Is this too late to start topping/FIM?

[feelingfactory]

Hello all! I'm currently growing a bunch of DP Blueberry and was wondering if they are now too big to start topping or FIMing. The plants measure between 7.5 to 10 inches tall and were transplanted to hydro about three weeks ago. Been battling an unsolvable lockout/nutrient deficiency since then and didn't want to stress the plants any more than I had to.

If I topped or FIMed them now, approximately how long would it be appropriate to wait until switching to a 12/12 light cycle?


Thanks in advance for any input you guys might have.

DP Blueberry

DNA LA Woman

 

[aim-9sidewinder]

I'd LST them.. And have them lsted for a week or a bit more.. I wouldn't top them, it will stress them a lot more than lst..

Not 2 late.

 

[GrnMtnGrwr]

It's not too late by any means. You can still top or FIM. The plants will probably need a day or two to start growing again, and maybe a few more days to a week on top of that for the lower nodes to get caught up and evened out, with a little bit of training.

 

[feelingfactory]

Thanks for the prompt responses, fellas. Good to know it's not too late. I have considered LST for its low stress, but was (and still am) worried about the stems not being able to bend parallel to the ground without snapping. Did a "trial run" the other day and they felt rather rigid. Was reluctant to go past 45 degrees. Only one way to find out I guess!

Getting to the 2nd row of plants in the back is going to be a real nightmare especially for LST, though.

Also, I was told that topping/FIM is best performed near "lights-out" since the concentration of auxins at the top of the plant will be lower than mid-day. Searching on Google didn't turn up anything conclusive and I really don't see the difference when one snips the plants. Any thoughts on this matter?

 

[FreezerBoy]

Now's a great time to top!

Just so you know, snapping stems is no problem. The key is to crush the stem between thumb and forefinger, rotate grip 90º and crush again, then fold. If the stem splits open vertically, no worries. Seal it up with twist ties, straws etc and it will heal in a few days. If it splits horizontally, straighten up, twist tie or straw, it'll heal in 2-3 days and you re-bend higher up.

Here's a vertical split big enough to stick my finger through (lighter for scale only) ...

 

[feelingfactory]

Wowza. Okay that makes me feel a lot better about potential stem damage. Thanks for the confidence boost, FreezerBoy!

 

[aim-9sidewinder]

yup he's right.. however I have done it without stem snapping.. just do it careful and not right after watering (stems snap easier)

here you can see how I bent this lady , I've put this diy screen and bent her 1.5 week ago and it has reacted very good (all branches grew biiiig)

by looking at the pics from post #1 , I think mine were just a bit more mature before lsting em... even bigger than yours...

 

[feelingfactory]

dang, aim. That's one big fuggin' plant! Did all the pre-existing branches re-orient themselves after 1.5 weeks? I've got some huge fan leaves that are just hanging down low (over and under the bucket lips) making no effort to reach for light. I'm somewhat concerned that the developing leaves on the LA Woman are being choked and deprived of light by the much larger leaves above them. Anything to worry about? Or just let 'em be.

Thanks for the advice on crushing the stems, FreezerBoy. Made the whole process a lot smoother. I tried bending one Blueberry without the crushing and the stem almost snapped (horizontally). Close call!

Two of the DP Blueberry

DNA LA Woman

 

[FreezerBoy]

What I should have added is what you've found out the hard way, the first time is terrifying!

Anyway, please don't think I'm advocating super crop over topping or FIM. Great results are had either way. I just want all to know that while split/snapped stems require fast, easy, minimal repair, they're nothing to worry about.

 

[feelingfactory]

I didn't get that impression, FreezerBoy, but thank you for being clear about it. LST/Supercropping was actually my first choice but I thought my stems were too stiff. Your photos helped me (and other reluctant growers, I'm sure) commit to my initial plans. Much appreciated!

 

[aim-9sidewinder]

dang, aim. That's one big fuggin' plant! Did all the pre-existing branches re-orient themselves after 1.5 weeks? I've got some huge fan leaves that are just hanging down low (over and under the bucket lips) making no effort to reach for light. I'm somewhat concerned that the developing leaves on the LA Woman are being choked and deprived of light by the much larger leaves above them. Anything to worry about? Or just let 'em be.

Well the branches have been growing normally for around 3 weeks, then I bent her, shaped how I'd like them to grow with the screen and after 1.5week this came out..

It's big yup and it's actually too big (I've just wanted to flower but spotted few tiny ****s in the soil, so I have to delay it a bit , so even more worried about height even if I have 3metres)

I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve in the end, but this is what I wanted to do with 2 plants, use the space effectively, I've started with 10 regular seeds, and got 3 females, the 2 ones remained and i've focused on them.

I have done it because I got only 2 females. I would prolly not done it if I'd have 5-6 females, I'd just let em go natural , even if I really dislike it . Just less hassle, and the 5 -6 would fill the place.

ok enough, here are the pics:
(teh plant from the prev post is on the right)

and after watering...

The setup has changed now, screen is gone and much more space for all the stuff+ added 13l to each plant.
light is 400w hps , hesi nutes

I'm a semi noob btw (4th or 5h time), so my experience isn't the greatest ...

 

[feelingfactory]

Seeing as how I inserted my seedlings in the center of a square pot and bended the stems out, I now have an entire half of the pot just sitting empty while the other half looks like a jungle. From this point, did you guys start guiding branches in the opposite direction that you bent the stem? (to fill that empty space)

I'm just wondering how everyone's LST/supercrop looks like an even distribution of branches while mine (if left alone) looks like it would just ignore all that free space.

 

[asstastic]

Seeing as how I inserted my seedlings in the center of a square pot and bended the stems out, I now have an entire half of the pot just sitting empty while the other half looks like a jungle. From this point, did you guys start guiding branches in the opposite direction that you bent the stem? (to fill that empty space)

I'm just wondering how everyone's LST/supercrop looks like an even distribution of branches while mine (if left alone) looks like it would just ignore all that free space.

this time im gonna take my seedlings that are in cups and when i put them in final pots im gonna put them off to one side so when i ben it over it will only cover the area above the pot cuz like you said you have a half empth pot and that wastes light for me
people normaly bend the plant to one side then start wraping around the rim of th pot but i find things to be to crowed that way

 

[feelingfactory]

That's exactly what I plan on doing too for my next grow. I think right now I'll try to make a big "U" in attempt to come back around. Dunno if this is even possible or hinders transportation of water/nutrients.