This method increases the number of plants by using the cuttings as clones and also induces stress-responsive growth increases in the mother plant. Monster cropping is a term used for increasing floral bud size by manipulating the growth stages of clonal plants. Plants are cloned after floral induction and then reverted to the vegetative phase to allow for even growth. Then the plants are re-induced to flower to allow for the simultaneous harvest of floral material. Naturally, plants need to be harvested in phases since the top of the plants receive more light and mature more quickly.

Cloning plants in their reproductive stage is not generally recommended and can be very stressful to the plant, so it is important that it is done correctly. Some degree of stress can trigger a plant to be more productive by triggering its survival responses. One survival response in plants is the increased production of secondary metabolites, compounds that do not aid normal growth but help the plant to compete and survive.

Since plant compounds like cannabinoids are secondary metabolites, Monster Cropping is said to produce plants that are more potent. Because the methods of monster cropping involve manipulation of growth phases that are tied to photoperiods (light exposure times), autoflowering plants are not suitable for this method. Plants with longer life cycles that respond to changes in light exposure must be used. However, Monster Cropping may be used outdoors as well as indoors.