Cannabis super cropping is a horticultural technique that selectively bends and breaks the stems of plants to encourage more growth. The process can be used on virtually any plant, but it is trendy among cannabis growers because it can help increase yields and produce better-quality buds.
There are a few different ways to go about super cropping, but the basic idea is to damage the plant in a way that triggers a defense mechanism known as apical dominance. When a plant’s main stem (or “apical meristem”) is damaged, it releases hormones that cause the growth of lateral branches (or “side shoots”). These lateral branches are typically shorter and produce fewer flowers than the main stem, but they can make up for it in quantity. So by breaking the main stem and promoting the growth of lateral branches, growers can end up with a plant with more surface area for bud development.
Super cropping is considered a “high-stress” technique because it involves damaging the plant, but it is generally safe if done correctly. It is important to note that super cropping does not apply to cutting the plant; it involves breaking or bending the stem. This can be done with your hands, but some growers prefer to use tools such as pliers or chopsticks.
Once you have super-cropped your plant, it is essential to monitor it closely to ensure that the damaged areas are healing correctly. In addition, you may need to provide extra support to the plant by tying the stem to a stake or trellis.
Why Should You Super Crop Cannabis?
There are a few reasons you may want to consider super cropping your cannabis plants. Below are some of the most common benefits:
Super cropping Increases Yields
Yields can be increased with super cropping in two ways. First, the different lateral branches created by super cropping will produce their buds. Second, breaking the main stem can cause the plant to put more energy into developing its root system, leading to a larger plant and higher yields.
Super Cropping Improves Airflow
By breaking the main stem and encouraging the growth of lateral branches, super cropping can help improve airflow throughout the plant. This is important because good airflow prevents mold and mildew problems.
It makes Plants More Resistant to Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are less likely to affect a super-cropped plant because the extra lateral branches provide more surface area for bud development. This increases the plant’s surface-to-volume ratio, making it more difficult for pests and diseases to take hold.
Reduces the Need for Support
Because super cropping reduces the height of the main stem, it also reduces the need for support. This can be helpful if you are growing in a small space or don’t want to use supports such as stakes or trellises.
What you Need to Super Crop
The only thing you need to super-crop cannabis is a plant. You will also need something to break or bend the stem, such as your hands, pliers, or chopsticks. Some growers like to use a soft material such as yarn or rubber bands to tie the stem to support after super cropping, but this is not strictly necessary.
When to Super Crop Cannabis
Super cropping can be done at any time during the vegetative stage, but it is best to wait until the plant is at least a few weeks old. This will give the plant time to develop a strong root system before you start damaging the stem.
Other factors to consider when deciding when to crop your cannabis plants super. For example, you may want to wait until the plant is big enough that breaking the main stem will not completely ruin your chances of a good yield. Alternatively, you may want to super-crop early in the vegetative stage, so the plant has plenty of time to recover before flowering.
Steps on How to Super Crop Cannabis
There are a few different ways to super-crop cannabis, but the basic idea is always the same: break or bend the stem to trigger the growth of lateral branches. Below is a general overview of how to super crop:
- Select a healthy plant that is at least six weeks old. The plant should have a well-developed root system and a strong central stem.
- Locate the area on the main stem you want to break or bend. It is generally best to super crop near a node, where leaves and lateral branches grow.
- Break or bend the stem at the chosen location. You can do this with your hands, but some growers prefer to use tools such as pliers or chopsticks.
- Monitor the plant closely to ensure the damaged areas are healing correctly. You may need to provide extra support to the plant by tying the stem to a stake or trellis.
Fixing Brocken Branches
If you accidentally break a branch while super cropping, don’t worry! The plant will likely be able to recover if you take the following steps:
- Clean up the broken area by removing any jagged edges.
- Apply a sugar solution to the wound to promote healing.
- Place the broken branch in a cup of water to continue receiving nutrients.
- Monitor the plant closely to make sure the damaged area is healing correctly.
Super Cropping Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when super cropping cannabis plants:
- Start with healthy plants that have a strong root system. This will help the plants recover more quickly from damage.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid breaking branches.
- Monitor the plants closely after super cropping to ensure they are healing correctly.
- Provide extra support to the plants if necessary.
- Be patient. The plants may take a few weeks to recover from super cropping.
- Have fun and experiment. There is no one right way to super-crop cannabis plants.
In Conclusion
Super cropping is a technique that can be used to increase yields and improve the quality of your cannabis plants. So if you are looking for a way to take your growth operation to the next level, give super cropping a try. Ensure success by following the tips in this article, and don’t hesitate to experiment to find the methods that work best for you.
