluto is a strain worth trying and keeping in your stash, but if you want variety, here are five similar and related strains to explore. Looking for even more options beyond this list? Browse the full Strains Guide for detailed profiles on hundreds of indica, sativa, and hybrid options.

• Gelato #33: Otherwise known as Larry Bird, this strain provides the foundation for Pluti’s creamy undertones and euphoric hit.
  
• 1991 Triangle Kush: As the other likely genetic contributor, 1991 Triangle Kush is responsible for the gassy notes and heavy sedation that Pluto’s is notorious for.
  
• Mars OG: Much like Pluto, this strain is a heavy indica that will keep you glued to the couch, while coating your olfactory senses with a pungent and earthy aroma.
  
• Slurricane: This strain closely resembles Pluto due to its high trichome density. It is also known to deliver a sedative experience and a gas terpene profile.
  
• Pink Runtz: This strain shares a similar dense bud structure as Pluto, along with the same zesty flavor profile. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pluto Strain