Low-stress training (LST) is a cannabis cultivation technique that involves gently bending and manipulating the plant to encourage it to grow in a specific direction. By doing this, growers can control the shape and size of their plants, as well as increase yield.
There are several reasons why growers might want to use LST on their plants. For example, if a grower is limited in space, they can use LST to train the plant to grow horizontally rather than vertically. This maximizes the amount of space the plant can take up and increases yield.
Another reason growers might use LST is to encourage the plant to grow more evenly. By training the plant to grow in a certain way, growers can ensure that all parts of the plant receive equal light and nutrients. This results in a more evenly-grown plant, leading to increased yield.
LST is often used with other cannabis cultivation techniques, such as topping or super cropping. This is because LST can help open up the plant, making it more receptive to these different techniques.
The History of Low-Stress Training
Low-stress training is a cultivation technique used by growers for many years. It is thought to have originated in the 1970s when growers began to experiment with ways of manipulating the growth of their plants. They aimed to find ways of increasing yield while reducing the amount of waste plant material.
LST quickly gained popularity among growers and is now used by growers worldwide. In addition, it is prevalent among those growing cannabis for medical purposes, as it allows them to increase the amount of usable plant material without compromising quality.
What You Need For LST
Before you start low-stress training your plants, there are a few things that you will need to gather together. Firstly, you will need some plant ties or clips. These can be bought from most gardening stores or online.
You will also need something to attach the ties or clips to. This could be a piece of wood, a metal bar, or even a dumbbell. Again, the choice is up to you.
Finally, you will need a screen if you are planning on using the ‘scrogging’ method of LST. This can be bought from most hardware stores.
How to Low-Stress Train Your Plants
Once you have gathered everything that you need, you can start low-stress training your plants. The specific method that you use will depend on your preferences and the equipment that you have available.
Below is a step-by-step guide to low-stress training your cannabis plants;
Break apical dominance
Breaking apical dominance is the first step in low-stress training your plants. This simply means removing the plant’s main stem so it can branch out.
To do this, take a sharp knife or pair of scissors and cut through the main stem below a node. A node is where the leaves of the plant meet the stem.
Shape and maintain your plants
Once you have removed the main stem, you can start to shape and train your plants. There are several different ways that you can do this, but the most common methods are ‘scrogging’ and ‘super cropping.’
The scrogging method of low-stress training involves using a screen to distribute the plant’s growth evenly. To do this, you will need to tie the screen to a frame and then place it over the top of your plants. The screen should be placed so that it is just above the height of your plants.
As the plants grow, you must adjust the screen periodically to remain in the correct position. You will also need to tie the stems of the plants to the screen as they grow.
The super cropping method of low-stress training involves manually breaking the stems of the plants. This is done by gently bending the stem until it snaps. The broken stem should then be tied to support to continue growing.
This low-stress training method is thought to increase the plant’s yield by encouraging the plant to produce more lateral (side) branches.
Monitor your plants
Once you have started low-stress training your plants, you will need to monitor them closely. This is because they will be under a lot of stress and will need extra care and attention. You will need to check on your plants regularly to ensure they are not drying out or becoming too hot. You should also check for any signs of pests or diseases. If you notice any problems, you will need to take action to rectify them as soon as possible.
Where and When to LST
Low-stress training can be used on almost any type of plant. However, it is most commonly used on cannabis plants. This is because it is an effective way of increasing the plant’s yield without compromising on quality. Many cannabis growers who have tried low-stress training have reported increased yields of up to 50%.
Low-stress training can be used anytime during the plant’s life cycle. However, it is most commonly used during the vegetative stage. This is because the plants are more resilient and can recover more quickly from any stress caused during this stage. If you are growing cannabis indoors, you can start low-stress training your plants as soon as they have germinated. If you are growing cannabis outdoors, you will need to wait until the plant has reached a height of around 30cm.
In Conclusion
Low-stress training is an essential skill for any cannabis grower. It is a simple and effective way of increasing the plant’s yield without compromising quality. If you are growing cannabis, learn how to low-stress and train your plants to get the most out of your crop. Low-stress training (LST) is a horticultural technique that involves manipulating plants to grow a certain way. It is often used to increase yield but can also improve the plant’s quality or make it easier to grow in a particular space.
