Complete Guide to Cannabis Plant Training

Introduction to Plant Training

• Indoor plant training increases cannabis yields without the need for additional equipment.
• Training can increase yields up to 40%.
• Cannabis naturally grows in a Christmas tree shape, inefficient under grow lights.
• Main goal: Create multiple top colas for better light exposure and increased yields.

Three Main Types of Plant Training

1. Bending & Securing Parts of the Plant

• Low Stress Training (LST):
  • Bending stems to create a flat, wide plant shape.
  • Use flexible ties to secure bent stems.
• No-Technique Plant Training:
  • Basic form of LST, involves bending the main stem.
• Supercropping:
  • Extreme bending of tall, woody stems without damaging the plant's skin.
• Screen of Green (ScrOG):
  • Using a screen to weave plant stems, maintaining a flat shape with even bud sites.

2. Damaging or Removing Parts of the Plant

• Topping & FIMing:
  • Cutting or damaging the plant’s top to break apical dominance and increase bud sites.
• Manifolding:
  • A method involving multiple toppings to create a wide manifold at the plant base.
• Defoliation:
  • Removing fan leaves strategically during early flowering to increase bud exposure to light and air.

3. Manipulating Timelines to Get Faster Yields

• 12-12 From Seed:
  • A technique to induce flowering early by altering light schedules.
• Sea of Green (SoG):
  • Growing many small plants with shorter vegetative stages for quick yields.

Why Does Plant Training Increase Yields?

• Training helps cannabis plants optimize light exposure under grow lights.
• Indoor grow lights are weaker than the sun; a flat canopy maximizes light absorption.
• Techniques like ScrOG, LST, and topping help maintain plant shape conducive to high yields.

Light and Plant Growth

• Light is essential for growth; placement affects yield.
• Inverse Square Law: Light intensity decreases with distance; critical for indoor lighting setups.
• Powerful vs. Less Powerful Lights: Affects distance from plants and training approach.
• Distance from light influences light burn and plant health.

Best Practices for Indoor Cannabis Training

• Utilize a combination of techniques for optimal results.
• Adjust techniques based on plant type and growth stage.

Conclusion

• Proper plant training and light management are crucial for maximizing indoor cannabis yields.
• Training helps control plant size, shape, and overall productivity.
• Various methods can be combined for enhanced effects.

Learn How to Create the Perfect Growing Environment for more tips on optimizing growth conditions.