you have to be gentle yet assertive lol, it would really blow your mind to know I transplanted to a bigger pot a few days ago too, almost 3 weeks into flower, wanted to give them the best chance at growing the biggest buds possible, it's usually something you should never do, and I only did it b cuz i could tell my plants were somewhat rootbound in that smaller 3 litre pot, transferred to a 3.7 gallon pot. I've really shown you can do just about anything to these plants, defol.! supercrop! transplant! ive even had a few light issues every now and again, and my plants live, and thrive through it. So at this point im convinced unless your make a serious fuck up of a boo boo (usually light related) you cannot cause your plant to hermie. Here's a video from my last grow of what my super cropped plants look like 2 weeks or so into flower, dont mind the stupid commentary, I am high as fuck in all of my videos..........
I had a timer malfunction during the flower cycle this round.2 of the led's were turning on for 1.5 hrs every night for at least 2-3 weeks before I caught it(I dont go in the room when the lights are off unlees I absolutly have too) and they did not hermie on me.they are definetly alot smaller than they should be but it just goes to show how much abuse these plants can take.