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Fim vs Topping

canibus

Member
well if i understand correctly topping is when u cut at a specific point on teh main stem to have new growth form in a Y to form more colas and fimm is for when you fuck up a topping but im still a newb at this so im not real sure
 
Topping is cutting the apical meristem so the plant redirects it's energy to its lateral development
Fimm is a similar to topping but you dont cut out the entire apical meristem . Both techniques are for creating more side branching and in turn more tops when flowered
 

HUGE

Active member
Veteran
I always try FIM first and see how the particular strain responds. I like 4 or mire leaders come out of it u know she likes it some plants just pu off the usual 2 with a lil sissy 3rd.
 

fonzee

Weed Cannasaur
Moderator
Veteran
Topping produce 2 tops that come from the highest nodes left.
FIM produce more tops from where you cut it.

Both take about the same recovery time.

The question is how many tops do you want from that node.

For an outdoor grow I would top at the 5th node down to the 4th node.
If the strain doesn't branch out enough I would top again after 5-6 nodes of new growth after the first topping.
I wouldn't FIM as I believe buds so close together get you nothing - they get less light and less air flow (less air flow equals mold). If you have the space I would top rather than FIM.

If you choose to FIM you would probably want to do it at the 4th or 5th node as doing it later would create more pressure on the main stem without giving it time to thicken up.

Good luck :)
 

lokes

~Pollinator~
Veteran
Good Advice Fonzee. I even learned something. I was always under the impression the FIM was less stressful and provided quicker recovery.

Now in context, why would it. Makes sense.
 

plhkarma

Member
Thank you all so much:tiphat: After reading all your posts we're thinking of fimming 1 plant and topping another.
But we figure there is more to learn.

Are there preferences as to fimming or topping for indoor?
 

plhkarma

Member
well if i understand correctly topping is when u cut at a specific point on teh main stem to have new growth form in a Y to form more colas and fimm is for when you fuck up a topping but im still a newb at this so im not real sure


Maybe we will both learn something:jump:
 
S

Sirus

Outta my four I recently topped, I fucked up and missed on one and now I have an extra stem. ;) So shoot for best bro see what happens! :good:
 
T

The Strain Man

this is off topic but I like to lst my plants too keep them further from the lights plants stay nice sticky and my yield is better than topping.:cool:
 

fonzee

Weed Cannasaur
Moderator
Veteran
Thank you all so much:tiphat: After reading all your posts we're thinking of fimming 1 plant and topping another.
But we figure there is more to learn.

Are there preferences as to fimming or topping for indoor?

Simply google the term and there are more than plenty explanations and picturials out there.
 
Hey GF
Yeah do a google search so you have proper diagrams
Thats a great idea to top one and FIM another so you can see the actual difference first hand
How are your plants doing?
It won't be long soon. You must be getting excited now:jump:
 

plhkarma

Member
Hey GF
Yeah do a google search so you have proper diagrams
Thats a great idea to top one and FIM another so you can see the actual difference first hand
How are your plants doing?
It won't be long soon. You must be getting excited now:jump:

Very, very excited..
Am in incredible pain right now...have vics...they help some but not enough:(. So hubby is out getting a test bud. We'll quick dry using the candle/jar method. And then hopefully...sweet relief!
 
using a candle/jar to dry some herb wtf.....only way i quick dry herb is placing it on top of my crt pc moniter for 8+ hours and it actualy tastes half way decent.....
 

plhkarma

Member
Retains some flavor and is fairly smooth....decent method for a sample....not trying to push it on anyone...tiz just what we prefer for a quick dry.
 
O

OGfarmerted

i dont scrog, i dont like screens and having to deal with cutting stuff out and not being able to fully move plants.
i find that topping along with cutting of certain areas allows vigorous shoot developement for cola production or budding sites.
i top the plant and then with side shots raise up to meet the new top, i top again and cut the lower growth and some smaller side branching out. this leaves more room for colas
some people like loads of small nugs and some people like colas, i prefer the aesthetics of the colas.
pic related- 250 watt hps and 216 watt t5
picture.php
 
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fonzee

Weed Cannasaur
Moderator
Veteran
attachment.php

Might look less esthetic but produced 360 or so grams from a 400W light.

I had a lot of things to improve.


To each their own. I like to place my colas where I want them to rather than moving plants around too much.


OGF, those look really nice!
 

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