Sticky Lid
How to Low-Stress Train (LST) Your Cannabis Plants for Maximum Growth
Low-Stress Training (LST) is one of the best techniques to maximize cannabis yields, improve light exposure, and create an even canopy—all without damaging your plants. Unlike high-stress training methods like topping or fimming, LST gently bends branches, encouraging lateral growth for better bud development. This guide will walk you through how to LST cannabis plants step by step and explain why it’s one of the best techniques for both beginners and experienced growers.
🌱 What is Low-Stress Training (LST)?
LST is a non-invasive training method that involves gently bending and tying down branches to create a flat, even canopy. This allows more light to reach lower bud sites, leading to bigger yields and more uniform growth. Since the technique doesn’t involve cutting or removing parts of the plant, it minimizes stress and speeds up recovery time.
✅ Increases Yield – More bud sites receive light, promoting larger harvests.
✅ Maximizes Light Exposure – Ensures an even canopy for consistent growth.
✅ Prevents Height Issues – Helps control vertical growth, great for small grow spaces.
✅ Reduces Stress on Plants – Unlike topping, there’s no cutting or major damage.
✅ Ideal for Autoflowers – Since autoflowers have limited time to recover, LST is the safest way to train them.
💧 When Should You Start LST?
The best time to start Low-Stress Training is when your plant has 4-6 nodes and is strong enough to handle gentle bending. This typically happens in the early vegetative stage, around 2-3 weeks after germination.
LST can continue throughout the vegetative phase, but once the plant enters flowering, avoid aggressive bending to prevent stressing the buds.
Low Stress Training is essential to achieving immaculate bud structure and canopy range.
🌿✂️😊
How to Low-Stress Train Your Cannabis Plants (Step by Step)
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
-
Soft Plant Ties or Garden Wire – Avoid rough strings that can cut into the stems.
-
Plant Stakes or Hooks – To anchor branches in place.
-
Drill or Hole Punch – To create tie-down points on fabric or plastic pots.
-
Bamboo Sticks (Optional) – For additional branch support.
Step 2: Identify the Main Stem & Side Branches
Look for the main central stem and the developing side branches. Your goal is to bend the plant outward to allow better light penetration to lower growth sites.
Step 3: Gently Bend the Main Stem
-
Using your fingers, gently bend the main stem down and to the side.
-
Secure it using a soft tie attached to the pot or a stake.
-
Avoid bending too hard—if you feel resistance, stop to prevent snapping.
Step 4: Tie Down Side Branches
-
As new growth appears, continue bending and tying down the side branches.
-
Space out the branches evenly to create a flat, even canopy.
-
If a branch resists bending, do it in small increments over a few days.
Step 5: Adjust & Maintain Regularly
-
Check on your plant daily to adjust ties as needed.
-
As the plant grows, move ties further out to maintain a spread-out structure.
-
If a branch grows too tall, gently bend it lower to keep the canopy even.
🌱 Best LST Techniques for Cannabis Growth
🌿 SCROG (Screen of Green) – Using a net to train plants horizontally for an even canopy.
🎋 Tie-Down LST – The simplest method, where branches are tied down individually to promote horizontal growth.
🌿 Branch Clips – Small plastic clips that secure to the branches, then bend and hold the branches at a 90 degree angle. These can make your plant more accessible without having to navigate around nets.
🌱 Circular LST (Spiral Training) – Tying the main stem in a spiral around the pot to encourage even branching. This generally takes too long compared to the other methods.
How Long Should You Continue LST?
LST should be maintained until the flowering stage begins. Once buds start forming, avoid aggressive bending but continue tying down any branches that stretch too high to keep the canopy even.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Bending Too Hard – If a branch snaps, use plant tape to repair it.
❌ Tying Too Tight – This can cut into stems and restrict nutrient flow.
❌ Neglecting Adjustments – Plants grow quickly, so check and reposition ties as needed.
❌ LST Too Late – Starting in the flowering stage can stress the plant.
-
Final Thoughts: Why LST is a Game-Changer for Cannabis Growers
Low-Stress Training is a simple yet powerful way to maximize yields, improve light exposure, and create a healthier plant structure. Whether you’re growing in a tent, greenhouse, or small indoor space, LST helps optimize your plant’s potential without major stress.
🌿 Want to grow bushier, higher-yielding cannabis plants? Start using LST today and watch your harvest thrive!
🚀 Stay tuned for more cannabis growing tips and techniques!
Learn More
Topping vs. Fimming: Which Technique is Best for Bigger Cannabis Yields?
Topping vs. Fimming: Which Technique is Best for Bigger Cannabis Yields?When it comes to maximizing cannabis yields, plant training techniques play a crucial role. Two of the most popular high-stress training (HST) methods are Topping and Fimming. Both techniques...
How to Grow Cannabis at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
How to Grow Cannabis at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.Growing cannabis at home is an exciting and rewarding experience, allowing you to control quality, reduce costs, and enjoy the process of cultivation. Whether you're growing for personal use or just...
How to Use Sticky Traps for Cannabis Pest Control: The Ultimate Guide
How to Use Sticky Traps for Cannabis Pest Control: The Ultimate Guide.Why Sticky Traps Are Essential for Cannabis CultivationCannabis plants are prone to infestations from pests such as: 🦟 Fungus Gnats – Thrive in moist growing media, damaging roots. 🛑 Whiteflies –...