When to start low stress training?

[Oliver420]

So I'm on my 14 day of my first grow. Im growing Mystic Gorrila autoflower that finishes around 6-8 weeks. The plant is only around 5 inches but is almost done with the 4th node. Just looking at her she seems a little small with tight node spacing so being a beginner it still seems she needs wait. Being this small should I wait until around day 20 to let her grow and get more into early veg to hopefully shoot up some. I just don't want to stunt her and do not want to wait to long in fear she will grow into my light if I miss my opportunity. Thanks in advance also any other pointers would help. Happy Growing everyone.

 

[Ckbrew]

Node numbering- the round cotyledon leaves and the first single lobed serrated leaves would both be considered node zero. The cotyledons will fall off on their own. I always cut the node zero shoots as they usually don't produce much as well as the single lobed leaf. When I decide to cut something I do it as soon as the plant does not need it to survive. That leaves the first three lobed serrated leaf as node one. The rest are numbered as the plant grows up so you have a few more to go. What you do next depends on what your plan is. One option would be to let it go a few more nodes then start bending the plant sideways so the shoots can grow upward. Another strategy would be to top it above node five. This would result in eight branches that would grow outward to the side and two to grow straight up. I tie the branches to a ring at the base of the plant to spread them out. Those are the two main strategies. You won't stunt them by bending, and only a little slow down with topping. The only thing that would prevent the stem from being able to be bent over would be if the main stem turned woody and you are a long way away from that. They need to grow a bit more before serious training can begin, you are close. Autos can be more difficult to grow in that they are on their own timetable so training has to be planed and then stick to the plan.

 

[Chipmunk]

Ckbrew gave you good advice. I am a fan of bending them over. The reason being that my timing with topping the autos has not been a good one.

 

[Smallgrow]

Yes you should be carful topping autos , it can be done but it’s more risky especially for beginners. You can definitely stunt the plant.
I would wait a bit and then proceed with some LST as the others suggested.
Looking good so far , keep it up

 

[Allotrope1000]

Oliver,
Do not forget to read the "Low Stress Training" tutorial on GWE. Super easy to find.

 

[Oliver420]

Node numbering- the round cotyledon leaves and the first single lobed serrated leaves would both be considered node zero. The cotyledons will fall off on their own. I always cut the node zero shoots as they usually don't produce much as well as the single lobed leaf. When I decide to cut something I do it as soon as the plant does not need it to survive. That leaves the first three lobed serrated leaf as node one. The rest are numbered as the plant grows up so you have a few more to go. What you do next depends on what your plan is. One option would be to let it go a few more nodes then start bending the plant sideways so the shoots can grow upward. Another strategy would be to top it above node five. This would result in eight branches that would grow outward to the side and two to grow straight up. I tie the branches to a ring at the base of the plant to spread them out. Those are the two main strategies. You won't stunt them by bending, and only a little slow down with topping. The only thing that would prevent the stem from being able to be bent over would be if the main stem turned woody and you are a long way away from that. They need to grow a bit more before serious training can begin, you are close. Autos can be more difficult to grow in that they are on their own timetable so training has to be planed and then stick to the plan.

Man I appreciate the advice. I couldn't have ask for a better explanation. I was against topping wanted to go low stress but being a newbie just done want to mess it up since she is the only plant going.
When you the only thing that could prevent it its a woody stem. Question how much she already has some wood effect going on and just testing her flex it seemed stiff but doable using the lower stem anchor. Tomorrow the 4th node should be large enough for the 5th to get its chance lol

 

[Ckbrew]

Are you bending or topping, don't do both (well you can if you want to). If topping cut it ABOVE node 5. To bend it just start pulling it over and tie it small amounts at a time then pull it down a bit each day.

 

[Oliver420]

I've decided against the topping now although I might experiment more once I have more than 1 plant. I think I'm going to let the 5th node get some life for a day or 2 when I have to water her again.

 

[Smallgrow]

Remember to gently message/crush the outer “bark” at the bend spot to make it easier to bend if it’s more woody. Just don’t break it , bend a little let it relax bend a little etc until you get it where you need it then tie it down