Apical Pruning or Topping

Apical Pruning, commonly known as Topping, is an essential growing technique in the world of marijuana. This practice involves cutting the tip of the main stem of the plant. The main objective of Apical Pruning is to promote more horizontal than vertical growth, resulting in a bushier and wider plant. This technique is crucial to maximizing the yield and quality of marijuana crops, especially in indoor growing environments where space and light are limited.

The importance of Apical Pruning in marijuana cultivation lies in its ability to influence the distribution of plant resources. By eliminating apical dominance, the plant redistributes its energy and nutrients to multiple shoots and branches, instead of concentrating everything on the vertical growth of the main stem. This not only improves the plant's exposure to light, but also encourages more robust and balanced development, which is essential for obtaining an abundant, high-quality harvest.

Fundamentals of Apical Pruning

Apical Pruning, also known as Topping, is a pruning technique that focuses on cutting the top of the main stem of a marijuana plant. This cut is generally made when the plant has developed between 3 and 5 pairs of true leaves. The goal of this technique is to stop the vertical growth of the main stem, which encourages the plant to develop new lateral shoots and branches. As a result, the plant takes on a bushier, wider shape, which can lead to a higher flower yield.

Apical Pruning differs from other pruning techniques in several key aspects:

• Objective of Pruning : While most pruning techniques seek to eliminate non-productive or diseased parts of the plant, Apical Pruning focuses on altering the natural growth form of the plant to optimize production.
• Cutting Point : In Apical Pruning, the cut is made at the top of the main stem, unlike other techniques such as cleaning pruning or low tension pruning (LST), which focus on the lower branches or in manipulating the shape of the plant without cuts.
• Effects on the Plant : Apical Pruning induces more horizontal growth and the formation of multiple colas or flowering points, while other techniques may not have such a direct impact on the shape of the plant.
• Application Time : This technique is generally applied at an early stage of vegetative growth, unlike other pruning that can be performed at different stages of the plant's life cycle.

Understanding these fundamentals is crucial to correctly apply Apical Pruning and maximize the benefits that this technique can offer to marijuana cultivation.

Benefits of Apical Pruning

Apical Pruning or Topping is a cultivation technique highly valued in the world of marijuana for its multiple benefits. These benefits focus on how this technique affects the growth and development of the plant, offering significant advantages for growers:

• Greater Flower Production : By cutting the main stem, the plant develops multiple secondary stems. This leads to a greater number of colas that can produce flowers, potentially increasing the overall yield of the plant.
• Even Light Distribution : Top Pruning helps create a wider, shorter plant, allowing light to be more evenly distributed over the plant. This is especially beneficial in indoor grows where light is limited and controlled.
• Improved Air Flow : By having a more open and less dense plant, air flow around and through the plant is improved. This can reduce the risk of problems such as mold and other moisture-related illnesses.
• Growth Control : This technique is particularly useful for controlling plant size in limited growing spaces. By limiting height, plants can better fit small spaces or those with height restrictions.
• Stimulation of Growth Hormones : Cutting at the top of the plant stimulates the production of growth hormones in the lower branches, promoting more vigorous and robust growth.
• Improved Flower Quality : By having more main branches and more uniform light exposure, each cola has the potential to develop flowers of higher quality and density.

These benefits make Apical Pruning a very attractive technique for marijuana growers seeking to maximize both the quantity and quality of their harvest.

When and How to Perform Apical Pruning

Determining the optimal time to perform apical pruning is crucial to ensure the success and health of your marijuana plant. Here we explain how to know when your plant is ready to be pruned.

First, consider the plant's growth stage. Apical pruning should be done when the plant has developed between 3 and 5 pairs of large leaves. This growth phase is ideal because it indicates that the plant has already reached an adequate level of maturity and strength. At this point, the plant is robust enough to effectively recover from the stress caused by pruning, but is still young enough to benefit from the change in its growth pattern that topping promotes.

Additionally, the overall health of the plant is a crucial factor. Before you decide to prune, make sure your plant looks healthy and strong. A plant that shows signs of disease or weakness may not be able to withstand the additional stress that pruning entails. Vigorous and well-cared for plants, on the other hand, tend to recover more quickly and with better results after pruning.

Finally, climate and environmental conditions are important. Avoid performing apical pruning on days with extreme weather conditions, such as very high or very low temperatures. These extremes can add additional stress to your plant, which can complicate the post-pruning recovery process. A day with mild, stable weather is ideal, as it provides a gentler environment for the plant as it adjusts to its new shape.

By following these tips, you will be able to choose the best time to perform apical pruning on your marijuana plant, which will contribute to its optimal growth and a more abundant harvest.

Steps for Apical Pruning

Below, we guide you through the key steps to successfully perform topping, ensuring that your plant not only survives the process, but also thrives and produces to its fullest potential.

Step 1: Prepare your Plant for Apical Pruning

Before proceeding with apical pruning, it is essential to properly prepare your marijuana plant. This first step is crucial to ensure that your plant can handle the pruning process and recover effectively. Here we'll explain to you how to do it.

• Pre-Pruning Watering : Start by watering your plant a day or two before planning to prune. This watering is vital because it helps the plant to be completely hydrated and in optimal conditions to face the stress of cutting. A well-hydrated plant has a greater ability to heal quickly and continue normal growth after pruning.
• Health Assessment : Take advantage of this time to do a general assessment of your plant's health. Observe the leaves, stem, and roots if possible, looking for signs of disease or nutritional deficiencies. A healthy and vigorous plant will have a better response to pruning.
• Suitable Environment : Make sure the plant is in an environment conducive to post-pruning recovery. This includes adequate lighting conditions, stable temperature and controlled humidity. A balanced environment will help minimize stress and promote rapid recovery.
• Tools Ready : Prepare the tools you will need for pruning, such as pruning shears or blades. It is important that they are clean and sharp to make a clean and precise cut. A clean cut is less traumatic for the plant and reduces the risk of infections.

By following these steps, your plant will be in the best conditions to face apical pruning, which is a determining factor for the success of this cultivation technique.

Step 2: Find the Cutting Location

Once your plant is well prepared, the next step is to identify the right place to perform the apical pruning. This step is crucial to ensure that pruning is done correctly and that the plant can benefit the most from this process. Here we guide you on how to find the ideal point for the cut.

• Observe the Main Stem : Start by focusing on the main stem of the plant, which is where you will make the cut. This stem is usually the thickest and most visible, and extends from the base of the plant upwards.
• Look for the Nodes : Nodes are points on the stem where leaves and branches grow. When topping, you will want to make the cut just above one of these nodes. Nodes are easy to identify because they are small bumps or 'joints' on the stem.
• Choose the Right Node : Generally, the cut is made on the third or fourth node from the top of the plant. This allows the plant to maintain a good amount of leaves and lower branches, which will continue to absorb light and nutrients, while promoting bushier growth at the top.
• Consider Plant Height : If your plant is particularly tall or you are limited by space, you may consider making the cut at a lower node to control its height.
• Visualize the Result : Before making the cut, take a moment to visualize what the plant will look like afterwards. This will help you make sure you are cutting in the right place and get an idea of ​​how the plant will begin to grow after pruning.

Correctly identifying the cutting location is essential for successful topping. This step not only influences the final shape and size of your plant, but also its productivity and overall health.

Step 3: Time to Prune

Now that you have identified the proper place for the cut, it is time to proceed with topping. This step is crucial and must be done carefully and precisely to ensure that your plant responds well and benefits from pruning. Here we guide you through the cutting process.

• Prepare Your Tools : Make sure your pruning shears or blades are clean and sharp. A clean, precise tool will make a clean cut, which is less traumatic for the plant and reduces the risk of infection.
• Make the Cut : Carefully make a clean, quick cut just above the selected node. The cut should be approximately 5 to 10 mm above the node to avoid damaging the emerging buds. A cut too close to the node can damage the plant, while a cut too high can leave an unnecessary stem that could be susceptible to disease.
• Cut Angle : If possible, make the cut at a slight angle. This helps prevent water from pooling on the cut surface, which can prevent mold and disease from forming.
• Handle with Care : After making the cut, handle your plant carefully to avoid additional stress. Be sure not to move it abruptly or change its environment significantly right after pruning.
• Observe the Plant : Once pruning is done, observe your plant for the next few days to make sure it is recovering properly. You should see new shoots and branches starting to develop from the lower nodes.

Performing apical pruning correctly is a vital step to encourage bushier growth and greater flower production in your marijuana plant. With care and precision, this pruning method can significantly improve the health and yield of your crop.

Step 4: Take care of the cut area

Once you have completed topping, aftercare is essential to ensure good recovery and healthy growth of your plant. Here we explain how to properly care for the cut area to optimize the recovery and growth of your marijuana plant.

• Apply Rooting Gel or Powder (Optional) : If you have it on hand, apply some rooting gel or powder to the cut area. This can help protect the wound and promote faster healing. These products are designed to stimulate the growth of new tissue and may be useful in preventing infections.
• Maintain Hygiene : Make sure the area around the plant is kept clean. This includes removing any cut leaves or branches that have fallen to the ground to prevent mold growth or attracting pests .
• Monitor the Plant : During the days following pruning, observe your plant closely for signs of stress or infection. A good sign of recovery is the growth of new shoots on the lower nodes.
• Avoid Additional Stress : Try not to subject the plant to additional stress immediately after pruning. This includes drastic changes in lighting, temperature, or watering. Stability is key to good recovery.
• Adjust Watering if Necessary : ​​After pruning, the plant may need less water since it has less leaf mass to maintain. Adjust watering as needed, making sure not to overwater, as this can increase the risk of disease.
• Patience : Finally, be patient. Recovery from topping can take a little time. Don't worry if you don't see immediate results. With proper care, your plant should begin to show renewed, vigorous growth.

Aftercare is a crucial component of the topping process. By following these steps, you help ensure that your plant recovers effectively and benefits the most from pruning.

Tools needed

To carry out effective and safe apical pruning, it is essential to have the right tools. Here I detail what is necessary to carry out this pruning process on your marijuana plants:

• Pruning Shears (Clean and Sharp) : Choose a good quality pair of pruning shears that are sharp. A clean, precise cut is crucial for topping as it helps the plant recover more quickly and minimizes the risk of infection.
• Rooting Gel or Powder (Optional) : Although not strictly necessary, applying a rooting gel or powder to the cut site can promote faster and more effective healing. This type of product helps protect the wound and can stimulate healthy growth of the plant after pruning.
• Gloves (To Keep Everything Hygienic) : Wearing gloves not only protects your hands, but also helps maintain hygiene during the pruning process. Gloves prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria from your hands to the plant, thus reducing the risk of infection or illness.

These tools will help you perform apical pruning effectively, safely and cleanly, ensuring the best care and optimal growth of your plants.

Post-Pruning Care

Once you have performed apical pruning on your marijuana plant, subsequent care is essential to ensure its recovery and healthy growth. Below are the important steps to follow in managing the plant after pruning and the signs that indicate that the pruning has been successful.

Plant Management After Pruning

• Adequate Watering : After pruning, adjust watering according to the plant's needs. With less foliage, it may require less water. Avoid excess watering to prevent the appearance of diseases.
• Careful Observation : Keep a close eye on your plant in the days following pruning. Pay attention to any signs of stress or illness, such as wilted leaves or discoloration.
• Environmental Control : Maintain a stable environment in terms of humidity, temperature and light. Drastic changes can add stress to the plant.
• Protection Against Diseases and Pests : Regularly check your plant for signs of pests or diseases. A recent cut may be more susceptible to problems.
• Balanced Fertilization : Continue with a balanced fertilization plan, but be careful not to overfeed the plant, especially right after pruning.

Signs of Successful Pruning

• New Shoots : The appearance of new shoots and branches at the lower nodes is a clear sign of successful pruning. These sprouts indicate that the plant is recovering well and adapting its growth.
• Robust Plant : A plant that maintains a healthy and vigorous appearance after pruning, with firm, green leaves, is an indication of success.
• Balanced Growth : Observing more balanced and distributed growth throughout the plant, not just at the top, is a sign that pruning has had the desired effect.
• Quick Recovery : Quick recovery without obvious signs of prolonged stress is a good indicator that pruning has been done correctly and at the right time.

By following this post-pruning care and observing these signs, you can ensure that your marijuana plant benefits the most from the topping technique, leading to a healthier and potentially more productive crop.

Comparison with Other Pruning Techniques

Apical Pruning is a popular technique in marijuana cultivation, but it is not the only option available. Comparing it to other techniques, such as FIM (Fuck I Missed) and LST (Low Stress Training), can help growers choose the best strategy for their plants. Here we explore the differences, similarities and when it is preferable to opt for Apical Pruning.

Differences and Similarities

Apical Pruning vs. FIM pruning :

• Similarity : Both are high-stress pruning techniques that seek to increase bud production and improve light distribution in the plant.
• Main Difference : Apical Pruning involves cutting the top of the main stem, resulting in two main colas. FIM is less drastic; It partially cuts off new growth, leading to the formation of more main colas, but is more difficult to execute correctly.

Apical Pruning vs. LST pruning :

• Similarity : Both techniques seek to improve the plant's exposure to light and encourage more uniform growth.
• Main Difference : LST is a low-stress technique that involves bending and tying branches to change the shape of the plant, with no cutting involved. Apical Pruning, on the other hand, involves a cut in the main stem.

When to Choose Apical Pruning

• Height Control : Apical Pruning is ideal if you need to control the height of your plant, especially in growing spaces with limited height.
• Seeking Uniformity in the Canopy : If your goal is to have a more uniform canopy (the top of the plant) and an equal distribution of light between the branches, Apical Pruning may be more effective than LST.
• Pruning Experience : If you have pruning experience and are comfortable making precise cuts, Apical Pruning may be a good choice. It is less suitable for beginners compared to LST.
• Recovery Time : If you are willing to allow the plant some recovery time after pruning and are growing on a longer growth cycle, Top Pruning is appropriate.
• Desire for Greater Bud Production : Top Pruning may be more effective than LST in producing a greater number of large, high-quality buds, although this will also depend on other factors such as plant genetics and growing conditions.

When choosing between Top Pruning and other techniques, consider your growing goals, the setup of your growing space, your level of experience, and the plant's ability to recover from stress. Each technique has its advantages and may be better suited for different situations and plant types.