Pruning is an essential part of growing healthy and productive cannabis plants. Proper pruning techniques can help increase yields, improve the quality of the buds, and create a more even canopy. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly prune cannabis plants and what you need to know about each pruning technique.
- Topping
Topping is a pruning technique that involves cutting the top of the plant’s main stem. Topping can help promote lateral growth and create a more even canopy. To top a cannabis plant, simply use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off the top of the main stem just above the node where the next set of leaves will grow.
- Fimming
Fimming is similar to topping but involves cutting off a smaller portion of the plant’s main stem. Fimming can help promote bushier growth and create more colas. To fim a cannabis plant, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off about 75% of the top of the main stem just above the node where the next set of leaves will grow.
- Lollipopping
Lollipopping is a pruning technique that involves removing the lower branches and leaves of the plant to create a “lollipop” shape. Lollipopping can help promote more growth in the top of the plant and improve air circulation. To lollipop a cannabis plant, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove the lower branches and leaves up to the desired height.
- Defoliation
Defoliation is a pruning technique that involves removing the large fan leaves from the plant. Defoliation can help increase light penetration to the lower parts of the plant and improve air circulation. To defoliate a cannabis plant, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove the large fan leaves from the plant. It’s important not to remove too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant.
- Supercropping
Supercropping is a pruning technique that involves bending the stems of the plant to create more colas and increase yield. Supercropping can also help improve the plant’s structural integrity and prevent it from breaking under the weight of the buds. To supercrop a cannabis plant, gently bend the stem back and forth until it becomes soft and pliable, then carefully bend it into the desired shape.
Tips for pruning cannabis plants
- Use clean, sharp tools
When pruning cannabis plants, it’s important to use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant and reduce the risk of infection. It’s a good idea to sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide before use.
- Don’t remove too much at once
When pruning cannabis plants, it’s important not to remove too much at once. Removing too many leaves or branches can stress the plant and reduce yield.
- Wait until the plant is healthy
It’s important to wait until the plant is healthy and has developed several nodes before pruning. Pruning a young or unhealthy plant can stunt its growth and reduce yield.
- Prune during the vegetative stage
It’s best to prune cannabis plants during the vegetative stage, as this is when the plant is growing most rapidly and can recover more quickly from pruning.
Pruning is an essential part of growing healthy and productive cannabis plants. Topping, fimming, lollipopping, defoliation, and supercropping are all effective pruning techniques that can help increase yields and improve the quality of the buds. When pruning cannabis plants, it’s important to use clean, sharp tools, not remove too much at once, wait until the plant is healthy, and prune during the vegetative stage. By following