Plant training: Difference between revisions

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The main concept of training a plant is to shape the canopy and stems in a way that will maximisemaximize yield. For example, without training, the upper canopy can have fan leaves that shade bud-producing stems. Via training it is possible to force lower branches to grow away from more dense areas to receive more [[Light|light]] and [[Plant_processes#Gas_exchange|airflow]]; this allows the plant to be more open, giving each branch more growing room and a chance to branch further.
 
==Low Stress Techniques (LST) ==
 
===Defoliating===
Defoliating is simply the process of removing excess leaves. If there are too many leaves, the humidity can become too high and fan leaves that do not create buds can shade other branches that will bear buds. Take care not to prune excessively once the plant is a few weeks into flowering, as the leaves will not regrow, negatively impactimpacting yield.
 
===LollioppingLollipopping===
This is the process of stripping all small buds and leaves from a branch except those at the top of the canopy so that the branch resembles a lollipop. The idea is that the plant will spend more resources on the cola at the top of the stem, as less is wasted on small "popcorn" buds that will not yield much as they are in the shade of the canopy. This technique is more suited to photo flowering strains, as they have more time to recover from the process. Alternatively, smaller buds can be left to continue growing after an initial harvest of the main colas, until they are mature enough for a second harvest.