Boost Your Cannabis Yield With Low Stress Training
Low Stress Training (LST) is a widely-used technique in the cultivation of cannabis that can enhance plant yield and quality without requiring significant modifications to the growing environment.
This technique involves bending and securing the stems of cannabis plants to increase the number of bud sites and level up the canopy, which exposes the plant to more light and encourages lateral growth.
By creating secondary branches, LST can help to increase the number of flowering sites and, therefore, the overall yield of the plant.
LST is a versatile technique that can be employed for both indoor and outdoor cannabis plants and is best utilized during the first few weeks after the plant begins to flower.
This method can be an effective way to manipulate the growth of cannabis plants, creating a more even canopy and improving the overall yield and quality of the final product.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of LST, describe the correct techniques to use, discuss the tools and materials required, and outline potential risks and precautions to be aware of when using this technique.
Key Takeaways
- Low Stress Training (LST) is a technique to shape cannabis plants for higher yields and better flower quality.
- LST involves bending and securing stems to increase bud sites and level up the canopy, exposing the plant to more light and encouraging lateral growth.
- LST can be used for indoor and outdoor plants, and can enhance yields without modifying setup, but requires experienced growers to avoid potential risks.
- Other concepts related to cannabis growing include pruning lower growth, using High-Stress Training (HST) for specific shapes or directions, and knowing the difference between plants that look like marijuana and the actual plant.
What is LST?
Low Stress Training (LST) is a technique used by experienced cannabis growers to shape plants for higher yields and better flower quality. It involves bending and securing stems to increase bud sites and level up the canopy, ultimately exposing the plant to more light and enhancing yields by up to 40%.
This technique can be used for both indoor and outdoor plants to maximize bud production and available space. LST is different from High-Stress Training (HST), which is a technique used to train plants to grow in a specific shape or direction.
LST is a low-risk method of enhancing yields without modifying the setup and is enjoyable. It works against natural apical dominance, encouraging lateral growth and creating secondary branches. It can be started during the vegetative phase and discontinued during the flowering time. However, it requires experienced growers who know how to do LST correctly and are aware of potential risks.
Tools used include soft plant ties, rubber-coated plant wire, support poles, drill, and duct tape. Topping a cannabis plant makes LST easier, and drilling holes and using thin wooden or bamboo stakes can hold shoots in place and provide support.
Benefits and Techniques
The technique of shaping cannabis plants through the use of bending and securing stems has been shown to increase bud sites and level up the canopy, ultimately enhancing yields and improving flower quality. Low Stress Training (LST) can be employed by both indoor and outdoor growers to maximize bud production and available space. LST works against natural apical dominance, encouraging lateral growth and creating secondary branches. This technique exposes the plant to more light, making it more comprehensive and allowing more light into the canopy.
To further understand the benefits and techniques of LST, a table comparing indoor and outdoor LST techniques can be helpful. The following table highlights the differences and similarities between the two methods in terms of their benefits and suggested techniques:
Benefits | Indoor LST Techniques | Outdoor LST Techniques
- Maximizing bud production: Use of support poles, soft plant ties, and rubber-coated plant wire to bend and secure stems | Use of thin wooden or bamboo stakes to hold shoots in place and provide support |
- Enhancing flower quality: Exposing the plant to more light, making it more comprehensive and allowing more light into the canopy | Same as indoor LST techniques |
By utilizing LST techniques, growers can enhance their cannabis yields and improve the quality of their plant’s flowers. It is important to note that LST should be done correctly to avoid causing stress, which can interfere with the flowering phase and break off delicate branches. Experienced growers who know how to do LST correctly and are aware of potential risks should undertake this technique.
Tools and Materials
Utilizing the appropriate materials and tools is crucial for successfully implementing the technique of shaping cannabis plants through bending and securing stems. When it comes to Low Stress Training (LST), the following materials are commonly used by growers:
- Soft plant ties: These are gentle ties that allow growers to secure stems without causing damage.
- Rubber-coated plant wire: This type of wire is used to gently bend stems into the desired position.
- Support poles: These poles are used to provide stability and support for the plant as it grows.
- Drill and duct tape: These tools are used to create holes in the grow medium and secure the support poles.
When it comes to deciding whether to implement LST techniques on your indoor or outdoor cannabis plants, there are a few factors to consider. DIY vs professional cost comparisons should be taken into account, as well as the unique needs of each individual plant. Additionally, indoor growers have more control over the environment, but outdoor growers can benefit from natural sunlight and a larger grow space. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the preferences and skills of the individual grower.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Experienced growers must exercise caution when implementing LST techniques to avoid interfering with the flowering phase and breaking off delicate branches. One common mistake is applying too much pressure when bending and securing stems, which can result in damage to the plant. To prevent this, it is important to use gentle, gradual force when shaping the plant. Another risk is over-stressing the plant, which can lead to reduced yields and poor quality buds. To avoid this, it is recommended to start LST during the vegetative phase and discontinue it during flowering time.
Preventing damage is key to successful LST implementation. This can be achieved by using appropriate tools, such as soft plant ties and rubber-coated plant wire, and providing support to the plant with poles or stakes. Additionally, growers must be aware of the plant’s natural growth patterns and avoid applying excessive force when shaping it. By following these precautions, growers can enhance their yields and improve the quality of their cannabis plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LST be used on autoflowering cannabis plants?
LST can be used on autoflowering cannabis plants with benefits such as increased yield, improved quality of buds, and better light penetration. Compared to other training techniques, LST allows for greater control over plant growth and shape without causing significant stress to the plant.
It encourages lateral growth and secondary branching, leading to a fuller canopy and more bud sites. However, it is important to note that LST should be employed during the vegetative phase and discontinued during flowering time to avoid interference with the flowering phase.
Additionally, inexperienced growers may risk breaking off delicate branches or causing stress to the plant, so proper technique and knowledge are necessary for successful implementation.
How much can LST increase cannabis yields?
It’s ironic that while cannabis growers are constantly searching for ways to increase their yields, the simple and effective technique of Low Stress Training (LST) often gets overlooked.
LST has numerous benefits for indoor growers, including enhancing yields without the need for additional equipment or setup modifications, and exposing the plant to more light, resulting in better bud quality.
LST techniques can also be adapted to different cannabis strains, ensuring that growers can maximize their yields while maintaining the unique characteristics of each strain.
By encouraging lateral growth and creating secondary branches, LST can significantly increase cannabis yields.
However, it’s important for growers to be experienced and knowledgeable in LST techniques to avoid damaging the plant and interfering with the flowering phase.
Can LST be used on plants that have already started flowering?
Low stress training (LST) can be used on plants that have already started flowering, but it is generally recommended to start the technique during the vegetative phase.
The benefits of LST for plant health include increasing bud sites, leveling up the canopy, and exposing the plant to more light, which can enhance yields without modifying the setup.
LST techniques may vary for different cannabis strains, but the general principle is to bend and secure stems to encourage lateral growth and create secondary branches, which works against the natural apical dominance.
However, LST can cause stress if done incorrectly, interfering with the flowering phase and breaking off delicate branches.
It is essential to employ LST for the first few weeks after the plant begins to flower and use appropriate tools, such as soft plant ties, rubber-coated plant wire, support poles, drill, and duct tape.
Overall, utilizing LST correctly can lead to higher yields and better flower quality.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when doing LST?
In the realm of cannabis cultivation, avoiding mistakes is crucial to a successful harvest. When it comes to low stress training (LST), common errors to avoid include over-bending the stem, using too much pressure on the plant ties, and starting too late in the vegetative phase.
LST is one of many training techniques that can benefit cannabis plants by increasing yield and improving overall flower quality. Benefits of LST include the ability to create a more level canopy, expose the plant to more light, and encourage lateral growth while reducing apical dominance.
It is important for growers to have knowledge and experience with LST to avoid potential risks and ensure successful results.
How long should LST be done for optimal results?
In order to achieve optimal results with Low Stress Training (LST), it is important to take into account the benefits of LST on plant health and to consider LST techniques for different strains.
LST can improve plant health by increasing light exposure and creating more bud sites, resulting in higher yields and better flower quality.
The duration of LST will depend on the strain and the individual plant’s growth rate, but it is recommended to begin LST during the vegetative phase and continue for the first few weeks after the plant begins to flower.
Different strains may require different LST techniques, such as bending and securing stems or using support poles and plant ties.
It is important for growers to have knowledge and experience in LST techniques to ensure optimal results and avoid potential risks.