Pruning is the deliberate removal of plant parts β leaves, shoots, stems, or flowers β to direct the plant's energy, improve air circulation, manage plant size, and increase yield quality. In indoor and hydroponic growing, pruning techniques include defoliation (removing leaves), topping (cutting the main growing tip to create multiple colas), and lollipopping (removing lower growth to focus energy on upper canopy sites).
Key Facts
- Defoliation: removes large fan leaves blocking light from lower bud sites or increasing humidity
- Topping: cuts the apical (main) shoot to produce two main branches β increases width and yield sites
- FIMing (F*** I Missed): a partial top that produces 4 new shoots from one cut point
- Lollipopping: strips lower growth to improve airflow and concentrate energy on the top canopy
- Pruning timing matters β avoid heavy pruning within 2 weeks of harvest
- Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent introducing pathogens at cut sites