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Mastering Fluxing Cannabis: Complete Guide

When it comes to plant training techniques, you might immediately think of methods like topping or LST. However, there's a lesser-known technique that's been gaining attention among cannabis cultivators: fluxing.This innovative technique was developed by a renowned home grower and has been recognized for its ability to enhance yields and promote healthy plant growth. In this post, we'll delve into everything you need to know about fluxing cannabis!

What is Fluxing?

Fluxing is a plant training technique that combines manifolding, topping, ScrOGging, and low-stress training (LST). If you're wondering why you should try fluxing, this section will explain it. We'll also provide some background information on the method, followed by a comparison of the pros and cons of fluxing.

Why to Flux Weed Plants?

This is a question many growers ask themselves. The answer is simple: increase yield. When you flux your plants, you help them focus their energy on each branch instead of just the top. This leads to a uniform canopy where each branch receives the same light, resulting in a higher yield.Additionally, the flux promotes better light penetration and top-to-bottom airflow. This improves the overall health of your plants and minimizes the chances of infections taking root. So, if you want to maximize yield and improve the health of your cannabis cultivation, fluxing is a must.

How Did The Flux Technique Start?

Although the technique of fluxing may seem unfamiliar to some growers, it has actually been in use for quite some time. Its origins can be traced back to 2014 when a grower named Light Addict built a grid from green twist ties and tried fluxing a single plant.The technique proved to be successful, earning him significant praise online and boosting his clout. This led him to publish a book detailing the fluxing method and other growing tips.

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Fluxing Weed Plants?

Fluxing weed has multiple advantages. The most significant one is that it can boost your yields and reduce plant waste by evenly distributing the plant's energy. Additionally, this technique is suitable for growing tall indoors as it creates numerous tops, allowing for cannabis sativa plants to grow outward rather than upward.However, there are a few drawbacks to fluxing your plants. The most prominent one is that it requires more dedication than other techniques like manifold or the sea of green (SOG). Furthermore, you cannot use just any genetics for fluxing cannabis; you need to use photoperiodic plants that can be controlled to make them flower at the most appropriate time.

Marijuana Fluxing: Step By Step Guide

Let's dive into the exciting part. In the following paragraphs, we'll explain the necessary equipment you need to properly fluxing your weed. After that, we'll move on to the main event and guide you through the process of fluxing your plants step-by-step.

Before You Start Fluxing Weed, Hear are some Basic TipsIt's important to initiate the fluxing process when your plant is still young, typically, during the 3rd or 4th week.Additionally, it's crucial to keep your plant under constant light for most of the veg phase, about 24 hours. According to Light Addict, this will encourage your plant to stretch harder during the first two weeks of flowering than if you give them 16 or 18 hours of light.Lastly, be careful not to tie green twist ties too tightly around your plant's branches. Make sure to give them enough space to grow and avoid cutting off nutrient flow through their vascular system.Equipment Needed For Fluxing:- Green Twist Tie: Firstly, you will need a significant amount of green twist ties, which will be used to create a grid across the top of your canopy. - Smart Pot: You will also need a large Smart Pot, preferably a 10-gallon one, perfect for using green twist ties for trellising. You can punch holes in the pot and anchor the green twist-tie directly to it. - Trellis Netting: You can opt for pre-made trellis netting as an alternative to the green twist ties, but ensure it is anchored tightly to your Smart Pot. - HPS Grow Lights: These kinds of lamps are highly recommended for the flux training of cannabis plants. Although CFL grow lamps were used in the initial guide by Light Addict, HPS lamps would be preferable as they pump out more lumens per watt to give your plants an extra boost, despite using more electricity. Here's How To Do It:

STEP 1: Choose a healthy and vigorous plant that has at least three nodes. A node is where a branch or a leaf grows from the main stem. Cut off the top of the plant just above the third node. This will stimulate the growth of two new branches from the second node. These will become your main colas.

STEP 2: Lower branches and leaves (first and second nodes) should be pruned away. This will send the plant’s energy to the two major branches that will form the basis of your manifold.

STEP 3: Wait for at least 3 days until your plant recovers from the topping. Then, transplant it into a large smart pot that has plenty of drainage holes. Once you transplant your plant, bend each of the two main branches down and secure them with green twist ties. You can also use a trellis net to support your branches and keep them in place.

STEP 4: After another few days, your secondary branches will have grown more nodes. These are called tertiary branches. Use green twist ties or trellis net to tie down each tertiary branch to the rim of the smart pot.

STEP 5: When the secondary branches have at least three nodes, it's best to top them directly above the third node. Doing so will create two new growth points on each secondary branch, increasing the total number of colas.

STEP 6: It's important to eliminate any lower branches, leaves, or growth tips on secondary branches that won't receive adequate light. This technique will enable the plant to concentrate its energy on the major colas.

STEP 7: After another few days, your secondary branches will have grown more nodes. These are called tertiary branches. Use green twist ties or trellis net to tie down each tertiary branch to the rim of the smart pot.

CONGRATULATIONS! Now, you just need to wait for another week before switching to the flowering stage. During this time, your plant will stretch and fill in any gaps in the canopy. Keep an eye on your plant and make sure it gets enough water, nutrients, and light, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!Final Thought On The Cannabis Fluxing TechniqueFluxing cannabis is an advanced technique that requires patience, time, and effort to master. But if done successfully, it can lead to a bountiful harvest.

Lollipopping Cannabis: When Why and How to Do It

If you are growing cannabis and you are looking for a simple and effective way to increase the quality and quantity of your harvest, you might want to try lollipopping. Lollipopping is a pruning technique that involves removing the lower branches and leaves of your plants, leaving only the top buds that receive the most light. This way, you can direct more energy and nutrients to the main colas, resulting in bigger, denser, and more potent buds.

Why Should You Lollipop Your Plants?

Lollipopping cannabis has several benefits, some of them are: - It improves the airflow and light penetration in your grow room, which reduces the risk of mold, pests, and diseases. - It makes your plants easier to manage and maintain, as you don't have to deal with unnecessary foliage. - It increases the potency and quality of your buds, as they receive more light and nutrients. - It boosts your yield, as you avoid wasting energy on popcorn buds that are small and airy.

When Should You Lollipop?

The best time to lollipop your plants depend on the strain and the growth stage. Generally, you want to do it a couple of weeks before they enter flowering when your plants stop stretching and start developing buds. This usually happens around week 3 or 4 of the vegetative stage for photoperiod strains, or week 2 or 3 for autoflowering strains. You can also lollipop your plants during the first week of flowering but avoid doing it later as it can stress the plants and affect their bud development.

How Often Should You Lollipop?

You only need to lollipop your plants once per grow cycle. Lollipping is not a maintenance technique like defoliation or trimming; it’s a one-time intervention that prepares your plants for the stage of flowering. However, you might want to do some light pruning or defoliation throughout the growth cycle to keep your plants healthy and tidy. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and always leave enough time for your plants to recover before switching to flowering.

How Much Should You Lollipop?

There is no definitive answer to how much you should do it. It depends on several factors, such as the size and shape of your plant, the type and intensity of your lights, and your personal preference. A general rule of thumb is to remove about 20-30% of the lower growth on each branch. You want to leave enough foliage for photosynthesis, but not so much that it blocks light from reaching the upper buds. You can use a simple method to determine how much to lollipop: hold your hand above the canopy and look at the shadow it casts on the lower branches. If you can see a clear outline of your hand, that means there is enough light penetration and you don’t need to lollipop more. If you can’t see your hand at all, that means there is too much shade and you need to lollipop more. Some growers prefer to be more aggressive and remove up to 50% or more of the lower growth. This can result in bigger and denser colas at the top, but it can also reduce the overall yield and increase the stress on your plants. Experiment with different amounts of lollipopping to see what works best for you and your setup.

How to Lollipop Your Cannabis Plants: Step-by-Step Guide (2 Methods)

There are two main techniques for lollipopping marijuana plants: top-down and bottom-up. Both techniques involve removing the lower branches and leaves of your plants, but they differ in how much foliage you leave on the top. • Technique 1 • Top Down Lollipopping

Top-down lollipopping is a more aggressive technique that involves removing almost all of the foliage from your plants, leaving only a few leaves on the top buds. This technique is suitable for growers who want to maximize their yield per plant and have enough space and light for their plants. To perform top-down lollipopping, you will need: - A pair of pruning shears or scissors - A container or trash bag for the trimmed material - Gloves (optional but recommended) Follow these steps: 1. Choose the right time to lollipop your plant. The best time is during the vegetative stage before the plant starts flowering. You can also lollipop during the early flowering, but avoid doing it after the third week, as this can stress the plant and reduce its yield. 2. Start from the top of the plant and work your way down. Cut off any branches that are too thin, weak, or shaded by the canopy. Leave only the main branches that have healthy and vigorous growth. 3. On each branch, remove the lower nodes and leaves that are not receiving enough light. You can use your scissors or your fingers to pinch them off. Leave only the top few nodes on each branch, where the buds will form. 4. Dispose of the trimmed material properly. You can compost it, use it for making hash or edibles, or throw it away. Do not leave it near your plants, as it can attract pests and diseases. 5. Monitor your plants after lollipopping. You may notice some signs of stress, such as drooping leaves or yellowing tips. This is normal to happen, however, it should decrease in a few days. You can also apply some water or nutrients to help your plants recover. 6. Enjoy the benefits of lollipopping. You should see an improvement in your plants' health, growth, and yield. Your buds will be bigger, denser, and more potent, and you will have less risk of mold and pests.

• Technique 2 • Bottom Up Lollipopping

Bottom-up lollipopping is a more conservative technique that involves removing only some of the foliage from your plants, leaving more leaves on the top buds. This technique is suitable for growers who want to preserve some of the natural shape and structure of their plants and have limited space and light for their plants. To perform bottom-up lollipopping, you will need: - A pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears - A container or trash bag for the cuttings - Gloves (optional but recommended) Follow these steps: 1. Choose the right time to lollipop your plants. The best time is during the vegetative stage before the plants start flowering. You can also do it in the early flowering, but avoid doing it too late as it can stress your plants and reduce their yield. 2. Start from the bottom of the plant and work your way up. Cut off any branches and leaves that are below the main canopy or that are not receiving enough light. You can also remove any weak or damaged branches that are unlikely to produce good buds. 3. Be careful not to overdo it. You don't want to remove more than 20% of the plant's foliage at once, as this can shock your plants and slow down their growth. Aim for a balanced and even canopy that allows light to reach all the buds. 4. Dispose of the cuttings properly. You can compost them, use them for mulch, or throw them away. Do not leave them near your plants as they can attract pests and diseases. 5. Monitor your plants after lollipopping. You may notice some signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing, but they should recover quickly. You can also give them some extra water and nutrients to help them heal and grow.

Lollipopping vs Defoliation: What Are the Differences?

Lollipopping and defoliation are two pruning techniques that are often confused with each other. However, they have some key differences that you should know before applying them to your cannabis plants. The main difference between lollipopping and defoliation is that lollipopping is done once or twice during the life cycle of your plants, while defoliation is done multiple times. Lollipopping is a technique that involves removing the lower branches and leaves of your plants, leaving only the top buds that receive the most light. The main purpose of lollipopping is to increase the yield and quality of your harvest by directing more energy and nutrients to the main colas. Defoliation is a technique that involves removing some of the leaves from your plants throughout their life cycle, especially during flowering. The main purpose of defoliation is to improve airflow and light penetration by reducing overcrowding and shading among your plants.

Can I Combine Lollipopping With Other Training Techniques?