Experienced growers know many training techniques for cannabis plants, capable of optimizing their performance. Among these is the technique of super cropping, a form of high-stress training that has proven effectiveness. The technique consists of bend the branches of the cannabis in order to trigger a protective response in the plant, inviting it to develop further. In today's article we will see what it is and how to reproduce this technique at home.
What is super cropping?
Super cropping is a technique that is based on pinching and Cannabis branch bending to trigger a protective response in the plant. In fact, when it is damaged, the marijuana plant activates a hormonal response that results in a increased cannabinoid production and in greater luxuriance. Through the super cropping technique it is therefore possible to obtain more abundant buds and richer in cannabinoids.
Super cropping is performed by delicately bending the branches, with the aim of break their internal tissue without breaking them. The key word is “delicacy” because you have to be careful not to break the branch completely and you need to have a steady hand.
Super cropping is a more advanced technique than low stress training: this last technique consists of tying the branches to stimulate lateral growth, while super cropping consists of bending the branches with the use of force to shape the plant to your liking. Both techniques have in common the purpose of trigger a plant response to stress, maximizing production.
How to Super Cropping
The first thing to do is identify which areas of your plant you want to supercrop. The upper, still flexible parts of the branches are ideal to start with this technique, as they are still tender.
Here you are how to fold:
· Grab the branch holding it between the thumb and forefinger
· Crush the branch gently and wiggle it slightly while holding it down. After about 5-10 seconds the branch will soften and bend naturally. Ease it into its new position to avoid breakage. It should form a 90 degree angle.
· Repeat the step for the rest of your cannabis branches, leaving the main stem for last. The plant will take about 5-7 days to recover and will take on a bushy appearance.
· If you are worried that some branches might break, support them with some duct tape, which you can remove after the healing days.
· If you have bent the main stem, tie him to the ground with a string. This way you will prevent it from recovering and starting to grow upwards again.
The super cropping technique is simple to explain, but not so simple to execute. In fact, there may be some accidental breakages of the branches. For this reason we always recommend that you start bending from the tender branches and gradually proceed up to the trunk.If a branch breaks, tie it up with duct tape. Cannabis is an incredibly resilient plant and should recover within 10-14 days.
Which plants is super cropping suitable for?
Super cropping It is not suitable for autoflowering plants as these have a too rapid vegetative growth time. It is therefore used with the varieties photoperiodic, which is recommended to keep in the vegetative stage for 6-8 weeks to get the most benefits. After applying the technique, keep an eye on your plants and only move on to the flowering stage when you see them recovered, healthy and strong.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Super cropping is an advanced technique and you may fall into some traps. mistake. Here are the most common oversights and how to fix them:
· Break a branch: Even the most experienced growers can accidentally break a branch while cropping. Luckily, cannabis plants are incredibly resilient and simply patching up the wound with a little tape is all that’s needed. It’s normal to see a little discoloration on the branch, but if you’re not happy with the results after a few days, reapply the tape. The wound usually heals within a few days.
· Ensure poor air circulation: Super cropped plants must have a significant airflow, otherwise they will rot or mold. This risk is increased by the foliage becoming thick and very dense. If you notice mold on any buds, remove all affected ones and remove the lower leaves to ensure better air circulation.
· Insufficient vegetative phase: When growing photoperiod cannabis, it is up to the grower to decide when to switch to the flowering phase. If the plant has not recovered after super cropping, let it vegetate for another week. Remember to establish a good watering schedule and feed your plants appropriately.
