Understanding Low Stress Training
Low stress training involves the strategic bending and tying down of plant branches to create a more horizontal growth pattern. This technique encourages the plant to develop multiple colas (flowering sites) and maximizes exposure to light. LST is particularly advantageous in indoor growing environments, where space and light can be limited.
How Low Stress Training Works
The core principle behind low stress training is to manipulate the plant’s natural growth habits without causing significant harm or trauma. By gently bending branches and securing them in place, growers can:
1. Promote Even Canopy Growth: By flattening the plant, all parts can receive equal light exposure.
2. Increase Light Penetration: More light reaching the lower branches leads to better bud development throughout the plant.
3. Enhance Airflow: An open canopy allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.
Key Principles of Low Stress Training
For successful low stress training, there are several principles to keep in mind:
- Timing: The best time to start LST is during the vegetative stage when plants are still flexible and can easily adapt to bending.
- Gentle Manipulation: Avoid snapping or breaking branches. Apply gentle pressure to encourage bending.
- Support: Use ties or supports to hold branches in place after bending.
- Observation: Monitor the plant’s response to training and adjust as necessary to avoid excessive stress.
Benefits of Low Stress Training Cannabis
Low stress training offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for both novice and experienced growers.
Increased Yield
One of the most significant benefits of LST is the potential for increased yield. By promoting a wider plant structure, cultivators can create more flowering sites that contribute to a larger harvest.
Improved Light Distribution
LST enhances light distribution across the plant, allowing lower branches to receive more light. This results in better bud formation on these branches, which might otherwise go undeveloped.
Space Efficiency
For indoor growers with limited vertical space, LST allows them to keep plants shorter while still producing ample yield. This makes it a suitable technique for growers using grow tents or small indoor gardens.
Healthier Plants
By improving airflow and light penetration, LST can lead to healthier plants with reduced risk of diseases. Plants trained using LST techniques are often more resilient and better equipped to handle environmental stressors.
Methods of Low Stress Training
There are several techniques that can be employed in low stress training. Each method has its own advantages and can be adapted based on the grower's preferences and the specific cannabis strain being cultivated.
Basic LST Techniques
1. Bending: This is the most straightforward technique. Gently bend the main stem and branches to create a horizontal structure.
2. Topping and Fimming: While primarily a high-stress training method, these can be combined with LST. Topping the plant encourages the growth of multiple colas, which can then be trained using LST.
3. Tie Down Method: Use soft ties (like garden wire or string) to secure branches in place after bending. This keeps them in the desired position and encourages lateral growth.
4. Scrog (Screen of Green): A more advanced method, this involves placing a screen above the plants and weaving branches through it as they grow to create an even canopy.
Tools for Low Stress Training
To effectively implement LST, growers can utilize various tools:
- Plant Ties: Soft ties (like garden wire or Velcro strips) to secure branches.
- Scrog Nets: A netting system for the scrog method to guide plant growth.
- Support Stakes: For larger plants, stakes can provide additional support to maintain the structure after bending.
Step-by-Step Guide to Low Stress Training Cannabis
For those new to LST, following a structured approach can simplify the process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Plants
- Ensure that your plants are in the vegetative stage and are healthy.
- Assess branch flexibility; younger plants are easier to manipulate.
Step 2: Start Bending
- Gently bend the main stem at a 90-degree angle, ensuring not to snap it.
- Secure the stem in place using plant ties or stakes.
Step 3: Train Side Branches
- As side branches grow, gently bend and tie them down as well.
- Aim for an even distribution of branches to create a flat canopy.
Step 4: Monitor Growth
- Observe how the plant responds to training.
- Adjust ties and supports as needed to accommodate further growth.
Step 5: Transition to Flowering Stage
- Once you are satisfied with the canopy, allow the plants to enter the flowering stage.
- Make minimal adjustments during flowering to avoid stress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Low Stress Training
Even with a careful approach, growers can make mistakes when implementing LST. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Applying Excessive Force: Always use gentle pressure to avoid breaking branches.
- Ignoring Plant Recovery: Allow time for plants to recover between training sessions.
- Overcrowding: Ensure that branches have enough space to grow without becoming overcrowded.
- Neglecting Light Needs: Continuously monitor light levels and adjust the setup as plants grow.
Final Thoughts on Low Stress Training Cannabis
Low stress training cannabis is an effective and efficient way to increase yields while promoting healthy plant growth. By understanding the principles and methods of LST, growers can optimize their cultivation techniques, ensuring that their plants thrive. Whether you are a novice or an experienced grower, incorporating LST into your growing practices can lead to more fruitful and rewarding harvests. With careful planning, observation, and a gentle touch, low stress training can transform your cannabis cultivation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is low stress training (LST) in cannabis cultivation?
Low stress training (LST) is a horticultural technique used to manipulate the growth of cannabis plants by gently bending and tying down branches to create an even canopy and improve light exposure without causing significant stress or damage.
What are the benefits of using low stress training on cannabis plants?
The benefits of LST include increased light penetration, more even growth, higher yields, and improved airflow around the plant, which can help prevent mold and pest issues.
At what stage of growth should I start low stress training my cannabis plants?
LST can be started during the vegetative stage when the plant is still young and flexible, typically around 2-4 weeks after germination, but it can also be applied later as the plant grows.
How often should I adjust my cannabis plants during low stress training?
You should check and adjust the ties or bends every few days, allowing the plant to adapt and continue growing, while ensuring that you don’t put too much stress on any one branch.
Can low stress training be combined with other training techniques?
Yes, LST can be effectively combined with other training techniques such as topping, super cropping, or ScrOG (Screen of Green) to maximize yields and optimize plant structure.
What tools do I need for low stress training cannabis?
Basic tools for LST include soft ties, garden wire, or string to secure branches, as well as stakes or trellises if you want to provide additional support for larger plants.
Is low stress training suitable for all cannabis strains?
Yes, LST can be applied to all cannabis strains, but the effectiveness may vary based on the plant's growth habit, such as whether it is indica or sativa dominant, and how responsive it is to training.
