Mainlining: Building a Symmetrical Cannabis Manifold
By The Budometry TeamPublished Updated
Mainlining builds a deliberate hub-and-spoke structure so every cola receives equal energy. It takes longer in veg but produces remarkably uniform results.
Part of our pillar guide: Plant Training, Pests and Troubleshooting
The build
Top the plant above the third node and remove everything below it, leaving two branches. Train those two flat and out. Top each above its next node to make four, then repeat for eight. Each split must be symmetrical.
The cost
Expect to add two to four weeks of veg time compared to simple LST. In exchange, every cola finishes at the same height and the same size.
Who should do it
Photoperiod growers with height clearance and patience, especially anyone running the same genetics repeatedly and wanting predictable results. Not suitable for autoflowers.
Frequently asked questions
- Does mainlining out-yield SCROG?
- Not necessarily. It produces more uniform colas; SCROG usually fills a given footprint faster.
The full guide on this topic
Plant Training, Pests and Troubleshooting
Topping, LST and SCROG explained, plus how to identify and stop spider mites, fungus gnats and powdery mildew, and how to read leaf symptoms correctly.