Low Stress Training Cannabis: Tie-Downs, SCROG, Leaf Tucking & More

What Is LST in Cannabis?

Low Stress Training, or LST, is one of the most effective ways to boost your cannabis yields, without cutting your plant.

It involves gently bending and guiding stems to create an even canopy, improve light distribution, and expose more bud sites. The result? Shorter, bushier plants with better airflow, less wasted energy, and more top-shelf buds.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what LST is, why it works, when to use it, and break down every major technique under the LST umbrella. You’ll also find links to detailed grow guides for each method, so whether you’re growing your first auto or dialing in a SCROG setup, you’ll be covered.

What Makes LST “Low Stress”? (And Why It Works)

LST isn’t just about shaping your plant. It’s about hacking how it grows on a hormonal level.

Cannabis naturally favors upward growth thanks to a process called apical dominance, controlled by plant hormones known as auxins. These auxins flow from the main tip (apical meristem) down the stem, suppressing the growth of side branches and encouraging vertical dominance.

But here’s the clever part: when you gently bend the main stem sideways, you redistribute that auxin flow, not by cutting, but by redirecting. The hormone begins to feed lower branches more evenly, encouraging them to grow stronger and forming multiple colas, all while keeping the plant stress-free and fast-growing.

Why it works: No damage = no recovery time. Just a polite nudge to the plant’s natural hormone system.

This behavior is well explored in plant research. For instance, Dun et al. (2006) describes how auxin-dependent regulation allows side buds to sprout when the main dominance is altered.

Why Use LST? (Benefits of Low Stress Training)

• 🌿 Bigger Yields — More colas = more buds
• 🔆 Better Light Coverage — Even canopy = full use of your grow light
• 🌬 Improved Airflow — Reduces mold and bud rot risk
• 🚀 Faster Growth — No slowdown from high-stress recovery
• 📏 Height Control — Perfect for tents, small grow spaces, or stealth setups
• 🌱 Safe for Autos & Beginners — Gentle, forgiving, and highly effective

The LST Techniques: Overview of Each Method

Rather than being a single approach, Low Stress Training includes several methods that follow the same gentle, non-damaging philosophy. Explore each technique below with a link to its full grow guide.

1. Tie-Down Training = Core LST Technique

Bend and tie main stems outward to spread the canopy wide.
🔗 [How to LST (tie-down) a cannabis plant →]

2. SCROG (Screen of Green)

Train branches through a net to create an even top layer of buds.
🔗 [How to SCROG a cannabis plant →]

3. Leaf Tucking

Fold fan leaves under to expose lower growth—no cutting required.
🔗 [Read full Leaf Tucking guide →]

4. Spiral Training

Wrap the main stem around the edge of the pot to keep growth flat.
🔗 [Read full Spiral Training guide →]

5. Ponytailing

Temporarily tie top fan leaves together to encourage lower development.
🔗 [Read full Ponytailing guide →]

6. Plant Yo-Yos & Staking

Use plant supports to open up the canopy or support heavy branches.
🔗 [Read full Staking and Yo-Yo guide →]

When Should You Start LST?

LST starts when your cannabis plant is strong enough to bend but still flexible, usually around day 14 to 21 from sprout (3–5 nodes).

Ideal timing by plant type:

• Autoflowers: Start LST early, between day 10–20. Avoid delays.
• Photoperiods: Start anytime during veg. Earlier = better shape control.

Stop LST once:

• You’ve achieved an even canopy
• The plant enters full flower stretch
• Or the stems become too stiff to safely bend

LST Timeline: When to Use Each Method

Autos vs Photos: Adjusting Your LST Strategy

Autoflowers:

• Start early (day 10–20 max)
• No topping
• Use only gentle bending, tucking, and light defoliation if needed
• Do not delay—short veg time = no recovery room

Photoperiods:

• More flexibility
• You can extend veg to shape plant longer
• Combine LST with topping or mainlining if desired

Common LST Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Starting too late (especially with autos)
• ❌ Snapping stiff stems without softening
• ❌ Over-bending or tying too tightly
• ❌ Not adjusting ties as stems grow
• ❌ Training during flowering = stress, reduced yields

Essential Tools for LST

• ✅ Soft plant ties or garden wire
• ✅ Plant clips or binder clips
• ✅ Fabric pots with grommets (easier tie-downs)
• ✅ Stakes, yo-yos for late support
• ✅ Optional: SCROG net, bamboo sticks, pruning snips

FAQ

Q: What is Low Stress Training (LST)?

LST is a cannabis training method where you gently bend and guide branches to create an even canopy. It helps increase yields, light exposure, and airflow, without damaging the plant.

Q: When should you start Low Stress Training?

Start LST when your plant has 3 to 5 nodes and flexible stems, usually between day 14 and 21 from sprout. Starting too early or too late can reduce the effectiveness of training.

Q: Is LST safe for autoflowers?

Yes. LST is the safest and most effective way to train autoflowers. It avoids cutting or shocking the plant, which is important for strains with short vegetative cycles.

Q: When should you start LST on autoflowers?

Begin LST on autoflowers between day 10 and 20, once the plant has at least 3 healthy nodes. Starting early ensures you shape the plant before flowering begins.

Q: When should you stop LST?

Stop Low Stress Training once the flowering stretch ends, usually around week 3 of flower. After that, only use light support like stakes or plant yo-yos.

Q: What tools are needed for LST?

The basics include soft plant ties, clips, wire, or garden stakes. Fabric pots with grommets are ideal for tie-down points. Optional: SCROG nets and yo-yos for extra canopy control.