Main-lining / Manifold Step by Step
When the grow tent ceiling is closer than you want and you dream of even, fat colas without a spiderweb of netting, manifold (also called main-lining) gets the job done. It is not magic but order: symmetry, consistent pruning, and a bit of patience. In return, you get an even canopy, better side lighting, and fewer fixes during flowering. And the best part? This method costs pennies — just a few ties, sharp scissors, and two extra weeks of veg.
When to Use It and When to Skip?
Use manifold if:
You have a low tent (60–160 cm) or a lamp with a strong hotspot and want to flatten the canopy.
You prefer 8–12 even colas instead of one big “monster” plus lots of small buds.
You grow from seed (symmetrical internodes = ideal material).
You can afford +7–14 days of veg for better geometry and easier control.
Consider carefully if:
Growing autoflowers: it’s possible but only very early (at the 3rd node); risk of slowing growth or mini plants.
Starting from clones: often have alternating (asymmetric) phyllotaxy. Manifold is possible but harder to achieve perfect symmetry.
Pressed for time or low light — each pruning round is micro-stress needing 3–7 days of recovery.
“Healthy Structure” Guidelines (Climate, Light, Nutrients)
PPFD in veg: aim for 350–500 µmol/m²/s; 48 hours post-cut lower to 300–380 µmol so the plant breathes, not collapses.
DLI in veg: 20–30 mol/m²/day; don’t push full throttle while the plant heals.
VPD: 0.9–1.2 kPa (comfortable range); topping wounds heal faster at RH 60–65%.
Fertilization: reduce EC by ~10–15% for 3–5 days after cutting, then return to base dose. Silica and calcium/magnesium help strengthen tissues.
Equipment and Budget — Easy Setup
Scissors/pruners + isopropyl alcohol wipes — 12–25 €.
Soft garden ties/silicone ties — 5–10 €.
Coated wire/training clips — 5–8 €.
Stakes/pegs for pots or edges — 3–6 €.
The whole manifold kit costs under 40 € and lasts through many grows.
Cutting Scheme — Classic Manifold (Nugbuckets)
Starting point: seed-grown plant, healthy, 5–6 nodes, 11–15 l pot at 60–80 cm or 18–20 l at 100–120 cm.
Step 1 — Head to 3rd node
Let the plant reach 5–6 nodes.
Top above the 3rd node (main stem ends at node 3).
Remove entire 1st and 2nd nodes (side branches + fan leaves).
Leave only two shoots from the 3rd node — these will be the two “arms”.
Support the central stem, stretch the arms sideways and anchor to pot edge.
Goal: perfect left/right symmetry, no verticals.
Recovery: 4–7 days; plant “reprograms” sap flow.
Step 2 — From 2 arms to 4 colas
When both arms develop 3 nodes each, top each arm above its 1st side node, yielding 2 tips per arm (4 mains total).
Remove unnecessary growth on lower nodes, keep fan leaves needed for photosynthesis.
Level the four tips with soft ties.
Recovery: 3–6 days.
Step 3 — From 4 to 8 colas (sweet spot)
Top each of the 4 tips again to 2, giving 8 symmetrical tops.
Clean interior: remove inward shoots, keep outward facing ones for ventilation and light.
Arrange 8 colas in a circle, all at the same height.
Recovery: 3–6 days.
You can go further to 16 colas, but it adds a week of veg and needs more light power. In 60–80 cm tents, eight colas is the golden standard.
Weekly Schedule (Photoperiod, Seed)
Week 1–2: seedling stage, only LST (light bending leaves gently, no cuts)
Week 3: plant reaches 5–6 nodes → Step 1 (top above 3, clear 1–2)
Week 4: Step 2 (2 to 4), light tying
Week 5: Step 3 (4 to 8), cleanup in the middle
Week 6: “Completing the circle” — final adjustments, height leveling
Week 7: if tops are even and roots fill pot well, switch to 12/12 light
Benefit: even flowers, easier temperature control at top, fewer lamp adjustments.
Manifold Without ScrOG — How to Maintain Evenness?
Each top has its “parking spot” by the pot edge. Instead of netting — ties and anchor points (holes on pot rim or pegs).
If a top “escapes” 2–3 cm upward, move the anchor point and adjust angle without breaking.
Defoliate wisely: remove leaves only where they shade nodes; leave “solar panels” outside the circle.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Too early or late topping: early (nodes 2–3) means plant too small; late (woody stems) harder to train, higher risk of breaks. Golden point: nodes 5–6, top above 3.
Dirty tools: every cut is a gate for pathogens. Alcohol before/after and between plants takes 30 seconds but saves runs.
Bending sharply instead of soft curves: soft arcs > sharp angles; if it breaks — tape + stick support, heals in few days.
Too few leaves after cleaning: leave enough “panels” for feeding each stage; hungry plants don’t recover fast.
Flipping without full canopy fill: if circle is not closed, flip causes light holes. Better wait 5–7 days than watch lamps burn floor.
Too intense light after topping: 48 h of lighter PPFD post-cut, then return; light is doping — start with a jog, not sprint.
Strains and Pot Size — How Many Colas “Per Meter”?
60×60 cm with 11–15 l pot: 8 colas is sweet spot.
80×80 cm with 15–20 l pot: 8–12 colas depending on light power and layout.
100×100 cm with 18–25 l pot: 12–16 colas if you have even LED bar and ~700–850 µmol/m²/s in flower.
Sativas tend to aim for 12 colas; indicas often fill 8 strong colas well.
Quick Recovery After Pruning
Watering: first only when pot is noticeably light — fresh wounds dislike a “wet pillow”.
Additives (optional):
Silica 30–50 ppm — firmer tissue, fewer breaks
Aloe/kelp microdose — gentler stress
Mycorrhiza for next transplant — faster “arm pumping”
What About Autoflowers?
Possible but early and minimal: top above 3rd node by day 14–18 after sowing (growth depends on conditions).
Instead of full manifold, do one topping + gentle LST (4–6 even tops).
If autos already form pre-flowers, skip cuts, stick to LST.
Short Troubleshooting “Symptom → Action”
Upper leaves “taco”, tips lightening: too close/too strong; +5 cm distance or −10–15% power for 48 h.
One arm faster growth: move anchor, slow faster, loosen slower.
Break when bending: tape + splint, no panic; 5–7 days and done.
Why Does Manifold “Deliver” Without ScrOG?
Because symmetry equals predictability. Instead of fighting a jungle, you set an octopus: each arm grows its own way, lamp evenly lights the perimeter, and it's easier to control leaf distance and temperature. Practically less “firefighting” in weeks 5–7 and more time to admire.
Summary in Three Sentences
Manifold is a plan for an even canopy: top above 3rd node, clean 1–2, then divide 2→4→8 tops and patiently level them. Give the plant time after cuts, keep PPFD and VPD comfortable, and leave ScrOG for purists. For less than 40 €, you get a neat round project ready for fat, even colas.
