Low Stress Training, or LST, is a cultivation technique that involves gently manipulating a plant's growth pattern without causing significant damage or stress. Unlike more aggressive methods like topping or pruning, LST focuses on bending and tying down branches to encourage horizontal growth. This method allows growers to control the shape and height of their plants, optimizing light exposure and airflow throughout the canopy.
The importance of LST in plant cultivation cannot be overstated. By spreading out the branches, you ensure that more of the plant receives direct light, which is crucial for photosynthesis. This leads to healthier growth and can significantly increase yields, especially in indoor growing environments where light is often a limiting factor. Additionally, LST helps to create a more uniform canopy, allowing all parts of the plant to mature evenly. This technique is particularly beneficial for growers working with limited space or height restrictions, as it allows for better control over plant size and shape.
Whether you're growing cannabis, tomatoes, or any other plant that benefits from controlled growth, LST is a valuable tool in achieving a more productive and manageable garden.
What is Low Stress Training?
Low Stress Training (LST) is a cultivation technique designed to shape and manipulate a plant’s growth pattern by gently bending and securing its branches. The goal is to encourage horizontal rather than vertical growth, allowing for better light distribution across the entire plant. This method is particularly effective in maximizing the plant’s exposure to light, improving overall growth and potentially increasing yields.
The basic principle behind LST is simple: by tying down the branches, you can guide the plant to grow in a more controlled and spread-out manner. This differs from other training techniques like topping or super cropping, which involve cutting or damaging the plant to alter its growth. In topping, for instance, the main stem is cut to encourage the plant to produce more branches, while super cropping involves deliberately damaging the plant’s stems to encourage a stronger, bushier growth pattern.
What sets LST apart is its gentle approach. Unlike topping, which can cause significant stress by removing a portion of the plant, or super cropping, which can involve breaking the plant’s inner tissues, LST focuses on minimal stress and gradual changes. By carefully bending and tying down the branches over time, the plant adapts to its new shape without experiencing shock or interruption in growth. This “low stress” aspect makes LST a preferred method for growers who want to optimize their plants' structure without risking damage or slowed development.
LST is not only effective but also versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of plants and growing environments. Whether you’re working with a delicate species or simply want to avoid the risks associated with more aggressive training techniques, LST offers a controlled and sustainable way to shape your plants for maximum efficiency.
Benefits of LST
Low Stress Training (LST) offers several significant benefits that can greatly enhance the overall health and productivity of your plants. By gently guiding the plant's growth, you can create an ideal environment for it to thrive. Here’s how LST can make a difference:
1. Improved Light Penetration to Lower Branches and Buds One of the primary advantages of LST is its ability to improve light penetration throughout the plant. In a natural growth pattern, the main stem often dominates, leaving lower branches and buds in the shade. This can result in underdeveloped buds or fruits at the bottom of the plant. By spreading the branches horizontally, LST ensures that light reaches every part of the plant, leading to more vigorous and uniform growth. This is particularly important in indoor environments where artificial light needs to be used as efficiently as possible.
2. Increased Airflow Within the Plant Canopy A dense, untrained plant can create a humid environment within its canopy, which can lead to issues like mold, mildew, and pest infestations. LST helps to open up the plant, allowing for better airflow between the branches. This not only reduces the risk of moisture-related problems but also strengthens the plant's overall health by ensuring that fresh air circulates freely around all parts of the plant.
3. More Uniform Growth LST encourages a more even distribution of energy and resources throughout the plant. By training the plant to grow in a more spread-out manner, you help ensure that all buds or fruits receive equal attention. This uniformity can lead to a more consistent and higher-quality harvest, as all parts of the plant mature at the same rate. Instead of having a few dominant colas or fruit clusters, LST allows for multiple, evenly developed sites of production.
4. Better Control Over Plant Height and Shape For indoor growers, managing plant height is crucial, especially in limited-space environments like grow tents or small greenhouses. LST provides an effective way to control the vertical growth of your plants, preventing them from outgrowing their allotted space. By keeping the plant shorter and more spread out, you can maximize your growing area and maintain a canopy that’s easy to manage. This also makes it easier to set up and maintain an even light source across the entire plant, further optimizing growth conditions.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start Low Stress Training (LST), it’s important to gather the right tools and materials to ensure a smooth and effective process. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Basic Tools
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Soft Plant Ties: These are essential for securing branches in place. Soft ties, like garden wire covered in foam or rubber, are gentle on the plant and prevent damage to the stems. You can also use twist ties or soft string, but make sure they’re not too tight to avoid cutting into the plant as it grows.
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Stakes or Anchors: Small stakes or anchors are used to secure the ties to the soil or pot edge. These provide the necessary support to hold down the branches in the desired position.
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Scissors or Pruning Shears: While LST doesn’t involve cutting the plant, you may still need a pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim away any obstructive leaves or to cut ties to the appropriate length.
2. Choosing the Right Type of Plant for LST Not all plants respond equally well to LST, so it’s important to choose a type that benefits from this technique. Plants with flexible stems, such as cannabis, tomatoes, and certain types of peppers, are ideal candidates for LST. These plants tend to grow tall and can easily be trained to spread out horizontally. Additionally, plants that naturally produce multiple branches, like cannabis, are particularly well-suited for LST because they can quickly develop numerous productive sites.
3. Specialized Products for LST (Optional)
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Plant Training Clips: These clips are designed specifically for LST and provide an easy way to secure branches without tying them down. They clip directly onto the plant stem and attach to the pot or a stake, making them a convenient option for those looking to simplify the process.
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LST Kits: Some manufacturers offer complete LST kits that include everything you need—ties, clips, stakes, and even detailed instructions. These kits can be particularly helpful for beginners who want to make sure they have all the necessary tools in one package.
Step-by-Step Guide to LST
Low Stress Training (LST) is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail at each step to ensure the best results. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully apply LST to your plants:
Step 1: Preparing Your Plant The first step in LST is choosing the right time to begin training your plant. The ideal time to start LST is early in the vegetative stage when the plant is still young and flexible. At this stage, the stems are easier to bend, and the plant can quickly recover from any stress. Look for the third or fourth node (the point where leaves and branches emerge from the main stem) as a good starting point. Ensure your plant is healthy, well-watered, and has a strong root system before beginning LST.
Step 2: Gently Bending and Securing the Main Stem and Branches Once your plant is ready, carefully begin bending the main stem and branches towards the outer edges of the pot or growing area. Start with the main stem, as this is the primary point of growth. Use your fingers to gently coax the stem into a horizontal position, but be cautious not to snap or break it. Secure the bent stem in place using soft plant ties, making sure they are not too tight. Place the ties just below the node to avoid constricting growth.
As you move to the branches, repeat the same process, bending them outwards and securing them with ties or stakes. The goal is to create an even canopy that allows light to penetrate all parts of the plant. Remember, patience is key—if a branch resists bending, it’s better to do it gradually over a few days rather than forcing it.
Step 3: Monitoring and Adjusting Ties as the Plant Grows Plants can grow quickly, so it’s important to regularly monitor the progress of your LST. Check the ties every few days to ensure they are not cutting into the stems as the plant expands. As new growth appears, continue to bend and secure these branches in the same manner, always aiming to maintain an even canopy.
If you notice any branches becoming dominant, bend them down to encourage the plant to focus its energy on less developed areas. This process of continuous adjustment helps to balance the plant’s growth, ensuring that all parts receive adequate light and air.
Step 4: Repeating the Process Throughout the Vegetative Stage and into Early Flowering LST is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that you’ll need to repeat throughout the vegetative stage. As the plant grows, continue to guide its branches outward, maintaining the shape and structure you’ve established. Depending on the plant species and your growing goals, you may choose to continue LST into the early flowering stage. However, once flowering begins in earnest, it’s best to reduce training to avoid stressing the plant during this critical period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While Low Stress Training (LST) is a relatively simple and gentle method, there are common mistakes that can hinder your success. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your plants thrive under LST:
1. Over-Stressing the Plant One of the most frequent mistakes growers make is inadvertently causing too much stress to the plant. Although LST is designed to be low stress, improper technique—like bending stems too sharply or applying too much pressure at once—can lead to broken branches or stunted growth. Signs of over-stressing include wilting, yellowing leaves, and slowed growth.
To correct over-stressing, be patient and gentle with your plants. If you notice a branch is resisting, bend it gradually over several days rather than forcing it into position all at once. If a branch does snap, support it with a splint or tape to help it heal, and give the plant time to recover before attempting further adjustments.
2. Ignoring Plant Recovery Time Another common error is not allowing sufficient recovery time between LST adjustments. Plants need time to heal and adapt to their new positions, and rushing the process can lead to stress and reduced vigor. After making adjustments, observe the plant for a few days to ensure it’s responding well before making further changes.
Allowing your plant to rest between LST sessions is crucial, especially during the vegetative stage when rapid growth is occurring. This recovery period helps the plant maintain its overall health and ensures that it can continue to grow vigorously despite the training.
3. Not Adjusting Ties Regularly As your plant grows, the ties you’ve applied during LST can become too tight, potentially cutting into the stems and restricting growth. Failing to adjust these ties regularly can cause damage to the plant and negate the benefits of LST.
To avoid this, check your ties every few days and loosen or reposition them as needed. As the plant expands, you may also need to add new ties to guide fresh growth. Consistent maintenance is key to preventing injuries and ensuring that your plant continues to develop in the desired shape.
LST in Different Growing Environments
Low Stress Training (LST) is a versatile technique that can be effectively applied in various growing environments, whether indoors or outdoors. However, the approach may differ depending on your setup and the plant species you’re cultivating. Here’s how to adapt LST to different environments and plants:
1. LST in Indoor vs. Outdoor Settings
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Indoor Settings: LST is particularly popular among indoor growers due to space limitations and the need to maximize light exposure from artificial sources. Indoors, LST allows you to control plant height and shape to fit within the confines of a grow tent or room, ensuring that all parts of the plant receive sufficient light. The even canopy created by LST helps in optimizing the efficiency of grow lights, leading to more consistent growth and higher yields.
Indoors, the controlled environment also makes it easier to monitor and adjust LST as needed. However, indoor growers must be vigilant about humidity and airflow, as the dense canopy created by LST can trap moisture if not properly managed. Regular pruning of excess foliage and the use of fans can help mitigate these risks.
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Outdoor Settings: Outdoors, LST can be used to manage plant height discreetly, which is particularly useful for growers concerned about privacy. By training plants to grow horizontally, you can keep them low to the ground and less visible. Outdoor LST also helps to protect plants from wind damage, as the spreading branches are less likely to be broken by strong gusts.
The natural sunlight available outdoors allows for more flexibility in LST, as light reaches the plant from various angles throughout the day. However, outdoor growers should be mindful of weather conditions and pests, which can affect the success of LST. Regular checks and adjustments are necessary to ensure the plant remains healthy and secure in its trained position.
2. Adjustments for Different Plant Species
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Cannabis: Cannabis is one of the most commonly trained plants using LST due to its natural growth habits and the significant benefits LST provides in terms of yield and quality. Cannabis plants respond well to LST, as they naturally produce multiple branches that can be easily trained. In cannabis, LST is typically started early in the vegetative stage and may continue into early flowering to maximize bud sites and light exposure.
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Tomatoes: Tomato plants also benefit from LST, especially in greenhouse or indoor environments. Training tomato plants to spread out can prevent them from becoming too top-heavy and improves airflow around the fruit clusters, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. LST in tomatoes can start when the plant is young and continues as it grows, with regular adjustments to guide the branches.
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Peppers: Pepper plants, like tomatoes, can become bushy and benefit from LST to improve light penetration and airflow. Pepper plants tend to have more rigid stems, so extra care is needed when bending branches. Starting LST early in the growth cycle helps to gradually shape the plant and can lead to a more abundant harvest.
3. Specific Considerations for Cannabis Growers (Optional) Cannabis growers using LST should pay special attention to the strain they are cultivating. Indica-dominant strains tend to grow shorter and bushier, making them naturally suited to LST, while sativa-dominant strains, which grow taller and more lanky, may require more intensive training to control height and encourage lateral growth.
Additionally, cannabis plants can be particularly sensitive to stress during the flowering stage, so it’s important to complete most of the LST during the vegetative stage and minimize adjustments once flowering begins. This ensures the plant can focus its energy on bud development rather than recovering from training.
Low Stress Training (LST) is a powerful and versatile technique that can significantly enhance the growth and productivity of your plants. By gently guiding your plants to grow in a more controlled and horizontal manner, LST improves light penetration, increases airflow, promotes more uniform growth, and gives you better control over plant height and shape. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, and whether you’re working with cannabis, tomatoes, peppers, or other species, LST offers a practical way to maximize yields and create a healthier, more manageable garden.