Originally Posted by Uncle Ben

If it's a healthy leafset, leave it be. If you have to ask "why", then I must refer you to Botany 101.

Originally Posted by hfig

I've used this topping technique on a young seedling 2 weeks ago, and the two branches at the second node have been growing really well. The problem is internode spacing is incredibly short. It's a new set of leaves basically on top of the old set each time. The leaves from the two branches are pushing right up against each other and the plant isn't really growing taller. Leaves are fine and healthy (with very minor burn on the edges). Is this a problem that will sort itself out? I could try bending out the branches at the 2nd node but they are very short, and it would probably require removing a small set of leaves to do so.

Originally Posted by hfig

I've used this topping technique on a young seedling 2 weeks ago, and the two branches at the second node have been growing really well. The problem is internode spacing is incredibly short.

Originally Posted by bob+marley

"What is "lollypopping'? Some kind of new French dessert, or a kewl sex toy? "

"lollypopped" cutting the dead, dying, crispy, otherwise useless, yellow leaves off from the bottom half of the plant.


I hope that I didnt make it up.

lol

Originally Posted by livesoul

Question. Is the topping technique essentially what someone that is trying to veg for a SCROG setup do to make the plant ideal when its time to transfer? Or is it a different process?

Originally Posted by Uncle Ben

The result will be a redistribution of the auxins and other hormones that normally collect in the tissue of the terminal leader's tip. These ho moans will be redistributed to dormant buds that reside in the nodal axis where the leaf petiole attaches to the "trunk", below the cut. The new foliar output response will be quick (within 24 hrs., see photo below) if you have a healthy growing seedling and will be your future main colas - 4 instead of the usual 1

[IMAGE]

Notice how the weight of the heavy colas is naturally pulling them apart, which opens the plant up so that light can penetrate the interior of the canopy. This is the same principle used by fruit orchard managers who create an open vase profile for their trees in order to increase production. This profile also has a side benefit of providing good interior air movement which reduces fungal/rot pressures.