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Setup and equipment Training and technique Flowering

Plants too tall for the tent, and what to do about a broken branch

If a plant is too close to the light, gently reposition shoots, or dim or raise the fixture within its safety limits. A partly attached broken branch may recover with support; check…

Plants too tall for the tent, and what to do about a broken branch

Both problems are common and usually fixable.

Plant too close to the light

  1. Gently bend the tallest shoots over and tie them down to the net or tent frame.
  2. Gain height only within the light’s required clearances and the tent frame’s load rating. Only move the fan and filter outside if the manufacturer permits that orientation and the ducting stays secure.
  3. Dim the light over the closest buds if you see bleaching or curling.
  4. Avoid topping flowering plants just to reshape them. It removes flower sites and adds wounds. Safety and disease removal can still take priority.

Next time, flip to flowering earlier and train the plant wide.

A branch that snapped

Step 1: a branch snapped at a kink and hanging down, with an arrow showing it lifted back so the green bark lines up.
Step 2: the straightened branch wrapped with tape over a small wooden splint at the break.
Step 3: the repaired branch tied up to a frame bar above so its weight doesn't pull on the break.
Step 4: magnified view of the wrap with arrows showing it loosened before it constricts the growing stem.
  1. Act quickly. Press the two sides together so the green bark lines up.
  2. Wrap it with tape or a soft tie, and add a small splint for a heavy branch.
  3. Support the branch from above so its weight doesn’t pull on the break.
  4. Check the repair often and loosen it before it constricts the growing stem. Timing depends on the break. Remove dead or rotting tissue instead of keeping it wrapped. Healing isn’t guaranteed.

A branch that’s completely broken off during the growing stage can often be rooted as a clone. See the cloning guide.