Every grower eventually learns that canopy training is one of the biggest factors in plant performance. Training isn’t just about shaping the plant — it affects airflow, light distribution, branch strength, and how well the plant can support itself once flowers set in. There are many ways to guide a plant, but four foundational techniques appear across almost every cultivation style: Low Stress Training (LST), Topping, Supercropping, and SCROG.

Each one shapes the plant differently, and each has its own ideal timing and use case.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help growers choose the method that fits their garden.

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1. Low-Stress Training (LST)

Best for beginners, outdoor growers, and anyone wanting gentle, low-impact training.

Low-stress training is exactly what it sounds like — training the plant without shocking it. Instead of cutting or damaging stems, you bend and guide them.

How It Works

• Gently bend branches away from the center
• Use soft ties, clips, or stakes to hold the new shape
• Spread the canopy horizontally

What It Achieves

• Better airflow through the plant
• More light reaching lower branches
• Wider, more even canopy
• Stronger branching without halting growth

When to Use It

Throughout veg — as soon as stems become bendable.
LST is ideal for plants too young or too sensitive for topping or supercropping.

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2. Topping

Best for growers looking to create multiple main colas.

Topping is a high-impact technique where you cut the top node of the plant. This forces the plant to redirect energy into lower branches, creating multiple leaders instead of one central stalk.

How It Works

• Cut the top growth tip above a node
• The two nodes beneath the cut become new main branches
• Plant grows bushier instead of taller

What It Achieves

• More branching
• Wider canopy
• Improved structural support
• Better light distribution

Considerations

Topping temporarily slows growth because the plant needs time to recover.
Only top plants that are:

• Healthy
• Rooted well
• Growing vigorously

For beginners, topping once may be better than multiple toppings.

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3. Supercropping (High-Stress Bending)

Best for experienced growers wanting heavy yield potential and high branch strength.

Supercropping is an advanced version of bending where you soften a stem between your fingers until the inner tissue gently “crunches,” then bend the branch horizontal. The plant heals by producing a hard, knuckled support at the bend point.

How It Works

• Pinch and roll the stem until pliable
• Bend branch at a 90° angle
• Support with ties if needed while healing

What It Achieves

• Very strong branches capable of holding heavy flower
• Lower, shaded growth becomes productive
• Taller branches are leveled with the canopy

Risks

• Stems can snap if done too fast
• Not recommended for weak plants
• Avoid using on young seedlings or stressed plants

Supercropping is one of the most effective ways to build strong structure, but it requires patience and confidence.

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4. SCROG (Screen of Green)

Ideal for maximizing canopy surface area, indoor or greenhouse growing, and controlling plant height.

SCROG uses a net or horizontal trellis to spread the canopy evenly. Instead of allowing the plant to grow upward freely, you weave branches outward across a horizontal grid.

How It Works

• Install a trellis net 8–12 inches above the pot or bed
• Guide branches through the squares
• Fill every opening to create a flat, uniform canopy

What It Achieves

• Maximum light coverage
• Uniform branch height
• Extremely efficient space use
• Excellent airflow

Best Use

• Indoor grows
• Greenhouses
• Limited space
• Multiple smaller plants grown horizontally

SCROG encourages dense, even canopies and makes harvest more uniform.

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Choosing the Right Method

Every technique has a place depending on your goals:

Many growers combine methods — for example, topping once, then using LST, then applying a light SCROG net.

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Final Thoughts

Training isn’t just mechanical — it’s a relationship with the plant.
When you guide it gently and intentionally, it will repay you with stronger structure, better airflow, and a canopy that’s easier to manage all the way through harvest.