Fiskars shears are a good option for trimming. Gardening shears are also commonly used to trim marijuana. [3] X Research source Large fan leaves can be plucked with your fingers, as well as clipped with scissors or shears.
Some people choose to clip their fan leaves later, after they’ve cured the plant. This slows down the drying process and produces more flavorful buds.
Use heavy ventilation in the form of a fan or a draft to help dry the branches at first. As they dry, gradually decrease the ventilation to increase the moisture in the room, but never let the moisture exceed about 50%. Don’t expose your harvested plants to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. The latter is especially bad, as it can produce mold, which can ruin a crop. The goal is for your branches to slowly, naturally dry, so that when you smoke the buds, they produce a pleasing flavor. This may take upwards of a week.
It is normal for some leaves of the plant to die.
Cutting the top of your plant off is crucial if you have limited vertical growing space.
Topping and FIMing produce slightly different results. Research which is best for your setup. To FIM your marijuana plant, locate a new shoot, then use your shears or other trimming instrument to snip two-thirds of the shoot’s length. [15] X Research source FIMing is not without risks. Every time you clip a shoot, you increase the risk that your plant will get a disease. Your plant’s growth might slow after FIMing. This is normal.
Select an old yet still supple branch, one that is still green, not brown and woody. Pinch the mid-point of the branch between your thumb and index finger. With your opposite hand, pinch the branch at a point just above the spot your other hand is pinching it. Bend the branch gently back and forth in an arc. Increase the angle of the arc gradually until you’ve heard the branch crack. You should also be able to see some white discoloration at the joint you’ve been working. Rest the bent branch on top of or against a nearby branch to support its weight.
