What is the paperclip training technique?

[Smokin Moose]

So you want to Scrog but have no clones? Limited on space with that sneaky cabinet grow? Well don’t stress out!

The benefits of Paperclip training are:
1) More light reaching the centre of the plant
2) Shoots grow vertically off the stems
3) Controls the over all height
4) Stimulates stem growth by bending the stems (stress's the inner herd, causing it to grow stronger and bigger)
5) Increase in overall yield

This process starts early in plant development. Begin training when you have either FIM, pinched, or topped your plants. I firmly believe in FIMming and have had excellent success doing so. But the first step is to get paper clips that have plastic coatings. You do not want to get ones that are silver as they create hot spots and will hamper growth. Bend them straight out -- they will be about 3” in length. You then bend the first ½ inch into a hook so you have what resembles a walking cane, but with a paper clip. You then proceed to bend the stems down parallel with the medium. You should end up with a “T” when you’re done. You’re going to continue to train the stems parallel with the medium until you want to begin flowering.

When you do finally decide to induce flowering, all the training will pay off. What would have been your tiny and airy bottom buds. Will now turn into nice, photogenic colas.

I recommend and use ESU Greenleaves: Boost Juice, I find it improves vigor and vegetative growth rates.

[CarolinaRebel]

Thanks for the info Moose. It really has helped with my grow.

[biggreenbuds4]

mooose would this method work with 12/12 plants ?

[Smokin Moose]

I don't think plants get tall enough under 12/12 to have to worry about training.

[biggreenbuds4]

Originally Posted by Smokin Moose

I don't think plants get tall enough under 12/12 to have to worry about training.

its not that i want to train them to be smaller i want to get a bunch of colas like that pic in ure gallery of the purple plant ya thats the prettiest bitch ever

[Smokin Moose]

Boss and HerbFellow are experts on this.

[Racefan]

I use twist tyes like what they use to close up bread bags with. The thicker ones are used to tye up cords and accessories in electronics. The work excellent and are easier to bend and manipulate. Just make sure you don't twist them tightly to a branch. It will need room to grow. On young plants I usually am able to get the results I want by just looping them over a branch and not having to twist them to the branches at all. You can do the to any plant at any time but remember that you will redirect the growth auxins to lower branches and this can cause the lower branches to stretch.

[Boss]

With 12/12 from seedling, I am trying for one cola, and since it's going to sex right away, I wouldn't stress it. If you want to try this, I recommend doing training in a veg state.