Low-Stress Training (LST) for Cannabis: Boost Yields Without Stress

• May 19 2025, by Noah
• 5 min reading time

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Do you want to increase your cannabis yield without damaging your plants? Low-Stress Training (LST) is a proven technique to guide growth deliberately, maximize light usage, and promote abundant flowering. Discover how a few simple steps can help you unlock your plants’ full potential – all without stressful interventions!

Low-Stress Training (LST) is a proven method to increase the yield of cannabis plants by guiding their growth in a controlled manner. This technique allows you to shape the plant without causing significant stress, resulting in better light distribution and higher yields.

What is Low-Stress Training?

LST is a cultivation technique in which the branches of the cannabis plant are gently bent and secured to direct growth horizontally. This method disrupts the natural apical dominance, encouraging the development of multiple main colas and an even light distribution across the entire plant. This leads to more efficient use of space and light, ultimately boosting total yield.

Step-by-step Guide to Low-Stress Training

1. Preparation: Have soft plant ties, garden wire, or pipe cleaners ready, as well as support stakes and optionally cable ties.
2. Bend the main stem: Start by gently bending the main stem to a horizontal position. Secure it using the ties or wire.
3. Train side branches: As side branches grow, gently bend them outward and secure them for even distribution.
4. Adjust regularly: Check the growth regularly and adjust the fixings to maintain the desired shape and ensure sufficient light exposure.
5. Support during flowering: During flowering, the buds may become heavy. Use additional stakes or nets to prevent branch breakage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Low-Stress Training

Advantages

• Higher yield: Multiple main colas and better light distribution result in more buds.
• Efficient space use: LST enables you to shape the plant to fit the available space.
• Improved light distribution: Horizontal growth ensures all parts of the plant receive adequate light.
• Gentle method: Unlike high-stress methods, LST causes minimal stress to the plant.

Disadvantages

• More maintenance: Regular adjustments and monitoring are required.
• Prone to damage: Incorrect application can break branches and hinder growth.
• Genetics dependent: Not all strains respond well to LST due to rigid stems.
• Longer vegetative phase: The growth phase may extend before flowering begins.

With careful application and regular checks, the drawbacks can be minimized and the benefits maximized.

When to Start LST?

The best time to start LST is in the early vegetative stage, once the plant has developed 4–6 nodes. At this point, branches are still flexible and easy to bend. Starting early promotes better light distribution, enhanced photosynthesis, and increased yield.

The earlier you start, the easier it is, as young stems are still pliable. Starting too late may result in brittle branches that can break. Ideally, LST should be completed before flowering begins.

When to Stop LST?

LST should continue until the flowering phase. Once buds start forming, growth slows, and the plant focuses on bud development. A good time to stop is when the plant ceases vertical growth and the first flowers appear.

Do not start LST during flowering: it causes unnecessary stress and can impair bud development. Necessary adjustments should be made carefully.

Timing Tips for LST

• Start as early as possible: Plants are most flexible during the initial growth phase.
• Select suitable strains: Strains like Amnesia Haze or Super Silver Haze are ideal.
• Monitor regularly: Track the growth process and make adjustments as needed.
• Use gentle tools: LST clips or ties help avoid damage.
• Optimize light usage: Even branch distribution enhances efficiency.

LST for Autoflowers

Autoflower strains flower automatically after 2–4 weeks. Timing is therefore critical.

• Perfect timing: Ideally start in weeks 1–2 of the vegetative phase.
• Be gentle: Autoflowers have limited recovery time, so handle them delicately.
• Recommended strains: Northern Lights Automatic and Royal Haze Automatic are highly suitable.
• Additional techniques: Using clips or nets improves the process and reduces stress.

Differences Between LST and HST

• Method:
  • LST: Gentle bending and securing without injury.
  • HST: Techniques like topping, FIM, or super cropping that involve deliberate wounding.
• Effects on the plant:
  • LST: Enhances light distribution without hindering growth.
  • HST: Causes stress and requires longer recovery, but may yield higher returns.
• Recovery time:
  • LST: Minimal recovery needed.
  • HST: More time required to heal injuries.
• Suitability for autoflowers:
  • LST: Very suitable due to the short life cycle.
  • HST: Less suitable due to increased stress risk.

Strain Selection for LST

Not every strain is equally suitable for LST. These traits are favorable:

• Genetic stability: Robust, well-structured plants are ideal.
• High stretch: Fast-growing tall strains benefit most from LST.
• Recommended strains:
  • Amnesia Haze: Vigorous growth and highly responsive to bending.
  • Shining Silver Haze: Stress-resistant with a strong structure.
  • Super Silver Haze: Excellent for training due to strong vegetative growth.
  • Northern Lights Automatic: Compact autoflower, very trainable.
  • Royal Haze Automatic: High yield with efficient light distribution via LST.

Overall, LST works on almost every strain, but the ones mentioned offer the best results and ease of use.

Tips for Successful LST

• Be patient: LST requires time and attention. Monitor the plant closely.
• Be gentle: Avoid excessive bending. Use tools that minimize stress.
• Keep checking: Watch for stress signals and adjust the technique accordingly.
• Combine with other methods: Experienced growers often combine LST with topping or ScrOG for better results.

Conclusion

Low-Stress Training is an effective and gentle method to increase cannabis yields and guide plant growth. Especially for autoflowers, timing is key. With LST, you can maximize your plants' potential and harvest high-quality buds. Patience and care are the keys to success.

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