Topping cannabis plants means cutting off the tip of the main stem just above a node: the two side shoots at that node become two main colas instead of one. It is done in the vegetative stage, once the plant has 5–6 nodes, by cutting above the 4th or 5th with clean, sharp scissors. The plant must be healthy, you should allow about a week of recovery for each cut, and it is not done in flowering.
In brief
- Effect: the main tip stops dominating and the plant grows wider and shorter, with two main tops.
- When: at 5–6 nodes, usually 3–5 weeks after germination; never on stressed or freshly repotted plants.
- Where: in the internode above the chosen node, at least 5 mm above the side shoots.
- Recovery: 5–7 days, up to 10; add about a week of veg for each topping.
- Autoflowers: LST is the better choice; top only once, early, and only on very vigorous plants.
What topping is and what it changes
Left alone, cannabis grows like a cone: the main tip produces growth hormones (auxins) that travel down the stem and hold back the side shoots. This is apical dominance. Remove the tip and the brake eases off, so the two shoots at the highest remaining node grow on as equal new main colas.
Under an indoor lamp this matters, because light intensity drops with distance: a shorter, wider plant with several tips at the same height makes better use of the grow tent floor area. Topping works best together with LST, which opens up and lowers the branches without cutting.
When to top
Count the nodes from the first pair of true leaves, leaving out the round seed leaves. The classic moment is when the plant has 5–6 well-formed nodes: cutting above the 4th or 5th leaves enough foliage for a quick recovery. The lowest nodes often have weak shoots, which is why topping too low is not worth it.
| Situation | When to top | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| First topping | 5–6 nodes, above the 4th or 5th | usually 3–5 weeks after germination |
| Further toppings | when the new branches have 2–3 nodes | 7–10 days after the previous cut |
| Last topping | at least 7–10 days before 12/12 | the plant must be growing again |
| Autoflowers | once at most, at the 3rd–4th node | by week 3, only if very vigorous |
Only top healthy plants: evenly green leaves, steady growth and roots that have already filled the pot. One stress at a time: leave 5–7 days between repotting and topping, in either order.
Where to cut and with what
- Get small, sharp scissors or a new blade ready, cleaned with alcohol. The fine-tipped scissors in the Harvest and processing section work well here too.
- Find the node you will cut above and the two side shoots growing where its leaves join the stem: these are your future colas.
- Cut the main stem cleanly halfway along the internode above that node, or at least 5 mm above the shoots. A short stub protects the shoots; a cut too close can damage them.
- Do not pinch the tip off with your fingers: the stem tears and heals less well.
- Over the following days keep the climate and watering steady, without adding more fertiliser. Once the two new branches are growing, spread them outwards with a loose loop of soft wire.
If the plant already has 6–7 nodes, the piece you remove may be long enough to try rooting as a cutting.
Multiple topping, mainlining and FIM
Each topping doubles the main tops: 2 after the first, 4 after the second, 8 after the third. The second cut is made on the two new branches, above their 1st or 2nd node, once the plant is growing again. In a grow tent for personal use 1–3 toppings are enough: more tops only help if there is enough light and space for all of them.
- Mainlining: you top at the 3rd node, remove the branches below and keep only two arms, which you then top again symmetrically until you have 8 equal tops. It gives a very even canopy but adds roughly 2–4 weeks of veg; with a net it becomes similar to SCROG.
- FIM: instead of cutting the stem, you remove about 70–80% of the cluster of young leaves at the tip, leaving its base. It can produce 3–4 tops, but the result is less predictable; the plant usually slows down less.
| Technique | What you do | Main tops | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topping | cut the stem above a node | 2 per cut | 5–7 days, up to 10 |
| FIM | remove 70–80% of the new tip | 3–4, variable | usually shorter |
| Mainlining | repeated, symmetrical topping | 8 or more, equal | +2–4 weeks of veg |
| LST | bend branches without cutting | many, depending on space | none |
Autoflowers: risks and alternatives
Autoflowers start flowering on their own after 3–5 weeks, often 3–4, whatever the light cycle. A week of recovery therefore weighs heavily on such a short vegetative stage, and a plant that stalls stays smaller. If you want to try, top only once at the 3rd–4th node by the end of week three, and only a plant in top condition. The safer alternative is LST, which does not wound the plant; heavy defoliation is also best avoided on flowering autoflowers, as the guide to defoliation explains.
Recovery and extra veg time
After the cut, upward growth pauses for a few days while the two shoots lengthen. With a stable climate (22–28 °C, 55–65% humidity) and a vigorous plant, recovery is visible in 5–7 days; with young plants, limited roots or cold conditions it can take up to 10. That is why each topping adds roughly a week to the vegetative stage in practice: plan the cuts so the last one falls at least 7–10 days before the switch to 12/12.
Signs that something is wrong: shoots that have not restarted after 10 days, or leaves that yellow or droop for a long time. If so, check the roots, watering and pH before thinking about another cut.
Frequently asked questions
At which node should you top?
Usually above the 4th or 5th node, once the plant has 5–6, counting from the first pair of true leaves. Lower down the shoots are often weak; with mainlining you top at the 3rd.
How many times can you top a plant?
In a grow tent for personal use 1–3 times, giving 2, 4 or 8 main tops, waiting 7–10 days between cuts. Each topping adds about a week to the vegetative stage.
Can you top during flowering?
No. In flowering the plant stops building new branches and a cut only slows it down; the last topping should be at least 7–10 days before the switch to 12/12.
What is the difference between topping and FIM?
Topping cuts the stem above a node and gives two equal tops; FIM removes only 70–80% of the new shoot at the tip and can give 3–4 tops, less predictably. Topping is easier to control.
Pots in a range of sizes are in the Pots section.
Updated on 13 October 2026.