Growing cannabis plants can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you employ effective training techniques to maximize yield and plant health. Training your plants involves guiding their growth to optimize light exposure, airflow, and overall productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular training methods, including low-stress training (LST), topping, and other advanced techniques, to help you get the most out of your cannabis plants.
Understanding the Importance of Training Cannabis Plants
Cannabis plants are naturally resilient, but without proper training, they often grow in ways that limit their potential. In the wild, cannabis tends to grow tall with a single main cola, leaving lower branches with minimal access to light. This natural growth pattern can lead to smaller yields and uneven bud development.
Training techniques help you:
- Maximize Light Distribution: Ensuring every part of the plant receives adequate light.
- Increase Airflow: Reducing the risk of mold and pests by improving air circulation.
- Boost Yields: Encouraging the growth of multiple colas and denser buds.
- Control Plant Size: Making plants easier to manage in limited spaces.
By applying training methods, growers can manipulate the plant’s structure for better results, whether they’re cultivating indoors or outdoors.
Low-Stress Training (LST)
Low-stress training (LST) involves bending and tying down cannabis branches to create a more even canopy. This technique is called “low stress” because it avoids causing significant harm to the plant, unlike methods like topping. LST encourages horizontal growth, which allows light to penetrate evenly across the plant.
Benefits of Low-Stress Training
- Increased Light Efficiency: Flattening the canopy ensures that light reaches all bud sites equally.
- Higher Yields: By spreading out branches, you encourage more bud sites to develop.
- Better Space Utilization: Perfect for indoor grows with limited vertical space.
How to Perform LST
- Start Early: Begin training when the plant is in the vegetative stage and stems are pliable.
- Bend the Main Stem: Gently bend the main stem sideways and secure it with soft plant ties.
- Adjust Regularly: Continue tying down branches as they grow to maintain an even canopy.
- Be Patient: LST takes time, but the results are worth the effort.
LST is ideal for beginner growers because it’s forgiving and doesn’t require cutting the plant.
Topping Cannabis Plants
Topping is a high-stress training (HST) technique that involves cutting off the main growth tip of a cannabis plant. This encourages the plant to grow two main colas instead of one, effectively doubling the bud sites at the top of the plant.
Benefits of Topping
- Promotes Bushier Growth: Instead of growing tall and lanky, topped plants spread out horizontally.
- Improves Light Distribution: Encourages more uniform light exposure to the entire plant.
- Increases Yields: Produces multiple colas, which can result in more buds overall.
How to Top Your Plants
- Wait for the Right Time: Top your plants when they have 4-6 nodes (growth points).
- Use Clean Tools: Sterilize your scissors or razor blade to prevent infection.
- Cut Above the Node: Snip the main stem just above a node to encourage lateral growth.
- Allow Recovery Time: Give your plants a week or two to recover before applying further stress.
Topping is best suited for intermediate growers who are comfortable with high-stress techniques.
Combining LST and Topping for Maximum Impact
Many growers combine LST and topping to harness the benefits of both methods. After topping a plant, use LST to further spread out the branches and create an even canopy. This combination can dramatically increase yields, especially in indoor setups with limited light penetration.
Other Training Techniques for Cannabis Plants
Training cannabis plants goes beyond LST and topping, with advanced techniques offering unique benefits for optimizing growth and yields. These methods allow growers to tailor their approach based on plant needs and cultivation goals.
Fimming (FIM)
Fimming is similar to topping but less precise. Instead of cutting the entire growth tip, you pinch off about 75% of it. This results in the growth of 3-4 new colas instead of two, as seen with topping.
Benefits of Fimming
- Encourages bushier growth with minimal effort.
- Less stressful for the plant compared to topping.
- Ideal for growers looking to maximize colas with minimal cutting.
How to FIM
- Wait until the plant has 3-5 nodes.
- Use your fingers or scissors to remove most of the growth tip, leaving a small portion intact.
- Observe and adjust as needed to shape the plant’s growth.
ScrOG (Screen of Green)
The Screen of Green (ScrOG) method involves using a horizontal screen or net to train cannabis plants. Growers weave branches through the screen as they grow, creating a uniform canopy.
Benefits of ScrOG
- Maximizes light efficiency by maintaining an even canopy.
- Ideal for limited grow spaces, as it encourages horizontal growth.
- Enhances airflow and reduces the risk of mold.
How to ScrOG
- Install a screen 10-15 inches above your plant’s base.
- Train branches to grow horizontally by weaving them through the screen.
- Continue training until the flowering stage, then let the plant grow vertically.
Supercropping
Supercropping is a high-stress technique that involves bending and slightly damaging branches to encourage vigorous growth. By softening the branch tissue, you can reposition stems to improve light exposure.
Benefits of Supercropping
- Redirects growth to improve light penetration.
- Strengthens the plant by stimulating its natural healing process.
- Can be combined with other training methods for maximum impact.
How to Supercrop
- Choose mature branches during the vegetative stage.
- Gently squeeze the stem between your fingers until it softens.
- Bend the branch to the desired position and secure it if necessary.
Defoliation
Defoliation involves selectively removing fan leaves to improve light penetration and airflow. While it may seem counterintuitive to remove parts of your plant, defoliation can be highly effective when done correctly.
Benefits of Defoliation
- Reduces shading on lower bud sites.
- Improves air circulation, lowering the risk of mold and pests.
- Focuses the plant’s energy on developing buds.
How to Defoliate
- Remove large fan leaves that block light from reaching the canopy.
- Focus on areas with dense foliage to improve airflow.
- Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant.
Choosing the Right Technique for Your Grow
The best training method for your cannabis plants depends on your growing setup, experience level, and goals. Here’s a quick guide:
- Beginner Growers: Start with LST or ScrOG, as these techniques are less stressful for plants.
- Intermediate Growers: Experiment with topping, fimming, or a combination of methods.
- Advanced Growers: Try supercropping and defoliation to push your plants’ potential.
Final Tips for Successful Cannabis Training
- Monitor Plant Health: Training methods stress your plants, so keep an eye out for signs of overtraining, such as drooping or discoloration.
- Use Proper Tools: Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid introducing pathogens.
- Be Patient: Cannabis training requires time and consistency. Avoid rushing the process.
- Adapt to Strains: Some strains respond better to certain training techniques, so research your chosen variety before starting.
Conclusion
Training your cannabis plants is a powerful way to enhance their growth, improve yields, and create a healthier growing environment. Techniques like low-stress training (LST), topping, ScrOG, and supercropping allow you to shape your plants and unlock their full potential. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, these methods can help you take your cannabis cultivation to the next level. Remember to start small, be patient, and observe how your plants respond—your efforts will pay off with a bountiful harvest.