Alright, let's talk about the signs that your marijuana plant is ready to switch to the flowering stage. First up, size matters. You generally want to flip when your plant is about half the final size you want it to be. This is because it'll stretch quite a bit during the first few weeks of flowering, sometimes even doubling in size.
Another thing to consider is the number of nodes. A node is where a branch grows out of the main stem. You'll want to see at least 5-7 well-developed nodes before flipping. This shows the plant is mature enough to handle the stress of flowering.
You should also take a look at the overall health of your plant. It should have a strong, sturdy stem and be a vibrant green color. If it's showing signs of nutrient deficiencies or other problems, it's best to wait until it's healthier before flipping.
Finally, think about your grow space. You don't want your plant to outgrow its home during flowering. If space is limited, you might want to flip a bit earlier. If you have plenty of room, you can let it veg a little longer for a bigger yield.