Should I Sterilize My Pruning Equipment? 🌱✂️

Topping your cannabis plant is a great way to encourage bushier growth and bigger yields — but it’s important to do it correctly.

Where to Top at 4–5 Nodes

When growers say “top at 4–5 nodes,” they mean:

• Wait until your plant has developed 4–5 complete sets of leaves, called nodes.

• A node is the spot where a pair of leaves and branches grow out from the stem.

👉 To top:

• Cut off the main stem just above the 4th or 5th node — don’t cut below it, or you’ll remove too much of the plant.

• This leaves the lower 4–5 nodes intact to produce multiple main branches.

Visual tip: Imagine counting up from the base of the plant. When you get to the 4th or 5th set of leaves, you’ll cut the stem just above that point.

Why? This redirects growth hormones to the lower branches, encouraging a bushier, more even canopy instead of a tall, single cola.

Should You Sterilize Your Pruning Equipment?

Yes — always sterilize your cutting tool before topping! ✂️

Unsterilized blades can introduce bacteria, fungi, or viruses into your plant’s fresh wound, which could cause rot or infection.

How to sterilize:

• Wipe your blade with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

• Let it air dry or wipe dry before cutting.

Tip: Clean your tool again between plants if topping multiple.

Final Notes

Topping is safe and highly effective when done at the right time and with clean tools. If you’re growing autoflowers, though, be cautious — they may not have time to recover. For photoperiod plants, topping at 4–5 nodes is a great way to improve your harvest.

If you need more growing tips or strain recommendations for topping-friendly plants, visit SeedSupreme.com. 🌱