Are you looking to maximize your cannabis plant yield and quality? Plant training techniques can help you achieve just that. In this comprehensive guide, we’re taking a look at the various methods of training your cannabis plants, from low-stress training to high-stress training, topping, fimming, super cropping, ScrOG, and main-lining. For beginners looking into this for the first time to vets brushing up on the fundamentals, we’ve got what you need here.
Low-Stress Training (LST)
LST stands for Low-Stress Training, a gentle technique that involves manipulating the plant's growth structure without causing significant damage. This non-invasive method principally involves bending and tying down the branches or stems, leading to a more horizontal growth. The idea behind LST is to ensure that all parts of the plant receive an adequate amount of light, promoting healthier, more balanced growth.
Benefits of LST
The clear advantage of the LST technique lies in its ability to enhance light coverage, which results in larger yields. As all areas of the plant get an equal amount of light, more bud sites can develop, leading to a more substantial, higher-quality harvest. Plus, LST is extremely stress-free for the plant, helping it to remain healthy and robust throughout its growth cycle.
LST Step-by-Step
Applying LST involves a simple three-step process. Start by gently bending the stem or branch you want to train. Coax it into a more horizontal position, but be careful not to snap it. Next, secure it in place using string, wire, or plant ties. Make sure it's not so tight as to strangle the stem or branch. Finally, keep monitoring your plant's growth and adjust the ties as necessary to maintain even light distribution.
High-Stress Training (HST)
HST, or High-Stress Training, is a more intense method of cannabis plant training. This technique involves purposely causing damage to the plant, such as snapping or bending stems to create micro-tears. These micro-tears stimulate the plant to recover and build more robust cell walls, which often leads to increased yield.
Benefits of HST
Although it may sound harsh, proper HST can lead to significant growth improvement in cannabis plants. The inflicted stress encourages the plant to redirect energy towards damage repair, promoting stronger and thicker stems. This leads to a higher yield and a more diverse canopy.
HST Step-by-Step
HST must be done with care to avoid over-stressing the plant. Begin by identifying the main stem or branch. Then, apply force to the stem with your thumb and forefinger, causing it to bend with a slight crackle. Do not completely break the stem. Afterward, secure the wounded area with a tie to guide its growth and allow time for recovery. Be vigilant for any signs that the affected area may be dying or dead, since that’s a risk when performing HST.
Topping
Topping is a plant training technique that involves cutting off the top/main stem of the cannabis plant. This practice encourages the plant to grow two main colas instead of one, thus leading to a bushier plant with more bud sites.
Benefits of Topping
Topping not only increases the number of bud sites but also encourages a more uniform and efficient use of light. It also stimulates the lower branches to grow more, which could potentially lead to increased yields.
Topping Step-by-Step
Start by identifying the top of your cannabis plant – this will be the last growth node. Using sterile scissors, cut the stalk just above the node. Remember, only top a plant that has at least three to five nodes to ensure it can handle the stress of the process. Monitor the growth and health of your plant in the aftermath to detect any signs of damage or shock.
Fimming
Fimming, derived from the phrase "F*** I Missed," is a slightly inaccurate form of topping. Instead of cutting above the node, the cut is made several millimeters above, leaving some parts of the new growth.
Benefits of Fimming
Fimming can often result in more than two new growth tips, leading to a bushier plant. It’s also less stressful on the plant than topping, making it a better option for growers who want to minimize plant stress.
Fimming Step-by-Step
To apply this technique, find the newest growth at the top of your plant. Instead of cutting it off completely, you should make a cut a few millimeters above, leaving about 20% of it behind. While typically less risky than other types of cutting, you should still be careful to sanitize your sheers or other cutting implements before you proceed, and then monitor for changes in the aftermath.
Super Cropping
Super cropping is a high-stress training technique that involves gently bending and pinching the stem until it folds over but is not fully broken.
Benefits of Super Cropping
Super cropping boosts the plant's natural hormone production, resulting in stronger and more resilient growth. It also helps to create a more even canopy that enhances light exposure. Additionally, super cropping can lead to a phenomenon known as "bud stacking" where the flowers grow closely together, maximizing the productive capacity of each branch.
Super Cropping Step-by-Step
Pinch the stem between your thumb and forefinger, applying enough pressure until the inner part of the stem is weak enough to bend. Secure the bent stem using a tie to hold it in its new position. Be extra cautious to avoid breaking the stem by accident.
ScrOG (Screen of Green)
ScrOG or "Screen of Green" is a technique where a net or screen is used to control the growth of the cannabis plant horizontally rather than vertically. This leads to a taller planet with less spread during growth.
Benefits of ScrOG
ScrOG is particularly beneficial in indoor grows, where space is limited. It ensures an even canopy with optimal light exposure, leading to increased yields and larger buds. The ScrOG technique also allows for better air circulation around the cannabis plant, reducing the chances of mold and fungal growth. It even presents an opportunity to manage the plant's development more directly, providing the grower with the ability to influence the number and quality of the bud sites.
ScrOG Step-by-Step
Install a screen 15-25 inches above your plants. Then weave the stems and branches through the gaps in the screen as they grow, directing them towards the empty spaces.
Main-Lining
Main-lining involves creating a “manifold” by dividing the plant into two main stems from the base. This leads to a symmetrical and even canopy.
Benefits of Main-Lining
Main-lining helps to ensure that nutrients and energy are divided equally among the branches, resulting in an even yield and larger colas. It also helps the plant to have a more stable structure, capable of supporting the weight of heavy buds. This technique makes the plant less susceptible to damage from external factors such as wind or pests, providing an added layer of protection for your cannabis plants.
Main-Lining Step-by-Step
Start by topping your plant when it has grown five or six nodes. This will result in two main stems. Apply LST to these stems by tying them down to grow horizontally, and repeat the process as the plant grows.
Optimize Your Cannabis Growth Today
Cannabis plant training techniques offer growers a means of maximizing their yield and the overall health of their plants. While every technique has its advantages, it's always a good idea to experiment and see what works best for your plants. Remember to keep track of your results and, most importantly, to enjoy the journey of growing your cannabis.
