Removing stinginess from cannabis: why it’s important

Introduction
Stingy shoots are small side shoots that grow between the main stem and the leaf axils of cannabis plants. Although they are often overlooked, they can significantly affect the growth and health of your plants. Removing stingy shoots (also known as ‘lollipopping’ or ‘topping’) is a simple but effective way to focus the cannabis plant’s energy on the essentials: the growth of the main shoots and the formation of dense, resin-rich buds. In this article, you’ll learn why stingy shoot removal is so important in cannabis, the benefits it offers and how to do it right.

What are stingy shoots and how do they affect cannabis plants?

Stingy shoots develop in cannabis plants at the points where the main stem is connected to the leaves. These small shoots deprive the plant of valuable nutrients and energy that are actually needed for the growth of the main shoots and flower formation.

Consequences of not removing greed drives in cannabis:

• Overgrowth: The plant becomes bushy and uncontrolled, which hinders the growth of the main shoots.
• Energy loss: Less energy for the formation of large, resin-rich buds.
• Poor air circulation: Increased risk of mold and disease, especially in the flowering phase.

Benefits of removing stingy shoots in cannabis

1. Energy saving
   By removing stingy shoots, you help the cannabis plant to use its resources more efficiently. The energy saved goes directly into the growth of the main shoots and the formation of dense, resin-rich buds.
2. Improved air circulation
   Fewer side shoots mean more space and better ventilation. This reduces the risk of mold growth and plant diseases, especially in the wet flowering phase.
3. Optimized light management
   By removing stingy shoots, more light reaches the lower leaves of the plant. This promotes photosynthesis and ensures a stronger, healthier plant with evenly developed buds.

Tips for removing stingy shoots from cannabis

1. Regular checks
   Check your cannabis plants at least once a week for new stingy shoots. The sooner you remove them, the less energy the plant will lose.
2. Use clean tools
   Disinfect your tools before pruning to minimize the risk of infection and disease. Clean cuts promote the healing of the plant.
3. Gentle pruning
   Take care not to prune the plant too much. The remaining leaves should produce enough energy to support growth.
4. Timing is crucial
   It is best to remove stingy shoots during the vegetative phase or at the start of the flowering phase. Pruning later can stress the plant and reduce the yield.

Conclusion

Removing stingy shoots is a simple but extremely effective way to conserve the energy of your cannabis plants and increase the quality of the harvest. Regular and careful pruning promotes the healthy growth of your plants and produces larger, resin-rich buds. With these tips, you can take optimum care of your cannabis plants and get the best out of your cultivation.

Source: https://plagron.com/en/hobby/grow-topics/prune-suckers-to-save-energy