If you’re interested in growing cannabis, one of the most important things you’ll need to know is how to properly prune the plant. Basically, there are several different ways you can do it, including pruning at the apical and top of the plant, and fimming and Lollipop techniques.
Apical pruning
Pruning techniques have been used by cannabis growers since time immemorial. They help to shape the structure of the plant and alter cannabinoid composition. These methods can also limit the height of the plant.
Apical pruning is a meristem cutting technique that is typically done during the vegetative growth phase of the plant. It aims to slow vertical growth, promote branching, and increase the total exposure of the plant to light.
A good pruning technique can be a simple and easy process. However, it’s important to choose the right method for you. Using the wrong method may result in unsuccessful plants.
When you want to prune a cannabis plant, the first thing to do is to decide what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to maximize the production of your buds, you can try fimming. If you want to increase the number of branches, you can try topping or lateral shoot pruning.
Some pruning techniques will only work with certain strains. For instance, apical pruning can hurt Indica varieties. To avoid this problem, you should only use apical pruning on plants that have three nodes.
Other techniques can also be effective in encouraging branching. For example, super-cropping is another effective way to enhance the production of branches.
To get the most out of apical pruning, you need to make sure your cuts are clean. This will reduce the time it takes for the plant to recover. Moreover, you should be careful not to cut the growing tip.
After you’ve made the cuts, you should cover up the wound with a bandage or band-aid. You can then wait a few days for the plant to heal.
When you’re growing your plants indoors, it’s usually best to avoid pruning. This will minimize the risk of passing pathogens. Outdoor grows, on the other hand, are more susceptible to disease and airborne fungi.
For pruning marijuana, you should start with the fattest part of the trunk. You should then snip the branch at a 45-degree angle. Remember to leave at least 20% of the node.
Lollipop technique
Pruning is one of the most common methods used to encourage the growth of cannabis. However, not all pruning techniques are appropriate for a cannabis plant. Some can actually stunt growth or decrease yields. The correct method is dependent on the type of plant, environment, and growth stage.
Many growers choose to prune during the early stages of flowering. However, this can be problematic. It is a good idea to wait until the end of the flowering cycle. That way, your plants will not be forced to produce more buds than they can handle.
Another important factor to consider is the height of your plants. Different pruning techniques can increase the height and strength of your cannabis plants. In addition, they can also promote the growth of lower buds.
The most popular and effective pruning technique is the upper apex cut. This is a simple procedure that requires a sharp pair of scissors. Make sure to cut at a 45 degree angle.
Another commonly used pruning technique is called lollipopping. This process removes the small, secondary branches on a cannabis plant. This allows for more light to reach the lower parts of the plant.
Topping is an alternative method to pruning that can promote a more dense plant. Topping alters the plant’s growth trajectory, causing axial branches to spread out. The resulting branches are strong and bushy.
Alternatively, you can use a technique known as FIM to multiply the main shoots on a cannabis plant. This can be done both outdoors and indoors.
For the best results, you should not try to trim during the bloom phase. Cutting too close to the flowers can also damage them.
Another commonly used pruning method is apical pruning. The process involves cutting a large part of the plant’s main stem. It stimulates side and lower branch growth, increasing the size and vigour of the final harvest.
However, you should be careful when pruning vital shoots. A bud that is cut too soon can suffer from stress and reduce its size.
Pruning is a great way to shape the structure of your cannabis plants. It can also improve the efficiency of light and airflow.
Fimming
Aside from allowing better air flow, pruning can also improve the yield of cannabis plants. Pruning can help increase plant height, promote more flowering, and enhance the robustness of the plants. However, if performed incorrectly, it can hurt the plants.
The first type of pruning technique is topping. Topping involves the removal of the topmost growing tip. By doing this, the growth of the side and lower branches are stimulated.
Another type of pruning is fimming. Generally, this technique is used by micro-growers with just a few plants. During this phase, the grower will remove the leaves and a few stems. This technique can be performed at any time of the year.
Fimming can also be a useful method of producing new buds. But it is not as effective as topping.
Aside from topping and fimming, the FIM technique is also a good option for cultivating mother plants. It is especially helpful in humid climates. For instance, it promotes airflow through the plants and allows the plants to use all available nutrients.
Besides fimming and topping, lateral shoot pruning can be done as well. Unlike other pruning techniques, it does not sacrifice the upper shoots. Moreover, lateral shoots reach a greater height and get more exposure to the light source.
One of the most commonly used pruning techniques in cannabis cultivation is apical pruning. Apical pruning is a simple process that requires the plant to have at least three nodes.
It is often done during the third week of vegetative growth. Nevertheless, it is not a good idea to perform it too early. In fact, this could shock the plant. If the pruning was performed too late, the seedling may not develop properly.
Besides promoting plant health, the other purpose of pruning is to increase the size and number of the buds. Plants produce the best flowers at the tips of the branches. Performing pruning at the wrong time can stunt plant growth and reduce the yield of the harvest.
Besides pruning, other common practices are super-cropping and pest control. These methods have been utilized by outdoor and indoor growers to optimize plant structure and maximize their yield.
Topping
Cannabis plants need pruning techniques to ensure that they are healthy and vibrant. The purpose of pruning is to promote healthy growth and encourage light penetration. Aside from improving the structure of the plant, it also ensures that growth hormones are distributed evenly throughout the plant.
Different pruning methods are known to alter the shoot structure. These techniques vary according to the cultivation objectives and industrialization processes.
A few of the commonly used techniques include apical pruning, fimming, lollypop pruning, lateral shoot pruning and super-cropping. They all aim to improve the overall exposure of the plant to light and maximize the number of secondary branches.
Apical pruning is one of the most popular techniques, and it is commonly performed on cannabis plants. It involves cutting the main stem of the plant, so that new shoots can form from the root of the main stem.
Fimming is another technique, which removes the upper part of the bud. It is useful for smaller plants and micro-growers. Unlike apical pruning, fimming creates three or eight new stems.
Lollypop pruning is a technique that concentrates buds on the top part of the plant. The method is especially useful in humid climates, and it encourages air circulation throughout the plant.
Fimming is also an effective method for removing dead leaves and weak lower branches. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases. However, it results in a less dense harvest.
Similarly, bud thinning is a good technique for maximizing the number of secondary branches in the plant. This technique aims to increase total exposure of the plant to light, and it eliminates the tail of marijuana in the central part of the plant.
Finally, lateral shoot pruning is a type of pruning that is useful for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Although it can be effective for outdoor cultivation, it can also be used to produce mother plants.
Pruning is important for cannabis cultivation because it redistributes the growth hormones that are important for the plant. When it is successful, it promotes a more stout, vibrant plant.
In addition to the various benefits mentioned above, a successful pruning technique will also increase yield. With this method, the plant is focused on the most productive parts of the plant, which result in bigger, dense buds.
