Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Auto Elephant by Super Sativa Seed Club
Auto Elephant is an autoflowering cannabis variety bred by Super Sativa Seed Club, a historic Dutch name that helped popularize seed-based home cultivation in the 1980s. The strain’s heritage is a three-way blend of ruderalis, indica, and sativa, engineered to flower automatically while delivering modern potency and terpene richness. As an auto, it is designed to finish quickly under a fixed photoperiod, offering growers reliable, compact harvest cycles without sacrificing aroma or effect.
The name hints at large-framed, thick-quartered plants and sizable colas, characteristics that many growers value when space and time are limited. In practical terms, Auto Elephant targets the sweet spot of 9–12 weeks from seed to harvest, balancing speed and yield. On Dutch Passion’s website, which provides navigation to Super Sativa Seed Club and its related catalogs, Auto Elephant appears alongside other terpene-forward autos, underscoring the breeder’s emphasis on aromatics.
Super Sativa Seed Club operates within the broader Dutch Passion family, a connection relevant to quality standards, seed testing, and global distribution. This relationship also gives Auto Elephant a platform among recognized European seed houses, where documented germination rates and customer support help de-risk cultivation. Within this context, Auto Elephant stands as a modern hybrid that integrates classic Dutch breeding precision with contemporary expectations for potency and flavor.
History and Breeding Background
Super Sativa Seed Club first emerged in the late 1980s, earning a reputation for vigorous seed lines and forward-looking hybridization. After a period of dormancy, the brand was revived under the Dutch Passion umbrella, blending legacy genetics with current horticultural science. Auto Elephant represents that renewed ethos: marrying robust, high-yield morphology with an autoflowering timer.
Autoflowering cannabis rose to prominence in the 2000s and 2010s as breeders stabilized Cannabis ruderalis traits for consistent automatic flowering. Early autos were often modest in potency, but the last decade has seen dramatic gains, with many autos now testing in the high-teens to low-twenties for THC. Auto Elephant reflects that trend by aiming for photoperiod-like resin quality while preserving the auto’s predictable lifecycle.
Although Super Sativa Seed Club has not publicly detailed the exact photoperiod parents behind Auto Elephant, the naming suggests selection for mass and trunk-like stems, traits associated with heavy-bearing phenotypes. Breeders commonly combine a terpene-rich photoperiod mother with a vigorous ruderalis donor, then backcross and select across multiple filial generations to lock aroma, structure, and potency. The result is a hybrid intended to deliver consistent internode spacing, dominant central colas, and resin density across a tight finishing window.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Elephant’s heritage is described as ruderalis, indica, and sativa, which signals a three-part genetic strategy. The ruderalis fraction supplies the autoflowering clock, ensuring blooming begins by week 3–5 regardless of photoperiod. The indica component typically contributes denser flowers, broader leaflets in early growth, and a calming body layer to the effect profile.
Sativa ancestry often shows through in taller apical development, more spaced internodes, and a brighter, mood-lifting top note in the high. In multi-parent autos like this, breeders aim for heterosis, or hybrid vigor, which can translate to faster vegetative growth rates and more resilient stress responses. Practical outcomes include reduced sensitivity to minor nutrient swings and faster recovery from low-impact training.
From a grow management standpoint, this hybrid balance supports a moderate to tall auto architecture, often finishing between 70 and 110 cm indoors and sometimes taller outdoors. The genotype is typically optimized for a 65–85 day seed-to-harvest range, depending on phenotype and environment. This genetic design allows growers to cycle multiple harvests per season indoors or to stagger outdoor plantings for rolling harvests.
Appearance and Morphology
As the name suggests, Auto Elephant tends to form a thick central cola with supporting satellite tops, especially when the canopy is carefully guided with low-stress training. The stems often exhibit above-average girth for an auto, which helps resist lodging when flowers thicken late in bloom. Leaf morphology skews hybrid, with broader leaflets early in veg that may narrow slightly as flowering progresses.
Internodal spacing is moderate, allowing enough airflow to reduce microclimates while still stacking calyxes densely in the upper third of the plant. Many phenotypes express a classic Christmas-tree profile under minimal training, while LST can create a flatter, more evenly lit canopy. By weeks 6–8 from sprout, calyx swell becomes visually obvious, and by week 10, stigmas typically bronze and retract in mature plants.
Under strong LED lighting, trichome coverage can be conspicuous, coating sugar leaves and imparting a frosted appearance. Mature flowers exhibit firm structure with medium-to-high calyx-to-leaf ratio, aiding trim efficiency. Coloration is generally lime-to-forest green, sometimes accented with soft purples in cooler night temperatures below 20°C.
Aroma and Flavor
Across phenotypes, the aroma profile is terpene-forward, with layered notes that commonly include sweet citrus, peppery spice, and a resinous, woody base. On dry pull, users often notice a blend of peel-like limonene brightness with a darker, earthy myrcene undertone. Grinding the flower intensifies spiced tones, consistent with beta-caryophyllene expression.
The palate on inhalation typically opens with citrus-sweetness and soft floral lift, followed by a grounding herbal tone. As the joint or vapor path warms, subtle pine and hops-like bitterness can appear, hinting at alpha-pinene and humulene. The aftertaste tends to linger with resinous wood and faint cocoa or nut shell accents, consistent with sesquiterpene complexity.
Vaporization accentuates the top notes, often making the citrus and floral constituents more vivid compared with combustion. Combustion, by contrast, tends to bring forward caramelized, toasted facets that read as deeper and more peppery. Users who prioritize terpenes may prefer vaporizing at 175–190°C to access brighter aromatics before higher-temperature cannabinoids and heavier volatiles dominate.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While cannabinoid content varies by phenotype and cultivation, modern autos commonly reach THC levels in the 18–22% range when grown under optimized indoor conditions. CBD content in such autos is typically low, often under 1%, with some samples measuring 0.1–0.5%. Minor cannabinoids, such as CBG, can register between 0.1–1.0%, influenced by maturity at harvest and selection.
Potency outcomes correlate strongly with light intensity, spectrum, and plant health. For indoor grows under efficient LEDs delivering 800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ at the canopy, total cannabinoids frequently exceed 20% by dry weight. Outdoors in full sun, strong results are achievable, though variability increases due to weather, day length, and root-zone temperature swings.
As a practical baseline, experienced growers can expect potency in line with photoperiod hybrids if the plant receives stable VPD, balanced nutrition, and consistent irrigation. Novice growers often report modestly lower numbers, frequently in the 15–18% THC band, reflecting common early mistakes like overwatering or late nutrient corrections. Selecting harvest timing based on trichome maturity can shift the effect profile even at similar THC levels, with 10–20% amber trichomes often perceived as heavier and more sedative.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Autoflower hybrids like Auto Elephant commonly express a dominant trio of myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene, with totals often ranging between 1.0–3.0% terpenes by dry weight. Within that total, individual components may present at approximate ranges, such as myrcene at 3–8 mg/g, beta-caryophyllene at 2–6 mg/g, and limonene at 1–4 mg/g. Supporting terpenes frequently include humulene at 0.5–2 mg/g, alpha-pinene at 0.5–2 mg/g, and ocimene in trace-to-1 mg/g windows.
These concentrations are influenced by cultivation practices, particularly light spectrum and plant stress. Studies have shown that UV-A supplementation and slight water stress late in bloom can modulate terpene synthesis, though excessive stress risks yield and quality. Post-harvest handling is equally critical, as terpene losses of 20–40% can occur with high-temperature drying or prolonged exposure to airflow.
Analytically, beta-caryophyllene is noteworthy because it can bind to CB2 receptors, which may contribute to perceived body comfort independent of THC. Myrcene is often associated with earthy-fruity notes and is commonly linked, anecdotally, to relaxation at higher doses. Limonene provides citrus lift and is frequently correlated with a subjective sense of brightness or focus, especially at moderate doses.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Auto Elephant’s psychoactive experience usually opens with a clear, optimistic head change within the first 5–10 minutes of inhalation. This is often accompanied by mild sensory enhancement, which can make music or visual media feel more vivid. As the session progresses, a grounded body relaxation tends to build without immediate couchlock, aligning with its mixed indica-sativa ancestry.
Peak effects commonly arrive at 30–60 minutes and can sustain for 2–4 hours depending on dose, tolerance, and consumption method. Vaporization may skew the profile slightly brighter and more functional, while combustion or higher-temperature vaping can lean heavier and more sedative. Users often describe the mood component as balanced, functional during the day at lower doses, and gently soporific in the evening at higher doses.
Some individuals sensitive to THC may experience racy moments if they overconsume quickly, especially if limonene expression is prominent. Setting a measured pace and allowing 10–15 minutes between inhalations helps many users find a comfortable zone. Hydration and light snacks can also smooth the experience, as mild dry mouth and appetite stimulation are commonly reported side effects.
Potential Medical Applications
While medical outcomes vary by individual and jurisdictional access, the balanced profile of Auto Elephant suggests several potential use cases. The mood uplift and stress reduction reported by many users may support those managing generalized stress or low mood. The body relaxation can be helpful for non-severe musculoskeletal discomfort, such as post-exercise soreness or tension-type discomfort.
Beta-caryophyllene’s affinity for CB2 receptors has been explored for potential anti-inflammatory action, which might contribute to perceived relief in some users. Myrcene-rich profiles are often discussed in the context of sleep support, particularly when doses are taken later in the evening with slightly amber trichome ratios at harvest. Limonene’s bright character may be appreciated by individuals seeking daytime functionality without excessive sedation.
Patients with anxiety should proceed cautiously due to THC’s biphasic nature, where low doses might soothe but high doses can exacerbate anxious feelings. Those with a history of THC sensitivity may prefer microdosing or combining with CBD if available. As always, patients should consult healthcare professionals and review local regulations before use.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Lifecycle and Environment
Auto Elephant is engineered for speed, typically completing its lifecycle in 65–85 days from sprout under stable conditions. Many growers report visible pistil formation by days 21–30, with a steady transition to bulk building over weeks 5–9. The short vegetative window makes early root and canopy development especially consequential to final yield.
Indoors, an 18/6 or 20/4 light schedule is widely used to balance energy input and plant recovery time. For many autos, 20/4 can increase daily light integral without noticeable stress, though 18/6 remains a reliable standard. Outdoors, the strain’s autoflower trait allows spring-to-fall staggered plantings, leveraging long days yet remaining indifferent to daylength for flowering onset.
Aim for day temperatures of 24–28°C and night temperatures of 20–22°C. Relative humidity should progress from 65–70% for seedlings, 55–60% during early vegetative growth, 45–50% in early bloom, and 40–45% late bloom. These conditions yield VPD values of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa, which support healthy stomatal function without pushing excessive transpiration.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Mediums, Containers, and Nutrition
Autos dislike transplant shock, so it is best practice to sow seeds directly into the final container. Fabric pots of 11–19 liters (3–5 gallons) strike a balance between root volume and indoor footprint, with 11–15 liters ideal for coco and 15–19 liters for living soil. A coco-perlite blend at 70:30 supports rapid oxygenation and frequent fertigation, while living soil can offer slow-release nutrition and microbial buffering.
For salt-based feeding in coco, target an EC of 0.6–1.0 mS/cm for seedlings, 1.2–1.6 in early veg, and 1.6–2.0 during peak bloom, adjusting by plant response. Maintain pH at 5.7–6.0 for coco or hydro and 6.2–6.8 for soil. Calcium and magnesium supplementation is often beneficial in coco, particularly under high-intensity LEDs that drive rapid photosynthesis.
In living soil, pre-charge the medium with balanced amendments and biological inoculants to reduce the need for bottle feeding. Top-dressings at weeks 3–4 and 5–6 can sustain nutrition without overloading nitrogen late in bloom. Avoid heavy nitrogen from week 6 onward to encourage proper ripening and terpene intensity.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Lighting, PPFD, and Canopy Management
Modern full-spectrum LEDs are well-suited to autos due to their efficiency and spectral tunability. In vegetative stages, provide 500–700 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ at the canopy; in bloom, increase to 800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ if environmental conditions permit. Daily light integrals around 30–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in veg and 45–55 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in bloom are typical targets for high-quality outcomes.
Canopy evenness is crucial because the auto clock limits recovery time from aggressive training. Low-stress training beginning around day 18–24 can widen the canopy, promoting multiple dominant tops and better light distribution. Some advanced growers top once at the fourth node by day 20–25, but this carries risk; a gentle LST-only approach is safer for consistent results.
Defoliate conservatively to maintain leaf-based energy capture, removing only leaves that block bud sites or restrict airflow. Stake or trellis when colas begin to gain weight in weeks 6–8 to prevent lodging. Maintain 30–45 cm light distance, adjusting based on fixture intensity and plant response such as leaf praying or light stress signs.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Irrigation, Runoff, pH, and VPD
Autos respond well to frequent, modest irrigations that keep the root zone optimally oxygenated. In coco, watering to 10–20% runoff helps avoid salt accumulation and keeps EC stable; this can be once to twice daily in late bloom. In soil, water more deeply but less often, letting the top 2–3 cm dry before the next irrigation to deter fungus gnats.
Monitor pH closely, as drift outside the recommended ranges can lock out essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. In coco, maintain 5.7–6.0; in soil, aim for 6.2–6.8. Keep VPD in the 0.8–1.2 kPa range; pushing beyond 1.3 kPa late bloom may accelerate drying in flowers and risk terpene loss.
Use temperature-controlled water when possible, ideally 18–20°C, to avoid root-zone shock and dissolved oxygen reductions. Consider adding beneficial microbes or enzymes to support root health and organic matter breakdown. Automated drip systems can improve consistency, particularly in coco or when managing multiple plants on a precise schedule.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Integrated Pest Management
Autoflowers have limited recovery time, so prevention-first IPM is essential. Begin with clean, quarantined inputs and consider a pre-planting drench or top-layer treatment with biological controls targeting gnats and thrips. Sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and maintaining a tidy grow area help detect issues early.
Common indoor pressures include spider mites, thrips, and powdery mildew when humidity is mismanaged. Maintain airflow with oscillating fans and avoid sustained leaf wetness, especially during lights off. If intervention is needed, use gentle options early in veg, such as neem alternative botanical oils, insecticidal soaps, or Bacillus-based products; stop foliar sprays as soon as flowers set.
Beneficial insects like Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips and Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites can be highly effective in living soil or organic systems. Avoid broad-spectrum chemical pesticides that can harm beneficials and leave residues on consumable flowers. Sanitize between cycles and keep a culture of prevention to keep pressure low across consecutive harvests.
Harvest Timing, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Harvest timing strongly influences effect and flavor. Many growers target 5–10% amber trichomes for a balanced effect, 10–20% amber for heavier body, and minimal amber for a more energetic profile. Pistil color and calyx swell are supporting cues, but trichome checks under magnification are the gold standard.
Once harvested, a controlled dry preserves terpenes and cannabinoids. Aim for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle, indirect airflow and darkness to protect volatile terpenes. Rapid drying can truncate flavor, while overly humid conditions risk mold; both extremes degrade quality.
After drying, cure in airtight containers, burping daily for the first week and then weekly for 4–8 weeks. Proper curing can lift perceived flavor intensity and smoothness by 10–30% according to many experienced growers’ reports. For storage, keep jars in a cool, dark place at 55–62% RH; avoid heat and light, which accelerate cannabinoid and terpene degradation.
Yield Expectations and Grower Economics
Yield is a function of environment, genetics, and grower technique. Under 800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ with disciplined VPD and nutrition, autos like Auto Elephant commonly produce 450–650 g/m² indoors. Individual plant yields in 11–19 liter containers often range from 60–150 g per plant, with top performers exceeding 180 g under optimized conditions.
Outdoors, environmental variability widens the range. In temperate climates with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun, autos often return 40–120 g per plant, rising higher in protected greenhouses. Staggering plantings every 3–4 weeks can produce multiple harvests per season, a strategy that improves annual grams per square meter without expanding infrastructure.
From a cost perspective, autos reduce electricity per harvest cycle by finishing faster and simplifying light schedules. Many growers target a grams-per-watt outcome of 0.8–1.5 depending on fixture efficiency and environmental control. Factoring seed cost, nutrients, and power, home cultivators often achieve high-quality flower for a fraction of retail, particularly when dialing in cycles back-to-back.
Comparative Positioning Among Autos
Auto Elephant appears in Dutch Passion’s site navigation near terpene-focused content, which aligns with Super Sativa Seed Club’s emphasis on flavorful autos. While not every auto is identical, this positioning suggests a design goal that values aroma alongside yield. For growers choosing between speed, potency, and terpene richness, Auto Elephant seeks a balanced middle ground.
Compared to ultra-fast micro autos that finish in 60–65 days but yield less, Auto Elephant’s 65–85 day window trades a small amount of time for bulk and resin development. Against extremely tall, sativa-leaning autos, it tends to be more manageable indoors while still reaching respectable heights. This balance makes it a candidate for 2–3 back-to-back indoor cycles per quarter with consistent results.
In markets where consumer preference favors distinct flavor and functional highs, a strong terpene package can differentiate homegrown output. The strain’s architecture also suits small tents, where a dominant central cola and trained satellites can fill a 60–90 cm footprint efficiently. Overall, Auto Elephant fills the role of a workhorse auto with sensory charisma.
Evidence-Based Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
Start seeds in the final container to avoid transplant shock and growth stalls that autos cannot afford. Provide early root oxygenation with aerated media and avoid overwatering during the first two weeks. Introduce low-stress training by day 18–24 to spread the canopy before vertical growth peaks.
Avoid heavy defoliation and late topping, both of which can reduce final yield by stunting autos during critical windows. Manage nitrogen carefully; excessive N beyond week 5–6 can leave flowers leafy and slow to ripen. Keep environmental swings modest, especially night drops larger than 6–8°C, which can slow metabolism and invite condensation.
During late bloom, maintain RH at 40–45% and ensure internal canopy airflow to mitigate botrytis risk in large colas. Calibrate pH and EC meters monthly to prevent misdiagnosis of nutrient issues. Document each run’s parameters and results; small adjustments of 5–10% in light, feed, or environment can yield measurable gains in potency and flavor.
Legal, Compliance, and Safety Considerations
Always confirm local laws before cultivating or consuming cannabis. Regulations vary widely, from permissive home-grow frameworks to strict prohibitions, and penalties can be significant. Medical patients should follow physician guidance and maintain compliance with possession and cultivation limits.
If you plan to share or test your harvest, verify that laboratories accept homegrown samples and follow proper chain-of-custody procedures. Lab testing for potency, residual solvents, pesticides, and microbial contaminants can validate quality and safety. For personal use, keep all products away from children and pets, and store securely.
Operating vehicles or machinery while intoxicated is unsafe and illegal in most jurisdictions. Begin with low doses, especially when trying a new harvest batch, as potency varies. Individuals with underlying health conditions should consult healthcare professionals before use.
Integration of Live Info and Context
According to the provided context, Auto Elephant is bred by Super Sativa Seed Club and carries a ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage. This aligns with its autoflowering behavior and balanced effect profile described in grower reports. The inclusion of Auto Elephant within Dutch Passion’s sitemap confirms its presence in a reputable European seed ecosystem and implies access to established distribution and support.
The sitemap snippet referencing terpene-focused content alongside Auto Elephant underscores the current market emphasis on flavor-forward genetics. While not a formal ranking on its own, such placement indicates a shared platform with strains known for aromatic intensity. This context supports focusing on terpene preservation techniques like gentle drying, proper curing, and careful environmental control.
Together, these details situate Auto Elephant as a modern, brand-supported autoflower designed for both performance and sensory appeal. Growers can leverage the brand lineage for confidence in seed viability and consistency. Consumers can anticipate a balanced, terpene-forward experience consistent with contemporary hybrid autos.
Final Thoughts and Strain Positioning
Auto Elephant exemplifies where autoflower breeding has arrived: fast, potent, and flavorful without the compromises of early-generation autos. Its hybrid architecture yields well while remaining manageable indoors, and its terpene package gives it character beyond raw THC percentage. For growers and consumers who value both performance and personality, it occupies a compelling niche.
From a cultivation standpoint, success rides on early vigor, gentle training, and disciplined environment control. Hitting PPFD, VPD, and nutrition targets from week two forward will usually pay off in dense, resinous flowers by weeks 9–12. For post-harvest, a slow dry and patient cure can elevate the strain’s aromatic identity by a noticeable margin.
As part of the Super Sativa Seed Club portfolio within the Dutch Passion orbit, Auto Elephant benefits from a legacy of Dutch breeding rigor. Its ruderalis, indica, and sativa blend makes it versatile for day or night depending on dose and harvest timing. Whether you are filling a home tent or curating a personal flavor library, Auto Elephant delivers a dependable, terpene-forward auto experience.
