Elevating Your Cannabis Game: The Secrets of Low Stress Training Plants

What is Low Stress Training

Low Stress Training (LST) is a popular and effective technique used by many cannabis cultivators to improve the growth and yield of their plants. It’s a non-invasive and gentle method of training that helps the plant to grow taller and bushier, leading to better light distribution and a higher number of buds.

Chemistry Behind Low Stress Training Plants

The chemistry behind LST is based on the fact that plants respond to external stimuli. When a stem is bent, it triggers a hormone called auxin to redistribute itself throughout the plant. This redistribution leads to the plant growing in a new direction, which the grower can manipulate to improve growth.

Can I LST Autoflowers?

When it comes to growing autoflowers, you can perform LST, but it’s important to understand the different growing cycles of these plants. Autoflowers have a fixed lifecycle, so it’s important to perform LST early in the growth cycle to get the most benefit. On the other hand, photoperiods have a longer growing cycle, giving growers more time to perform LST.

When to Perform LST on Autoflowers?

For autoflowers, you should typically perform LST in the first 2-4 weeks of growth. During the vegetative stage, the plant is still small and pliable, making it easier to manipulate without causing any damage. As the plant grows and becomes larger, it becomes more difficult to perform LST without causing stress or damage to the plant.

When to Perform LST on Photoperiod Strains?

Low Stress Training (LST) for photoperiod plants can be initiated at any point during the vegetative stage, with the ideal time being the first 2-4 weeks. At this stage, the plant is compact and flexible, allowing for easy manipulation without causing harm. However, as the plant grows and becomes larger, implementing LST becomes more challenging and may result in stress and damage to the plant.

What Will I Need to Perform Low Stress Training (LST)?

LST requires a few simple tools to perform effectively. The following is a list of the most common tools used in LST:

• Plant Ties: Soft, stretchy ties that are used to gently secure the plant to training devices, such as stakes or trellises.
• Trellis Netting: A type of netting that is used to support the plant as it grows, helping to shape the plant’s growth and improve yields.
• Stakes: Wooden or plastic stakes that are driven into the soil to support the plant as it grows.
• Training Devices: Devices such as bamboo canes, metal wire, or other materials that can be used to manipulate the plant’s growth direction.
• Scissors: Used to cut away any damaged or dead leaves or branches.
• Pruning Shears: Used to trim back larger branches to shape the plant’s growth.
• Light Meters: Used to measure the intensity of the light, which can be useful in determining the optimal time to perform LST.

By using these tools, growers can effectively manipulate the plant’s growth and improve yields and quality through LST. However, it’s important to remember that LST should always be performed gently and with care to avoid causing any stress or damage to the plant.

Step-by-Step Guide to LST

Here is a step-by-step guide to performing LST:

1. Choose the right time: Start LST during the first 2-4 weeks of growth for autoflowers or during the vegetative stage for photoperiods.
2. Set up your support system: Install a trellis netting or stake support system for your plants.
3. Secure the main stem: Gently tie the main stem of the plant to the support system using soft, stretchy ties.
4. Guide lateral branch growth: As the plant grows, use the training devices to guide the lateral branches in the desired direction.
5. Repeat the process: Continuously monitor the plant’s growth and repeat the process, tying and guiding the branches as needed.
6. Trim any unnecessary growth: Regularly trim any damaged or dead leaves or branches to maintain the plant’s health and shape.
7. Adjust as needed: As the plant continues to grow, adjust the LST technique as needed to ensure the plant remains healthy and continues to grow strong.

Tips & Tricks

1. Start Early: The earlier you start LST, the more effective it can be in shaping the plant’s growth and improving yields.
2. Gently Does It: Always perform LST gently and with care to avoid causing any stress or damage to the plant.
3. Monitor Growth: Continuously monitor the plant’s growth and adjust the LST technique as needed to ensure the plant remains healthy and continues to grow strong.
4. Use Soft Ties: Soft, stretchy ties are gentler on the plant than rigid ties, reducing the risk of stress or damage.
5. Regular Trimming: Regularly trim any damaged or dead leaves or branches to maintain the plant’s health and shape.
6. Experiment with Different Techniques: Try different LST techniques and find what works best for your particular strain and growing conditions.
7. Consider Combined Techniques: Consider combining LST with other techniques, such as topping, for even greater benefits.

By following these tips and tricks, growers can maximize the benefits of LST and achieve improved yields and quality in their cannabis plants. However, it’s important to remember always to perform LST gently and with care to avoid causing any stress or damage to the plant.

LST vs. HST

Low Stress Training (LST) and High Stress Training (HST) are two popular techniques that cannabis growers use to shape their plants and improve yields. However, they differ significantly in terms of their approach and effects.

LST, as the name suggests, is a gentler technique that involves guiding the plant’s growth using soft, stretchy ties and support systems, with the goal of promoting lateral branching and increased yields. LST is performed early in the plant’s growth cycle and aims to minimize stress and damage to the plant.

On the other hand, HST is a more aggressive technique that involves cutting, bending, or manipulating the plant’s growth, often during the flowering stage, with the goal of promoting increased bud production. HST can cause significant stress and damage to the plant but can also result in improved yields and quality.

FAQ

Conclusion

LST is a great way to make the most out of your light fixture and your grow space. Despite seeming hard, you’ll get a better understanding of one grow cycle after another, so don’t worry if it’s not very clear yet. Just like anything else, knowing how and when to LST takes time and dedication, so start experimenting, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!