The Steps to Low Stress Training Cannabis Plants (LST).

What is Low Stress Training (LST)?

Low Stress Training (LST) is a cultivation technique used by cannabis growers to manipulate the shape and growth pattern of their plants. The primary goal of LST is to maximize light exposure to all parts of the plant, thereby increasing the plant’s yield and promoting healthier growth. This method involves gently bending and securing branches in a way that spreads them out horizontally rather than allowing them to grow vertically.

Key Concepts of Low Stress Training:

1. Light Distribution:
   • Purpose: The main aim of LST is to create an even canopy where all branches receive equal light exposure. This ensures that the lower parts of the plant receive sufficient light, promoting the development of more bud sites.
   • Technique: By bending and tying down branches, growers can prevent the plant from growing tall and spindly. Instead, the plant grows wider and bushier, allowing light to penetrate deeper into the canopy.
2. Enhanced Yield:
   • Outcome: LST helps increase the overall yield of the plant. With more branches exposed to light, more flowers (buds) can develop. This technique can significantly boost the number of colas (main flowering sites), leading to a higher harvest.
   • Efficiency: LST is an efficient way to make the most out of limited grow spaces, especially in indoor setups where light and space are often restricted.
3. Stress Reduction:
   • Low Stress: Unlike other high-stress training methods, such as topping or supercropping, LST does not involve cutting or severely damaging the plant. This reduces the risk of shocking the plant and allows it to continue growing vigorously.
   • Continuous Growth: Since the plant is not undergoing severe stress, it can continue to grow and develop without significant interruptions, leading to a more consistent growth pattern.
4. Versatility:
   • Applicability: LST can be applied to various stages of plant growth, though it is most effective when started early. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing environments and can be adapted to different cannabis strains.
   • Scalability: The technique can be scaled to accommodate small personal grows as well as larger commercial operations.

Materials Needed for Low Stress Training (LST) Cannabis Plants

1. Soft Plant Ties:
   • Examples: Garden twist ties, soft wire, string, Velcro plant ties, pipe cleaners.
   • Purpose: To gently secure branches in place without damaging the plant.
2. Anchors:
   • Examples: Stakes, anchors, hooks, binder clips.
   • Purpose: To secure the base of the plant or to provide attachment points for ties.
3. Training Stakes or a Trellis:
   • Examples: Bamboo stakes, plastic stakes, metal stakes, trellis netting.
   • Purpose: To guide the growth of the plant and provide support for the branches.
4. Scissors or Pruning Shears:
   • Purpose: For cutting ties, pruning leaves, and trimming excess growth.
5. Small Drill (Optional):
   • Purpose: To drill small holes around the rim of the pot, providing additional anchor points for tying down branches.
6. Plant Clips (Optional):
   • Examples: Plastic or metal plant clips.
   • Purpose: To secure branches without the need for tying.
7. Pots with Sturdy Edges:
   • Purpose: To provide a solid base for anchoring ties and supporting the plant.
8. Marker or Tags:
   • Purpose: To label and track the progress of different plants or specific branches.
9. Gloves (Optional):
   • Purpose: To protect your hands while handling plants and ties.
10. Measuring Tape or Ruler (Optional):
    • Purpose: To measure and ensure even spacing and canopy height.

Detailed Steps for Low Stress Training (LST) Cannabis Plants

Low Stress Training (LST) is a technique used to maximize cannabis yield by spreading out the plant’s branches to ensure more even light distribution. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare Your Plants:

• Timing: Start LST when the plant is young and flexible, usually when it has 3-5 nodes (sets of leaves).
• Healthy Plants: Ensure the plants are healthy and well-watered before starting the training.

2. Anchor the Base:

• Secure the base of the plant using stakes, anchors, or hooks. This helps stabilize the plant and provides a fixed point to begin bending the main stem.
• If using a pot, you can drill small holes around the rim to create anchor points.

3. Bend the Main Stem:

• Bend Gently: Gently bend the main stem horizontally. Do this slowly to avoid breaking the stem.
• Secure the Stem: Use soft plant ties to secure the bent stem to the side of the pot or to a stake. Ensure the tie is loose enough to allow growth but firm enough to hold the stem in place.
• Anchor Points: If using drilled holes, thread the ties through the holes to secure the stem.

4. Secure Side Branches:

• As the plant grows, continue bending and tying down new branches, encouraging them to grow outwards and horizontally.
• Use soft ties to secure the branches. Make sure each tie-down point is anchored properly.

5. Regular Adjustments:

• Check and Adjust: Regularly check the ties and adjust them as the plant grows. You may need to move the ties further out or add new ties as branches lengthen.
• Avoid Snapping: Be gentle to avoid snapping the branches. If a branch breaks, use tape to mend it and continue training.

6. Create an Even Canopy:

• The basic purpose of LST is to generate an even canopy so that all branches receive equal light exposure.
• Continue to train the branches outward, filling the available growing space evenly.

7. Prune and Defoliate:

• Remove Fan Leaves: Remove large fan leaves that block light to lower bud sites. This helps improve light penetration and airflow within the canopy.
• Caution: Be cautious not to remove too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant.

8. Monitor Plant Health:

• Inspect the plant on a regular basis for signs of stress, pest infestation, or nutrient deficits.
• Adjust watering and nutrient schedules as necessary to accommodate the increased growth from LST.

9. Flowering Stage:

• Continue LST into the early stages of flowering to maintain an even canopy.
• Once the plant starts forming buds, reduce the amount of bending and tying to avoid damaging the developing flowers.

10. Harvest Time:

• As the plant approaches harvest, the even canopy should result in a more uniform and abundant yield.
• Follow your regular harvesting process, ensuring that the plant has been properly flushed and dried.

Tips for Successful Low Stress Training (LST) of Cannabis Plants

Low Stress Training (LST) is a technique that requires patience, precision, and consistent care to maximize your cannabis yield. Here are some detailed tips to ensure successful LST:

1. Start Early

• Young Plants: Begin LST when the plants are young and flexible, usually around 3-5 nodes. Younger plants are more pliable and less likely to snap.
• Early Foundation: Early training helps establish a strong foundation for future growth and makes it easier to shape the plant.

2. Use the Right Materials

• Soft Ties: Use soft plant ties like garden twist ties, pipe cleaners, or soft wire to avoid damaging the stems. These ties should be loose enough to allow growth but firm enough to hold the plant in place.
• Anchor Points: Utilize stakes, hooks, or drilled holes around the pot for secure anchor points. This provides stability and proper support for the branches.

3. Bend Gently

• Slow and Steady: Bend the stems slowly and carefully to avoid snapping them. If a branch feels too stiff, try bending it over a few days rather than all at once.
• Supportive Ties: Secure the bent stems immediately to prevent them from returning to their original position. Check the tension to ensure it’s not too tight.

4. Regular Adjustments

• Consistent Monitoring: Regularly check the ties and the plant’s growth. Adjust ties as the plant grows to ensure it maintains the desired shape.
• Relocating Ties: As branches lengthen, move the ties further out to provide continued support and guidance.

5. Even Canopy Creation

• Equal Light Distribution: Aim to create a flat, even canopy where all branches receive equal light exposure. This maximizes the efficiency of light usage and enhances overall growth.
• Spread Branches: Spread the branches outward, filling the available growing space evenly. This encourages the plant to grow horizontally rather than vertically.

6. Prune and Defoliate Strategically

• Remove Obstructions: Trim large fan leaves that block light to lower bud sites. This improves light penetration and airflow within the canopy.
• Balanced Pruning: Avoid excessive pruning at once, as it can stress the plant. Remove leaves gradually to maintain plant health.

7. Monitor Plant Health

• Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the plant for signs of stress, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Early detection helps in taking prompt corrective actions.
• Adjust Care: Adjust watering and nutrient schedules based on the plant’s growth stage and health. Ensure the plant receives adequate nutrients without overfeeding.

8. Maintain Humidity and Temperature

• Optimal Environment: Maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels. Consistent environmental conditions support healthy growth and reduce stress on the plant.
• Air Circulation: Maintain adequate ventilation to ward off mold and vermin. Use fans if necessary to keep the air moving around the plant.

9. Patience and Consistency

• Gradual Process: Understand that LST is a gradual process. Be patient and consistent with training to achieve the best results.
• Daily Care: Spend a few minutes each day checking on your plants, adjusting ties, and making minor corrections. Consistent care leads to a healthier plant and better yield.

10. Reduce Training During Flowering

• Early Flowering: Continue LST into the early stages of flowering to maintain an even canopy.
• Reduce Stress: As the plant begins forming buds, reduce the amount of bending and tying to avoid damaging the developing flowers. Prioritize bolstering the current framework.

Additional Tips:

• Documentation: Keep a journal of your LST process. Note the dates when you started training, any issues encountered, and how the plant responded. This can be valuable for future grows.
• Learn from Mistakes: If a branch snaps, don’t panic. Use plant tape to mend it, and learn from the experience. Making mistakes is a necessary aspect of learning.
• Experiment: Different strains respond differently to LST. Experiment with various techniques and adjustments to see what works best for your specific plants.

In Conclusion

Low Stress Training (LST) is a highly effective technique for maximizing cannabis yield by carefully manipulating plant growth. By starting early, using the right materials, and bending gently, you can shape your plants to create an even canopy that optimizes light exposure. Regular adjustments, strategic pruning, and consistent monitoring of plant health are essential to maintain the desired shape and promote vigorous growth. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions, being patient and consistent, and reducing training during the flowering stage further enhance the success of LST.

You may cultivate a more robust and fruitful cannabis plant that will yield a higher-yielding and more bountiful harvest by according to these comprehensive instructions and advice. Remember, the key to successful LST lies in patience, care, and attention to detail. Happy growing!