Pinching plants: a pruning technique

Pruning is essential for plant care. For marijuana plants, selecting the appropriate pruning method is crucial, as there are various types available. As marijuana seeds develop into plants, pruning becomes necessary. Among the common techniques are lollipop pruning, FIM, and LST. However, one particularly intriguing method is the “pinching” technique, also called ‘Pizzicato’ which is favored by experienced growers because it is effective in promoting plant growth when performed correctly. Moreover, all the necessary tools and supplies can be found in our grow shop.

What is the pinching pruning?

This technique is performed, as its name suggests, by pinching the central shoot of the plant at about the same height as apical pruning, without completely severing it. It can also be done by crushing the central bud with your fingertips, without breaking it. To do it correctly, the plant must have formed more than three internodal nodes.

Pizzicato pruning: what is it for?

This type of pruning is used so that the lateral branches absorb energy better and develop more effectively. A good growth of marijuana plants allows for larger and higher yields. By halting the vertical growth of the plants, the energy can be distributed more effectively throughout the plant, resulting in higher yields.

When should the ‘pinching’ be done?

Pizzicato pruning should be done during the growth phase, before the plant starts producing new shoots or when the plant has more than three nodes. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly before starting the pruning to prevent possible infections in the plant.

How to pinch plants step by step

To perform pizzicato pruning correctly, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
• Locate the central shoot of the plant.
• Pinch or press with your thumb and forefinger until you hear a slight crack. Pinch at the height of apical pruning.

Some more experienced growers crush the shoot, but there is no need to stress the plant that much. Simply applying a little pressure with your fingertips is enough. Since this is a more invasive technique, the crushed shoots suffer tissue damage. Thus, the leaves that emerge have more formations and will grow without issues.

What care is needed after pinching plants?

After performing the pruning technique, it is important to carry out the following care:

• Water the plant to ensure it stays hydrated.
• Apply fertilizer to stimulate the growth of new shoots.
• Monitor the plant to ensure it is growing properly.

Possible risks of pinching plants

Pinching plants is easy to perform and very effective in stimulating the growth of new branches in a plant. If the indicated steps are followed, you will see the plant bloom and grow spectacularly. However, it is a technique that should be done carefully, so it is not recommended for novice growers.

Further, if done incorrectly, this pruning can cause foliar malformations in the leaves of the pinched area. This is because pinching the shoots of the branches damages the tissue, causing the plants to have deformed leaflets. These deformities occur only in the pinched area, so the new leaves that form on the growing branch will not have anomalies. If this technique is not properly controlled, it can affect the overall appearance of the plant.

To conclude, performing good pruning is essential for the proper development and health of the plants, so it is important to choose the pruning technique that best suits each grower’s cultivation and experience level. Pizzicato pruning can be very effective and helpful in achieving desired yields.