Newbie Question - Keeping Canopy Even

[Cali Cajun]

I'm about 15 days into flowering on my first indoor tent grow of Gorilla Glue #4 clones, and while watering yesterday noticed that all of the plants were becoming pretty unsteady in their pots and I decided to add some stakes for support. After doing so, it exaggerated height differences between some of the colas. Also one plant stayed shorter with much more consistent cola height on all branches, so I placed that one on a stand to raise it closer to the others. I'm wondering how anal / meticulous I need to be about keeping everything at the same height, and if I need to even things out what's the best method at this point - tying some of the tops down; pinching to slow growth; something else?? Or just leave the buggers alone and see what happens? Thanks for any help!

 

[Bernie420]

thats not 15 days since flip.

 

[Cali Cajun]

thats not 15 days since flip.

Didn't say 15 days since flip - 15 days since it started showing flower.

 

[Bernie420]

I'm about 15 days into flowering

Pinch and bend would be the way to go if you wanted to even things out at this stage....it doesnt look like you need to though, its kind of even enough and I dont see height restrictions.

 

[Cali Cajun]

I'm about 15 days into flowering

Pinch and bend would be the way to go if you wanted to even things out at this stage....it doesnt look like you need to though, its kind of even enough and I dont see height restrictions.

Thanks Bernie!

 

[hotrodharley]

Canopy level and height control are important for even light distribution. Topping and supercropping starting in early veg are good ways to do this instead of SCROG. Once you are adept at it you can keep most strains well controlled.

 

[Cali Cajun]

Thanks Hotrod - I tried toppng a couple of times but think I FIMed more than topped. The canopy was looking more even until I staked the plants - a lot to learn but having fun!

 

[JohnDee]

Hi Calicajun,
Some guys set up trellis to deal with floppy beds. Also add silica which may strength branches. (in veg for next grow)

Also an old school technique is to arrange your plants in a row tall to short as a way to even canopy. Even use a brick or two to raise a plant that's low.
JD

 

[Cali Cajun]

Excellent - thanks JohnDee! How far into veg should the plants be before the silica is added?

 

[JohnDee]

Excellent - thanks JohnDee! How far into veg should the plants be before the silica is added?

Silica is present in most soils so check the soil label before adding any supplemtation. Plants will grow with no silica but will not be as hardy.

It can be used as a supplement right from the beginning as soon as plant is using it's food. You can buy silica rocks to use as grow media in hydro or throw a couple handfuls on the bottom of soil pots...for both added aeration as well as silica.

Also lots of stand alone silica products...but confirm that main soil is weak on silica before adding. Same with hydro nutes...may find it in some nutes.
JD