Written by Ad OpsIntroduction
Auto Critical++ is an autoflowering hybrid bred by Gea Seeds and built on the powerhouse Critical family. It combines ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage to deliver fast harvests and generous yields with a classic Critical flavor profile. Growers value it because it compresses the famed Critical experience into a short, predictable lifecycle of just weeks rather than months.
The strain’s name signals two upgrades: the autoflowering trait and a deliberate push toward improved vigor and production. For home cultivators with limited space or short outdoor seasons, this acceleration is a game changer. For consumers, Auto Critical++ brings the balanced, relaxing effects that made Critical a global staple, but in a reliable and accessible autoflower format.
Because it descends from a line that is already celebrated for yield and potency, Auto Critical++ has built-in credibility. The Critical family routinely tests in the mid-teens to high-teens for THC in its autoflower variants. Seed Supreme lists Critical Mass Autoflower at 15–20% THC with medium CBD (1–5%), a sensible benchmark for an Auto Critical++ phenotype in optimized conditions.
As with any hybrid, phenotype variation exists, but the general profile is consistent: dense buds, a sweet-citrus and herbal bouquet, and a soothing body-mind equilibrium. The ‘++’ invites expectations of above-average productivity and stability. Gea Seeds targeted a user-friendly strain that satisfies both first-timers and experienced growers seeking reliable turnaround and familiar Critical character.
History and Breeding Background
Gea Seeds, a Spanish breeder, developed Auto Critical++ to streamline the attributes that made Critical legendary in European cannabis circles. Spain’s coastal and Mediterranean microclimates shaped the modern Critical scene, favoring robust, high-yielding lines. By hybridizing a Critical-type with a selected ruderalis donor, Gea Seeds fixed the autoflowering trait while preserving hallmark density and terpene character.
The autoflowering revolution began by introducing Cannabis ruderalis genetics, which carry the daylength-independent flowering gene. Unlike photoperiod strains, autos initiate flowering by age rather than light cycle, typically finishing in 65–90 days from sprout. Auto Critical++ sits in that window, enabling multiple outdoor cycles per season in warm regions and rapid indoor turnover.
The Critical lineage traces to Afghani and Skunk roots, prized for commercial-grade yields and a satisfyingly robust stone. Over two decades, breeders pushed Critical into countless variants, often emphasizing productivity and resilience. Auto Critical++ channels that history, seeking a reliable Critical chemotype that performs in compact spaces with minimal management overhead.
Consumer and cultivator demand also influenced the Auto Critical++ brief. The Critical name is closely associated with ease-of-growth and generous harvests, often producing large colas on manageable, branchy plants. The autoflower twist allows those same harvest traits to occur on a compressed schedule, which fits balcony grows, small tents, and staggered perpetual harvest systems.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Auto Critical++ carries a ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage with a clear Critical backbone. Critical itself is typically a Skunk #1 x Afghani descendant, blending sativa-leaning sweetness and lift with dense, indica-leaning bud structure. The ruderalis portion does not add much potency or yield on its own, but it contributes critical photoperiod independence and hardiness.
While exact parental cuts are proprietary, the breeding logic is standard for top autos: select a robust Critical mother with proven yields and terpenes, then cross and backcross with a strong autoflowering ruderalis hybrid. Multiple generations are used to stabilize the auto trait and recover the target Critical chemotype. The result is an auto that behaves predictably while retaining the aroma and effects that made the original line famous.
Phenotypically, Auto Critical++ tends toward a balanced hybrid structure with indica-leaning bud density and sativa-influenced branching. The architecture supports better light penetration than ultra-compact indicas, yet the internodes typically stay tight enough for space-limited setups. Many growers report that autos with this lineage stabilize height around 60–110 cm indoors under 18–20 hours of light per day.
Because autoflower hybrids originate from a mixed-race background, minor chemotype swings can occur between seeds. In well-selected lines, those swings are usually modest: terpenes cluster around sweet citrus, herbal, and earthy notes; potency lands in the mid- to upper-teens; and the experience remains comfortably balanced. That profile aligns with broader Critical data, including Leafly users who report relief for stress (23%), anxiety (20%), and insomnia (17%) on non-auto variants.
Morphology and Appearance
Auto Critical++ expresses a compact-to-medium stature with sturdy lateral branches and a dominant central cola. Plants often finish between 60 and 110 cm indoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and photoperiod schedule. Outdoors, 70–120 cm is typical in temperate climates, with larger root zones pushing the upper range.
Internodes are moderately short, enabling a robust canopy without requiring excessive topping, which is generally avoided on autos. Leaf morphology leans hybrid: medium-width blades with a noticeable but not extreme indica influence. As flowering progresses, the plant stacks dense, resinous buds with high calyx-to-leaf ratios, reducing trimming labor.
The flowers themselves are classic Critical: chunky, lime-to-forest-green nugs with vivid orange to copper pistils. Under cooler late-season nights, some phenos can show faint lavender hues on sugar leaves, though deep purple is less common unless temperatures drop below 18°C during late bloom. Trichome coverage is typically heavy, lending a frosty appearance that signals a resin-forward harvest.
By week 6–8 from sprout, preflowers are well-established, and the main cola begins to swell rapidly. Mature plants often display considerable bud mass relative to their stature, a hallmark of the Critical family’s commercial appeal. Growers frequently remark that Auto Critical++ looks “larger than it should be for the time invested,” which is precisely the promise of high-vigor autos.
Aroma and Bouquet
Auto Critical++ carries a fragrant, accessible bouquet that echoes the Skunk-Afghani heritage while adding fresh citrus top notes. Early veg emits a light herbal-green scent, with a mild hint of sweetness. As flowers set, aromas intensify to sweet orange, zesty lemon, and fresh-cut herbs layered over a warm, earthy base.
By mid-flower, the terpene synergy becomes more pronounced. Myrcene-driven herbalness and earth mingle with limonene’s bright citrus lift, while pinene contributes a crisp, pine-like freshness. Caryophyllene often adds a peppery undertone that becomes more apparent during late bloom and in cured jars.
The overall nose is medium-loud, with intensity rising sharply after week 6–7 from sprout and peaking in the last two weeks of flower. Good carbon filtration is recommended for indoor cultivation if odor is a concern. Proper curing accentuates citrus-sweet notes first, then deepens into a rounder, spiced-herbal bouquet over 3–6 weeks in jars.
Compared to fruit-forward dessert cultivars, Auto Critical++ is less syrupy and more classic-herbal with a bright citrus twist. This makes it broadly appealing to consumers who enjoy traditional cannabis aromas without excessive sweetness. The bouquet also tends to be remarkably consistent across runs when environmental parameters remain stable.
Flavor and Palate
The flavor echoes the aroma, delivering a balanced blend of sweet citrus, gentle earth, and a subtle pepper-spice finish. On the inhale, many users report orange zest and lemon-lime overtones that feel crisp without being sharp. The exhale brings out herbal and woodsy notes, with caryophyllene’s pepper showing as a mild, warming tingle.
Vaporizers at 175–190°C highlight limonene and pinene, making the experience brighter and more aromatic. Combustion rounds the profile, emphasizing the myrcene-earth and caryophyllene spice while slightly muting the citrus. Long cures of 6–8 weeks often add a honeyed sweetness that wasn’t present in fresh-dried flower.
Because Critical-derived flowers typically produce dense resin heads, the smoke tends to be silky when properly dried to 58–62% relative humidity. Poor drying or over-drying can flatten the citrus top notes and emphasize harsher plant compounds. For optimal flavor, most growers target a 10–14 day dry at 18–20°C with 50–60% RH before jarring.
Edible and extract applications capture the citrus-herbal core while delivering notable potency. In simple infusions, limonene and caryophyllene carry through distinctly, giving baked goods and tinctures a pleasant zest. Rosin from properly cured Auto Critical++ often presents a balanced sweet-herbal nose with a touch of pine and pepper.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Like many Critical-family autos, Auto Critical++ typically lands in the mid-teens to upper-teens for THC under standard conditions. Critical Mass Autoflower is frequently reported at 15–20% THC with medium CBD (1–5%) in vendor listings, a range that realistically reflects well-grown Auto Critical++ chemistry. Under lower light intensities or suboptimal nutrition, expect THC to dip, along with a lighter terpene expression.
CBD levels are generally low-to-medium in autos bred from THC-dominant lines unless specifically selected for. Most samples will likely cluster under 2% CBD, though outliers toward 3–5% can occur in mixed populations. The interplay of THC with myrcene and caryophyllene often shapes the perceived potency, leaning into body relaxation with functional headspace.
Minor cannabinoids like CBG may appear in trace amounts, commonly 0.1–0.5% in autos, though exact values depend on the seed lot and growing conditions. Total cannabinoid content in well-grown Critical-line autos can approach 18–22% when including minors, with top-tier phenos exceeding that in optimized, high-PPFD environments. These figures are consistent with modern autoflower expectations rather than early-generation autos, which often struggled to surpass 10–12% THC.
Consumers should note that potency is only one factor in the subjective experience. A balanced terpene ratio can make 16–18% THC feel more robust than numbers suggest, especially in evening contexts. Conversely, a terpene-light harvest might feel less impactful even if THC testing is strong.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype
Auto Critical++ generally expresses a myrcene-forward chemotype complemented by limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene. In many Critical-family analyses, total terpene content falls around 1.0–2.5% by weight when grown and cured properly. Within that, myrcene often represents 0.3–1.0%, limonene 0.2–0.6%, caryophyllene 0.2–0.5%, and pinene 0.1–0.3%, though exact values vary per phenotype and environment.
Dutch Passion notes that indica-leaning plants can produce more physically sedating effects, and myrcene is frequently implicated in that soothing body feel. Meanwhile, limonene contributes to mood elevation and perceived brightness, and caryophyllene’s unique CB2 receptor activity is often discussed in the context of inflammation signalling. Pinene can add a clear-headed quality and aroma lift, helping the profile feel refreshing rather than heavy.
The specific balance in Auto Critical++ tends to foster a “calm but capable” effect. When limonene is strong, the strain leans more uplifting, making daytime use more approachable. When myrcene dominates, users commonly prefer evening consumption for winding down and promoting sleep.
CannaConnection’s overview of terpenes underscores their central role in aroma, flavor, and effects, which holds true here. Managing environment—especially light spectrum, temperature, and post-harvest handling—meaningfully influences terpene retention. Cooler late-flower nights (18–20°C) and gentle handling during trimming help preserve volatile monoterpenes like limonene and pinene.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Auto Critical++ aims for a balanced hybrid experience with a soothing body load and a clear, manageable headspace. Initial effects commonly start with a light cerebral lift—gentle focus, mellow mood, and reduced mental friction. Within 20–40 minutes, a notable body relaxation settles in, easing muscle tension without immediate couchlock for most users.
Duration is typical for modern THC-dominant flower: 2–4 hours depending on tolerance, ingestion method, and metabolism. At modest doses, many find it suitable for late afternoon or early evening activities such as cooking, casual gaming, or light stretching. At higher doses, it becomes more sedating, pairing well with movies and pre-sleep routines.
User-reported data on Critical variants support these observations. Leafly reports that Critical helps with stress (23% of users), anxiety (20%), and insomnia (17%), aligning with Auto Critical++’s calming bent. CannaConnection listings for Critical autoflowers also highlight relief for chronic pain, sleeping problems, and stress, showing broad crossover with Auto Critical++ use cases.
That said, individual responses vary, and the presence of limonene and pinene can sometimes elevate energy for certain phenotypes. Sensitive users may notice transient dry mouth, dry eyes, or light-headedness at higher doses, which are standard cannabis side effects. As always, titration—starting low and going slow—is the pragmatic way to discover an optimal personal dose and time-of-day window.
Potential Medical Applications
Auto Critical++ sits in a therapeutic niche similar to other Critical-family autos. Based on user reports and adjacent strain data, potential applications include stress modulation, mood stabilization, and sleep support. CannaConnection’s information on Critical Autoflower mentions efficacy for chronic pain, sleeping disorders, and stress, categories that map credibly to Auto Critical++ consumers.
Indica-leaning effects are often sought for physical relaxation and restfulness. Dutch Passion’s indica guidance points to stronger physically sedating effects suitable for rest and sleep, which the myrcene-rich profiles can reinforce. Meanwhile, caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 receptors is frequently discussed in the context of inflammation, making it of interest in pain management discussions.
Anxiety responses to THC vary, but limonene-forward expressions sometimes feel brighter and less heavy, which some users perceive as emotionally supportive. As with all cannabis, a subset of people can experience increased anxiety at high doses; careful titration helps mitigate this risk. Those sensitive to THC may prefer microdosing or balanced formulations where available.
None of this constitutes medical advice, and clinical evidence for specific diagnoses remains limited relative to patient reports. However, consumer data—such as the Leafly Critical page indicating stress relief for 23% of users, anxiety for 20%, and insomnia for 17%—suggests a meaningful proportion of users seek Critical-type strains for these concerns. Auto Critical++ offers a pragmatic route to those effects with the added benefit of straightforward, fast cultivation for personal supply.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Outdoors, and Greenhouse
Auto Critical++ is built for simplicity, making it suitable for first-time growers and efficient for veterans. As an autoflower, it typically completes in 70–85 days from sprout, with some phenotypes finishing as early as day 65 under optimized lighting. The plant prefers moderate feeding, steady light intensity, and minimal high-stress training.
Indoors, most growers run 18/6 or 20/4 light cycles from seed to harvest. Aim for 600–900 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD during early-mid flower, with 900–1200 µmol·m−2·s−1 for maximum yields if CO2 is ambient and temperatures are controlled. Daytime canopy temperatures of 24–26°C and nighttime 20–22°C keep metabolism steady without volatilizing terpenes excessively.
In soil or soilless mixes, use a light, airy medium with 20–30% perlite or coco for root oxygenation. A common schedule is light nutrients in week 2, ramping to EC 1.2–1.6 in veg and 1.6–2.0 in bloom; maintain pH 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.8–6.2 in hydro/coco. Relative humidity of 60–70% in early veg, 50–60% mid-veg to early flower, and 45–55% late flower helps prevent mold while supporting growth.
Autos dislike major transplant shock. Start seeds in their final container—11–18 L (3–5 gal) fabric pots indoors are ideal to balance size and turnaround. Gentle low-stress training (LST) between days 14–28 can widen the canopy and increase yield; avoid topping after day 18–20 to prevent stunting as the plant rapidly transitions to bloom.
Nutritionally, Auto Critical++ appreciates a steady NPK ratio with mild nitrogen in early flower to avoid dark, overly leafy growth. Cal-Mag supplementation at 1–2 ml/L is often beneficial under strong LED lighting. Flush or taper nutrients over the final 7–10 days as pistils brown and trichomes turn cloudy with 10–20% amber, depending on desired effect profile.
Yields depend on environment and pot size. Indoors, experienced growers commonly pull 350–550 g/m² under strong LEDs, with 450–600 g/m² possible in dialed-in rooms running 20/4 lighting and optimized PPFD. Outdoors, 60–180 g per plant is a realistic range in 11–25 L containers, with higher numbers achievable in rich, in-ground beds with full sun.
Outdoors, plant after last frost once nights remain above 10–12°C and daytime highs sit between 20–28°C. Autos allow multiple cycles in warm climates; two to three successive runs per season are feasible in Mediterranean conditions. Use simple organic inputs—compost teas, top-dress dry amendments, and beneficial microbes—to keep feeding gentle and predictable.
Pest and disease pressure is manageable with preventative care. Sticky traps, weekly foliar IPM in veg (e.g., neem or essential-oil blends, applied at lights-off), and good airflow reduce issues with fungus gnats, aphids, and powdery mildew. Keep leaves dry, thin lightly for airflow in week 4–6, and maintain VPD targets appropriate for each growth stage to limit mold risk in dense Critical-style colas.
Harvest timing is key to effect tuning. For a brighter, more energetic profile, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with minimal amber (5–10%). For heavier body relaxation and nighttime use, wait for 10–20% amber trichomes, which often coincides with a small drop in limonene brightness but a broader, rounder body effect.
Phenotype Variations and Stability
Auto Critical++ shows modest phenotypic spread typical of quality autos. Height variation of ±15–25% is common across a pack, driven by ruderalis allele interplay and seed-to-seed vigor. Aroma tilts range from citrus-forward to earth-herbal-forward, with most plants sitting in the middle.
In practice, the vast majority of plants maintain the recognizable Critical bouquet and bud density. A minority may lean slightly more sativa in structure, with longer internodes and airier colas, often finishing a few days later. Conversely, indica-leaning phenos can be shorter and denser, finishing on the early side of the range.
Potency generally clusters in the mid-teens to upper-teens for THC when environmental parameters are stable. Terpene intensity is the most sensitive to environment—light spectrum, temperature swings, and drying speed can move the needle more than genotype alone. Growers seeking repeatability should keep detailed logs to identify environmental correlations with their favorite phenotypes.
Seed selection strategies help. If you find a citrus-limonene-leaning plant with ideal structure, consider running the remaining seeds under the exact same conditions to see if you can repeat the chemotype. While cloning autos is impractical for production, environmental control can mimic success with surprising fidelity.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Storage
Dense Critical-style colas demand careful drying to avoid trapped moisture and terpene loss. Hang branches or whole plants in the dark at 18–20°C and 50–60% RH with light air movement, not directly on flowers. A 10–14 day dry is the target; faster dries risk hay notes and muted citrus.
Once stems snap and buds feel slightly crisp on the outside, jar the flowers at 62% RH with two-way humidity packs if needed. Burp jars daily for 10–15 minutes during the first week, then every 2–3 days for the next two weeks. By week 3–4 of cure, the bouquet deepens, with citrus rounding into a sweeter herbal-spice profile.
For long-term storage, keep jars in a cool, dark place between 15–18°C to limit degradation of THC and volatile monoterpenes. Properly cured flower can maintain prime quality for 4–6 months, with gradual terpene evolution thereafter. Vacuum sealing with cold storage can extend shelf life but should be done only after curing to avoid trapping residual moisture.
If making concentrates, consider processing a portion of the harvest at peak freshness to capture top-end monoterpenes. Fresh-cured rosin often features brighter citrus and pine from limonene and pinene. Alternatively, a longer cure emphasizes earth-spice elements and a smoother mouthfeel.
Comparisons Within the Critical Family
Within the Critical ecosystem, Auto Critical++ aligns with the reliable, high-yielding archetype. Zamnesia’s Critical photoperiod is renowned for productivity, and the autoflower adaptations aim to translate that trait into a faster, smaller package. Compared with photoperiod Critical, expect slightly less absolute potency on average but significantly shorter time-to-jar.
Adjacent autos illustrate the effect spectrum. Red Critical Auto references calming effects and restful sleep, consistent with a myrcene-rich nightcap role. Critical Neville Haze Auto, by contrast, emphasizes sativa brightness and resin with a different terpene balance, appealing to users who prefer a racier, daytime-leaning experience.
Critical Purple Autoflower is often marketed for beauty and ease, showing how the family branches into colorful phenotypes and beginner-friendly grows. Auto Critical++ situates itself in the classic lane: green, dense, citrus-herbal, and productive with minimal fuss. For consumers seeking the iconic Critical feel without chasing exotic dessert terpenes or purples, it is a clear and confident choice.
On the medical-use side, Leafly’s data on Critical suggests meaningful user-reported relief for stress and insomnia, which many Critical autos echo. The Core differentiator is the lifecycle: autos like Auto Critical++ reduce turnaround time and allow more harvest cycles per year. That trait can be valuable for patients cultivating at home who need steady supply with predictable scheduling.
Data-Backed Benchmarks and Expectations
Benchmarks from related Critical autos help anchor reasonable expectations. Seed Supreme reports Critical Mass Autoflower at 15–20% THC and 1–5% CBD—figures that suitably frame Auto Critical++ when grown under high-quality LEDs. Indoors, yields of 350–550 g/m² are typical for dialed-in auto grows, with higher results possible in elite conditions.
User data suggest targeted effects. On Leafly, Critical is reported to help with stress (23% of users), anxiety (20%), and insomnia (17%), all aligned with a calming hybrid profile. CannaConnection notes that Critical Autoflower has been used for chronic pain, sleeping disorders, and stress, reinforcing Auto Critical++’s positioning as a balanced relaxant.
From a cultivation metrics standpoint, autos respond well to continuous light schedules. Light cycles of 18/6 or 20/4 are the most common, and PPFD targets of 900–1200 µmol·m−2·s−1 in late flower help maximize density when temperatures are kept in range. With daytime canopy temperatures at 24–26°C and late-flower RH at 45–55%, growers can preserve resin while avoiding mold in chunky colas.
In extraction contexts, expect terpene totals around 1.0–2.5% with dominant myrcene and limonene, depending on phenotype. Retention is highest when post-harvest protocols are controlled—slow dries and cool cures. These data-supported practices consistently translate into better flavor and more stable potency over time.
Sourcing and Authenticity Notes
Auto Critical++ is specifically attributed to Gea Seeds, a breeder active in the Spanish market. When sourcing seeds, verify the breeder to avoid confusion with similarly named Critical autos from other companies. Packaging, batch numbers, and authorized retailer lists help ensure you receive the intended genetics.
Critical variants are ubiquitous, and many seedbanks use overlapping names like “Critical Auto,” “Critical Mass Auto,” or “Critical+ Auto.” These are related by concept but not identical in selection or stability. If your goal is the Gea Seeds expression, look for the exact name “Auto Critical++.”
Keep in mind that autos cannot be kept as mothers for cloning in the conventional sense, as their age-dependent flowering will continue regardless of light cycle. For consistency across runs, buy from the same source and maintain environmental variables as constant as possible. Over time, you can develop a strong sense of how your room shapes phenotype expression.
Troubleshooting and Grower FAQs
Why is my Auto Critical++ staying small in week 3? Autos can stunt from early overwatering, cold nights below 18°C, or aggressive topping before day 18. Correct by allowing the medium to dry slightly between irrigations, raising night temps to 20–22°C, and sticking to gentle LST.
Why are my leaves dark and clawing? Excess nitrogen during early bloom is common in Critical-type autos due to their appetite for PK over N when buds set. Reduce N-heavy feeds after day 21–28 and increase potassium and phosphorus, while maintaining adequate calcium and magnesium.
Why do my buds smell grassy after drying? Drying was too fast or too warm, volatilizing monoterpenes and leaving chlorophyll. Slow the dry to 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 50–60% RH, then cure for at least 3–4 weeks; many citrus and herbal notes will return as chlorophyll degrades.
How do I push yields higher? Use 18–20 hours of light daily, target 900–1200 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD in late flower, maintain VPD around 1.2–1.4 kPa in mid-bloom, and keep root zones in breathable fabric pots. Gentle LST from day 14–28 to flatten the canopy, plus a steady feed to EC 1.8–2.0 in bloom, can add measurable weight.
Legal and Responsible Use Considerations
Cannabis laws vary by country and region. Ensure you are compliant with local regulations regarding cultivation, possession, and use before acquiring or germinating seeds. Even within legal jurisdictions, plant counts, canopy limits, and possession thresholds may apply.
Responsible consumption begins with dose awareness and context. Auto Critical++ can be relaxing and occasionally sedating, so avoid operating vehicles or machinery after use. Store all cannabis products securely and out of reach of children and pets.
Medical use should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional, especially for individuals with underlying conditions or those taking other medications. While user reports and observational data are informative, they are not substitutes for clinical guidance. Start low, go slow, and keep notes to understand how the strain affects you personally.
Final Thoughts
Auto Critical++ by Gea Seeds distills the beloved Critical experience into an efficient, grower-friendly autoflower. Its ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage produces compact, high-density plants that reach harvest in roughly 10–12 weeks. The result is a reliable supply of citrus-herbal flower with balanced, calming effects and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Against the backdrop of the Critical family’s reputation for yield and ease, Auto Critical++ feels both familiar and neatly improved. THC typically lands in the mid-to-upper teens, with terpene expressions led by myrcene and limonene for a soothing yet cheerful profile. For many, it is an ideal evening companion that can stretch into daytime use at lighter doses.
For cultivators, the “++” translates to predictable performance: straightforward nutrition, responsive LST, and high reward under 18–20 hours of light. For consumers, it offers classic cannabis character without chasing novelty for novelty’s sake. As a dependable autoflower that respects its lineage, Auto Critical++ earns its place in both first-time gardens and seasoned perpetual cycles.
