Cannabis plants require proper pruning and training techniques to achieve maximum yield and maintain their health. Without proper care, plants can become overcrowded, leading to lower yields and an increased risk of disease. In this article, we will discuss some techniques for pruning and training cannabis plants at home to ensure optimal growth and production.
There are several methods for pruning and training cannabis plants, each with its own benefits and considerations. However, before you start pruning, it is important to first understand the anatomy of the plant and how it grows. Cannabis plants have a main stem with branching nodes that produce leaves and flowers. Pruning involves selectively removing certain parts of the plant to promote growth and redirect energy towards the remaining parts.
Some of the main techniques for pruning and training cannabis plants include:
- Topping, which involves cutting off the top of the main stem, encouraging the plant to grow outwards and create more colas (flowering sites).
- Low stress training (LST), which involves gently bending and tying down the branches of the plant to create a more even canopy and allow for more light penetration.
- Defoliation, which is the removal of large fan leaves to increase air flow and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant.
It is important to note that pruning and training should be done carefully and in moderation. Over-pruning can stress the plant and lead to stunted growth or even death. It is recommended to start pruning and training during the vegetative stage of growth and to only remove a small percentage of leaves and branches at a time.
In addition to promoting growth and increasing yield, pruning and training techniques can also help improve the overall health of the plant. By removing overcrowded and diseased parts, you can prevent the spread of pests and diseases and ensure that the plant is getting enough nutrients and light.
In conclusion, mastering proper pruning and training techniques for your cannabis plants is essential for achieving optimal yield and maintaining plant health. By understanding the different methods and carefully monitoring your plants, you can create a thriving garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Key Points:
Proper training and pruning techniques can significantly increase cannabis plant yield and overall health. Low stress training is a gentle and effective method for shaping and manipulating plant growth. Regular training schedules and the use of proper training supplies are key to successfully training cannabis plants at home.
Bending and Securing Cannabis Plants
Prepare the plants:
- Before bending, ensure the plants are well-hydrated and healthy.
Bend the stems:
- Gently bend the stems, avoiding any harsh or sudden movements to prevent damage.
Secure the stems:
- Use soft plant ties or twist ties to secure the bent stems to the container or stakes.
Monitor the plants:
- Regularly check the plants to ensure that the bending and securing are not causing any stress or harm.
Observe growth:
- As the plants continue to grow, adjust the ties to accommodate the expanding stems.
When bending and securing cannabis plants, it’s crucial to be gentle and attentive. This method can help maximise light exposure to lower bud sites, ultimately boosting yield and promoting overall plant health.
Training Non-Autoflowering Cultivars
Start training non-autoflowering cultivars during the vegetative stage, when plants are more responsive and have time to recover. Utilise low-stress training (LST) by bending and securing the plant’s stems horizontally to encourage lateral growth and an even canopy. Implement high-stress training techniques like topping or FIM (F*ck, I Missed) to promote bushier growth and increase the number of colas. Consider using super cropping to gently break the plant’s inner tissues, stimulating the growth of new, stronger branches. Regularly prune and defoliate the plant to remove unnecessary growth, improve airflow, and allow better light penetration to lower bud sites.
When training non-autoflowering cultivars, remember to be patient and observant. Each plant may respond differently, so adjust your training methods accordingly to achieve the best results. Always prioritise the health and well-being of your plants throughout the training process.
Space Needed for Training
Assess available space: Determine the area you can allocate for training, considering height, width, and depth. Ensure there’s enough room for the plants to grow without overcrowding.
Consider plant size: Factor in the potential height and width of the cannabis plants based on the strain and growing conditions.
Training techniques: Choose appropriate training methods like low-stress training (LST) or high-stress training (HST) based on the available space and desired plant shape.
Flexible setup: Opt for adjustable training methods to accommodate growth and maximise space utilisation.
After carefully assessing the available space and considering the potential plant size, a home grower successfully utilised LST techniques to train their cannabis plants, effectively optimising the limited space and achieving healthy, high-yielding plants.
Low Stress Training
- Prepare the plant: Identify the main stem and remove any lower branches or growth that is not receiving adequate light.
- Start training: Gently bend the stem to create an even canopy and expose all growth sites to light without causing damage.
- Secure the training: Use soft ties or plant training clips to secure the bent stem in place, ensuring it remains in the desired position.
- Monitor and adjust: Regularly check the plant to ensure the bent stem is not causing stress or damage. Make any necessary adjustments to the training setup.
- Continue maintenance: As the plant grows, repeat the process of bending and securing the stem to maintain an even canopy and maximise light exposure.
Manipulating Growth with Training
Supercropping: Gently squeeze the stem to weaken it, allowing it to bend without breaking, and promote lateral growth.
Low-stress training (LST): Tie down branches to encourage an even canopy and maximise light exposure to bud sites.
Screen of Green (SCROG): Use a screen or mesh to create an even canopy, optimising light penetration and promoting bud development.
High-stress training (HST): Prune, top, or FIM the plant to manipulate its growth pattern and encourage bushier, more productive growth.
Defoliation: Remove select fan leaves to improve airflow, light penetration, and bud development.
Training Autoflowering Cultivars
Low-stress training (LST): Gently bend the plant stems to encourage even canopy growth.
Defoliation: Prune large fan leaves to expose lower bud sites, enhancing light penetration.
Topping: Remove the main stem tip to promote side branch growth, increasing bud sites.
Lollipopping: Trim lower bud sites and foliage to focus plant energy on top colas.
Training autoflowering cultivars requires delicacy and minimal stress to avoid stunting growth or reducing yields.
Maximizing Yields with Training
Choose the right training method:
Techniques such as Low-Stress Training (LST), Screen of Green (SCROG), or topping can aid in maximising yields with training.
Understand plant growth stages:
Train plants during the vegetative stage to encourage lateral growth and increase bud sites, ultimately leading to higher yields.
Implement proper support:
Utilise trellis nets or stakes to support the trained branches and prevent breakage under the weight of developing buds.
Regular monitoring:
Continuously monitor plant growth and adjust training techniques as necessary to ensure optimal light exposure and airflow, promoting healthy and robust development.
Types of Training Techniques
When training cannabis plants, various techniques can be employed to optimize yield and health. Here’s a breakdown of different types of training techniques:
- LST (Low Stress Training) – Bending and tying down branches to create an even canopy, maximizing light exposure.
- Topping – Removing the tip of the main stem to promote lateral growth, resulting in multiple colas.
- Super Cropping – Gently squeezing and bending stems to promote bushier growth and increase flower sites.
- ScrOG (Screen of Green) – Using a screen to control and train plant growth horizontally, creating an even canopy.
- Main-Lining – Creating a symmetrical plant structure by pruning and manipulating the main stem and branches.
Training Supplies
When considering training supplies for cannabis plants, essential items include:
- Plant ties, which offer gentle support for stems and branches during training.
- Trellis netting, which provides a framework for plants to grow against, optimizing space and light exposure.
- Stakes, which help to stabilize taller plants and encourage upright growth.
Additionally, consider investing in training accessories like:
- Plant clips and adjustable yoyos for versatile plant support.
- Quality pruning shears and scissors for precision trimming and maintenance.
It’s crucial to choose supplies that are durable, adjustable, and suitable for the specific growth stage of the plants, ensuring effective and healthy training outcomes.
Training Schedule and Timeline
- Week 1-3: Start training by gently bending the plant stems to encourage lateral growth. Use low-stress techniques such as tying down the branches to increase light exposure to lower bud sites.
- Week 4-6: Continue training with low-stress methods, focusing on maintaining an even canopy and promoting airflow. Remove any excessive growth to keep the plant’s energy focused on bud development.
- Week 7-9: Transition to high-stress training methods such as topping or FIMing to further manipulate the plant’s growth patterns. This encourages the development of multiple colas and maximises yield potential.
- Week 10-12: Gradually cease training activities as the plant enters the late flowering stage. Focus on providing optimal environmental conditions and proper nutrition to support bud maturation.
Main Idea of Training
When it comes to the main idea of training cannabis plants, the goal is to optimise yield and health through techniques like topping, low-stress training, and defoliation.
Topping involves removing the top growth to encourage lateral growth, while low-stress training uses gentle bending to control the plant’s height and increase light exposure.
Defoliation entails removing specific leaves to improve air circulation and light penetration, ultimately enhancing bud development. These methods aim to create a bushier, more productive plant.
Fact: Properly trained cannabis plants can produce higher yields and better quality buds, making training an essential aspect of home cultivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plant training and why is it important for maximising cannabis yield and health?
Plant training is a set of growing techniques that involve physically manipulating the plant to increase yields and improve overall health. It is important for maximising cannabis yield and health because it allows for better light distribution, increased bud production, and a more desirable plant shape for indoor growing. Additionally, plant training is a free and easy method that does not require expensive equipment or illegal substances.
What are the three main types of plant training and how do they increase yields?
The three main types of plant training are bending and securing, damaging or removing parts of the plant, and manipulating timelines. Bending and securing techniques gently manipulate the plant to create more top colas, while damaging or removing parts can strategically shape the plant and increase bud production. Manipulating timelines involves techniques such as topping and super cropping to speed up growth and create more colas. By using these techniques together, yields can be increased by up to 40%.
Can plant training be used on all types of cannabis plants?
Yes, plant training can be used on all types of cannabis plants, including indica and auto-flowering strains. However, it is important to consider the vegetative period for non-auto-flowering cultivars and to allow for rest and recovery periods for auto-flowering plants. It is also recommended to choose the right strains for training and to consider the difficulty level and grow space available.
What are some popular plant training techniques and how do they work?
Some popular plant training techniques include topping, L.S.T (low stress training), super cropping, fimming, pruning, defoliation, scrog (screen of green), and mainlining. These techniques work by manipulating the growth pattern of the plant to create more top colas and improve light distribution. They can also result in a more desirable shape for indoor growing, such as a wider and flatter canopy instead of the traditional “Christmas Tree” shape.
Is plant training a suitable option for beginner and small-scale growers?
Yes, plant training can be a suitable option for beginner and small-scale growers as it is a free and easy method that does not require specialised equipment. Techniques such as low stress training (L.S.T) and mainlining can be easily done with materials like garden ties and perforated pots. Additionally, there are many cannabis strains available that are specifically bred for easier training and faster yields, such as those from Fast Buds.
Can plant training be used to increase yields for legal commercial growers?
Yes, plant training can be a valuable tool for legal commercial growers looking to maximise their yields. By using techniques such as topping and L.S.T clips, growers can create a larger number of top colas and lower buds for a higher overall yield. Additionally, techniques like mainlining can result in more even light distribution and larger buds, increasing the value of the harvest.
