Supercropping is the act of gently bending stems in order to manipulate the angle at which the plant grows. Supercropping is done by gently rubbing the stalk between your fingers to soften the outer stock. This allows the joint to bend rather than break. Even if you get a break in the skin it is not the end of the world, but ideally you soften the joint to prevent cracking.
I like to top the plant well before super cropping. This creates two nodes at the same height, allowing you to turn your plant into a T-valve as below.
This plant was topped at the point where the Y is.
Supercropping is then done at the Y joint to turn it into a T-valve.
The plant above was very strong and thick by the time I super cropped it. I actually had to use needlenose pliers to compress the stem enough that it would bend to the angle I needed.
Overview
Where to Super Crop
I like to crop my plants just under the height of the trellis net. This will keep the angle you desire while supporting the plant while it heals.
When to Super Crop
You want to crop your plants during the vegetative state before you flip them over to flower. I usually do it about a week before flipping the plants. Of course this is dependent on how stretchy the strain is and what your final canopy goals are. Essentially you can super crop anytime before the last 6-7 weeks of flower. When the plant is in flower you do not want to stress with with supercropping as the time it takes to recover will impact yield.
What To Do if the Plant Breaks
Supercropping is not the best technique for outdoor plants that are exposed to strong winds. The joints can snap and break, even once fully healed. If this happens I like to wrap bonsai wire around the fracture to provide structural strength. Then wrap electrical tape around the wound to keep bugs out.
In a clean indoor environment I find it is not necessary to use electrical tape, as there should be no bugs that can sneak into the open wound. For indoor grows I use painters tape to provide both structural support and cover the wound.
Painter’s tape has a weak adhesive so the plant can readily outgrow it. When using electrical tape and bonsai wire you need to keep an eye on the plant to make sure your splint/repair does not start suffocating the plant as it grows.
Why I Love Supercropping
Supercropping is my favourite method of training because, like DWC, it is easy and follows my low maintenance philosophy of growing.
Compared with other methods like low stress training (LST), supercropping is a one and done method. You can let the plants grow unobstructed for weeks (maybe topping them once) and then simply crop them at just below the height of your trellis net.
Low Stress training methods involve constantly tying down your plants and readjusting them as they grow. Supercrop is a quick method that you can do in one day.
