low-stress training weed plants

Low-stress training weed plants (LST) is a method used in growing cannabis where the goal is to manipulate the shape of the plant to increase yields without causing undue stress to the plant. This low-stress training technique involves gently bending and tying down the branches of the weed plant to encourage a more even distribution of growth and light exposure.

Purpose of Low-Stress Training in Growing Cannabis

The purpose of low-stress training weed plants is to improve yields and promote a healthier growth pattern in cannabis plants. By bending and tying down the branches, light is better distributed, leading to a more even growth pattern and increased yields.

Low-stress training weed plants provide several benefits for cannabis growers, including maximizing yields, improving light distribution, minimizing stress on the plant, and promoting plant health. This low-stress training technique is gentle and effective, making it a popular choice.

What is Low-Stress Training?

The goal of low stress is to manipulate the shape of the plant to encourage an even distribution of growth and light exposure, ultimately leading to an increase in yields and a healthier growth pattern. This is achieved by gently bending and tying down the branches of the plant.

The technique of low-stress training is less invasive compared to other training methods such as topping or super-cropping. Unlike topping, where the top of the plant is cut off to encourage bushier growth, low-stress training involves carefully bending the branches of the plant without damaging them. In contrast, super-cropping involves intentionally damaging the plant to encourage growth, whereas LST is a more controlled and less damaging way to achieve the same goals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Low-Stress Training

When deciding to use low-stress training, it is important to consider the stage of growth of the plant, the desired result, and the overall health of the plant. Timing is also critical, as LST should only be performed at certain stages of plant growth.

It is also important to clearly understand the low-stress training technique and the tools and materials needed to execute it properly. This may include bendable wire or string, plant clips or ties, and a clear understanding of how to bend the branches without causing damage to the plant.

Additionally, it is important to monitor the plant closely during the low-stress training process and make adjustments as needed. Over-training or under-training can both have negative effects on the plant, so finding the right balance is crucial.

The Benefits of Low-Stress Training Weed Plants

Increased Yields

One of the primary benefits of low-stress training weed plants is increased yields. By manipulating the shape of the plant, low-stress training encourages an even distribution of growth and light exposure, leading to more branches and larger buds. This can result in significantly higher yields compared to untrained plants.

Improved Light Distribution

Another benefit of low-stress training weed plants is improved light distribution. By bending and tying down the branches of the plant, LST encourages an even distribution of light exposure, leading to a more balanced and healthier growth pattern. This can result in more robust plants, with improved yields.

Reduced Stress on the Plant

Low-stress training is less invasive and less stressful than other techniques such as topping and super-cropping. By avoiding damaging the plant and instead manipulating it in a controlled manner, LST reduces stress on the plant, leading to a healthier and more robust growth pattern.

Enhanced Plant Health

The reduced stress on the plant and improved light distribution resulting from low-stress training weed plants can also lead to enhanced plant health. By encouraging an even growth pattern and reducing stress on the plant, LST can lead to more robust plants, with a healthier overall growth pattern.

When to Start and Stop Low-Stress Training Weed Plants

Low-stress training is best started when the plant is still young and in the vegetative stage of growth. This allows the plant to adapt to the training and results in a more even and balanced growth pattern. It is generally recommended to start LST training when the plant is around 8-10 inches tall, or when the main stem is sturdy enough to support the weight of the branches.

Indications for Stopping LST Training

Low-stress training should be stopped once the plant begins to flower. This is because the plant will naturally begin to grow taller and bushier, and additional training will no longer be necessary. Additionally, continuing LST training during the flowering stage can cause stress on the plant and potentially reduce yields.

How to Monitor the Progress of LST

It is important to monitor the progress of low-stress training weed plants to ensure the plant is responding positively to the training and to make any necessary adjustments. This may include checking for signs of stress on the plant, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, and adjusting the training technique if necessary. Additionally, monitoring the progress of LST can also involve checking the growth pattern of the plant and making sure that the branches are being trained in an even and balanced manner. Regularly inspecting the plant and making small adjustments as needed can help ensure the best results from low-stress training.

Common Concerns About Low-Stress Training Weed Plants

Does LST Slow Down Growth?

One common concern about low-stress training weed plants is that it may slow down the plant’s growth. However, when LST is performed correctly, it can have the opposite effect and encourage more balanced and even growth. LST can increase yields by improving light distribution and reducing stress on the plant, which can result in faster and healthier growth.

Can You Overdo LST?

Another concern about low-stress training weed plants is the possibility of overdoing it. While it is possible to over-train a plant, this is typically only the case if the training is performed too harshly or if the plant is not given enough time to recover between training sessions. To avoid overdoing LST, it is important to start the training when the plant is young and follow the guidelines for starting and stopping LST training.

Does LST Create More Colas?

Low-stress training weed plants can result in the creation of more colas, which are the main flowering buds of the plant. By improving light distribution and reducing stress on the plant, LST can encourage the development of more branches and a more even growth pattern, which can result in more colas and, ultimately, increased yields.

cannabis plant with lst

How to Low-Stress Train Your Weed Plants

Low-stress training (LST) for your weed plants can be as complex or straightforward as you prefer. At its core, all you need are a few basic materials:

  • Ties for securing the plant. Garden ties are effective but costly, while twine is a budget-friendly alternative that can eventually wear down or damage the plant if it’s too tight or thin.
  • A tool for making holes in the pot. You may need a drill or scissors, depending on the type of pot you’re using. These holes serve as anchor points for tying down the plant.

You may also want to have:

  • Stakes such as bamboo or garden stakes. Some growers prefer laying down a few stakes across the pot opening to tie the plant to. This can be especially helpful for larger plants.
  • Tape for fixing any accidental breaks or splits in the main stem or branches during LST.

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to start. 

  • Begin by making a few holes near the top rim of the pot. You only need one hole to begin, but it’s wise to make a few extra for future tie-downs during LST.
  • Tie one of the ties loosely around the main stem and gently pull until it’s tight. If using stakes, insert them into the holes and secure them. 
  • Gradually bend the stem while keeping the tie tight, but don’t try to get the plant perfectly horizontal in one day as you don’t want to snap the main stem. Over the coming days and weeks, slowly continue to bend the stem.
  • As the branches grow and the stem becomes longer, add more ties and use them to maintain the horizontal growth pattern. 
  • Check and adjust the shape of the plant throughout its growth period until harvest.

And that’s it! Simple, easy, and effective low-stress training for your weed plants.

Low-stress training weed plants is a technique that has become increasingly popular among cannabis growers due to its many benefits. By bending and shaping the branches of young plants, growers can improve light distribution and reduce stress on the plant, leading to increased yields and improved plant health. Whether you are a seasoned grower or just starting out, LST is an important technique to consider as you strive to grow healthy, high-yielding plants. By following the simple steps and tips outlined in this article, you can experience the many benefits of this technique and take your growing skills to the next level. So why not give LST a try today?

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