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Flipping Your Cannabis PlantsUpdated 5 months ago

Understanding when and how to switch your plants from vegetative growth to flowering is crucial for successful indoor cannabis cultivation. For a detailed guide, watch Episode 11: Flipping Your Plants.

Key Considerations

1. Space Management

  • Anticipate potential plant stretch (2-3 times current size)
  • Ensure adequate headroom in your grow tent

2. Yield Optimization

  • Balance plant size with available space
  • Aim for maximum yield within spatial constraints

What is Flipping?

Flipping refers to the process of changing the light cycle to induce flowering in cannabis plants.

Vegetative Stage Light Cycle

  • 18-20 hours of continuous light
  • 4-6 hours of darkness

Flowering Stage Light Cycle

  • 12 hours of light
  • 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness

This change mimics the shortening days of fall, signaling the plant to focus on flower production.

How to Flip

  1. Adjust your timer to the 12/12 light cycle
  2. Ensure complete darkness during the 12-hour dark period
  3. Maintain consistent timing for best results

Timing Your Flip

Consider these factors when deciding when to flip:

  • Current plant size
  • Available vertical space
  • Desired final plant size
  • Strain-specific stretch characteristics

Pro Tips

  • Research your strain's typical flowering time and stretch
  • Be prepared for increased nutrient and water needs during the stretch phase
  • Monitor plants closely for signs of stress or light leaks

By mastering the art of flipping, you're essentially replicating Mother Nature's seasonal changes. This control over your plants' life cycle is one of the key advantages of indoor growing, allowing you to optimize your harvest based on your specific setup and needs.

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