Should I top? Day ~40

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
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Alright so I've raised the LED as much as possible as well as dimmed it a bit to avoid scorching/light burn. I tried supercropping the top several times over 2 days but she just laughed it off and straightened right out. I don't have anymore of the thick rubber coated zip tie type material to hold it in place after bending over the top just velcro intended to secure plants to posts/stocks.

She's just a few inches from the LED and still growing like crazy so I'm thinking of topping her. But before doing so I would like some input as this is my first auto and only my third grow and first going notill organics (coming from pure coco).
 

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
It's an auto, if you top it at this stage you are going to lose a huge chunk of yield.
This is what I thought but I don't know what else to do? Straight loss from topping or loss due to diminished light and possibly light burned buds?

I also figured that by removing the top, and redirecting apical dominance from the top would allow lower sights to ascend and possibly have a more uniform canopy. Thanks for your input.
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
We break open the main stems and fold them out, so they basically have a 90-degree kink in by the time they harden off. Our whole canopy is about knee high
 

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
You need to snap that bitch properly then support her for a few days.
I agree, at least that was my original inclination I just need sturdier plant ties. In your opinion, do you think she's too close to the LED even if I'm able to trim a few inches off by being more aggressive with my training? The fixture is ~190w dual (obviously) COB at full power, but currently have dimmed to avoid burning the top.
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
It looks super close. Watch out for bleaching or tacoing.
I would snap that tall bit back a foot or so. I wouldn't cut off the top cola. at this stage.
 

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
It looks super close. Watch out for bleaching or tacoing.
I would snap that tall bit back a foot or so. I wouldn't cut off the top cola. at this stage.
Really, a foot or so? I mean I know she's super close but that seems so harsh to me haha. Though if it's necessary I will do it, I somewhat contrary to my ideology do like to dominate the ladies lol. I'll have to run to a local grow store and purchase some plant ties.
 

Kerovan

Well-Known Member
Really, a foot or so? I mean I know she's super close but that seems so harsh to me haha. Though if it's necessary I will do it, I somewhat contrary to my ideology do like to dominate the ladies lol. I'll have to run to a local grow store and purchase some plant ties.
A foot is probably a bit extreme. How tall is it? About 2 ft since it's an auto? I would say 6 inches would be sufficient, but I am no expert and have never attempted that type of maneuver with any of my plants. Snapping the stems scares the hell out of me!
 

ANC

Well-Known Member
Its night time for the ladies, but I will snap a pic or two to demonstrate in the morning. I've taken whole 6 foot plants and staked them back flat on the ground outdoors before... all the shoots then grew back the 6 foot in height and ended up peeking over the wall anyway. Was a solid harvest that plant.
 

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
A foot is probably a bit extreme. How tall is it? About 2 ft since it's an auto? I would say 6 inches would be sufficient, but I am no expert and have never attempted that type of maneuver with any of my plants. Snapping the stems scares the hell out of me!
She's nearly 3 feet in a 14" pot (I believe) and damn near exceeding the 5' height of the tent.
 

LostInEthereal

Well-Known Member
You need to snap that bitch properly then support her for a few days.
I went ahead and did just this, now she has a nice even canopy and I think this bend will hold even without supports/ties. Now I can run the LED at full power again, thanks dude.
 
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