Cannabis plants are known for their rapid growth, but what happens when they start to get too tall? As a home grower in the USA, you must understand how to manage tall cannabis plants to ensure optimal growth and yield.
There are several reasons why cannabis plants grow too tall, and there are plenty of techniques for managing their height. Knowing which products will help control growth and the environmental considerations to keep in mind can help your plants thrive and produce high-quality buds.
What Causes Cannabis Plants to Become Too Tall?
While it may seem quite pleasing to see your cannabis plant reach for the skies, uncontrollable height can create a set of challenges. Identifying the primary factors that contribute to excessive height is the initial step in overcoming these challenges. Here are two of the most common factors:
- Genetics: Genetic factors significantly influence cannabis plant height. Different cannabis strains have varying growth characteristics. Sativa strains, for instance, are known to grow much taller than indica strains due to their genetic makeup.
- The Environment: Environmental factors also play a crucial role in dictating the growth of cannabis plants. Conditions like high temperatures, inadequate light conditions, and improper nutrient management can cause the plant to stretch, leading to an unnecessary increase in height.
Techniques for Managing Tall Cannabis Plants
Several training methods can effectively control the growth of a cannabis plant. These increase yield while making sure each plant’s growth doesn't exceed the limitations of your grow space. Here are some of the best training methods that are simple and effective at controlling your cannabis plants’ heights:
- Low-Stress Training: Low-stress training (LST) is a growth manipulation technique that involves gently bending and tying parts of the plant to change its physical shape. This will encourage the plant to grow outwards instead of upwards. LST can increase yield, improve light exposure, and keep plant height under control.
- Topping and FIMing: These techniques are employed by growers to control plant height. Topping involves removing the plant's top, promoting the growth of two main colas instead of one. FIMing is a less precise topping technique that intends to create four main colas instead of two.
- Super Cropping: This is another effective method for controlling plant height. It involves snapping the branches of your plant—without breaking them off—to make them grow at a 90° angle. Super cropping can help increase yields and give you control over your plant's height and shape.
Products for Controlling Plant Height
Several products on the market can assist in controlling the height of cannabis plants.
Plant support and trellising systems can help manage the growth direction and height of your plants. These systems allow you to train your plant horizontally rather than letting it grow upward uncontrollably. The Grower's Edge soft mesh trellis netting is gentle on plants while providing sturdy support. Another option is the VIVOSUN heavy-duty trellis netting, which is designed to support heavy loads.
Growth inhibitors are products that control a plant's vertical growth while promoting lateral growth. They work by inhibiting the production of gibberellic acid, a hormone responsible for stem elongation. Bonide’s Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew contains Spinosad, a natural substance that has been found to limit vertical growth. This helps control the height of your plants.
Environmental Considerations
Effective environmental management is key to controlling cannabis plant height. The amount and type of light your plant gets can impact its height. Adjusting the lighting distance and schedule can help manage the stretch.
Nutrient and water management are also necessary for controlling plant height. An excessive amount of nitrogen can make cannabis plants grow tall and spindly. Adjusting the nutrient mix can help manage the plant's height. Overwatering can also lead to a rapid increase in height. This happens because the plant tries to reach for more light to compensate for the excess water.
Control the Height of Your Cannabis Plants to Grow High-Quality Buds
Taming the height of cannabis plants can be quite a complex process that requires proper knowledge, skills, and tools. However, with the right techniques, products, and environmental management, growers can effectively manage their plants’ height. Always remember that the goal is to maximize yield and potency, so invest some time in understanding your plants and their needs and take proactive steps to help them thrive.
