LST - Low Stress Training: Gentle plant training

Low Stress Training (LST) is the gentlest method for increasing cannabis yields:

**LST basics:**

Branches are gently bent and fixed to encourage horizontal growth without damaging the plant.

**LST advantages:**

- No plant stress

- More light exposure for all shoots

- Increased number of main colas

- Better air circulation

- Suitable for all varieties

**LST techniques:**

*Main stem bending:*

- Carefully bend the main stem to the side

- Fix with soft wire or string

- Never bend or break

- Adjust continuously

*Side shoot training:*

- Spread branches out evenly

- Aim for a star formation

- Avoid overlapping

- Even light distribution

*Gradual adjustment:*

- Daily small adjustments

- Never bend too much

- Observe plant reaction

- Stop in case of resistance

**LST materials:**

*Training wire:*

- Soft, coated material

- Garden wire or plant wire

- Not too thin (injures branches)

- Not too thick (difficult to adjust)

*Plant clips:*

- Special LST clips

- Paper clips (modified)

- Clothes pegs (small)

- Rubber-coated clips

*Fixing points:*

- Pot rim

- Training pots with holes

- Separate hooks

- Weights as counterweight

**LST schedule:**

*Vegetative phase (week 3-6):*

- Start at 15-20cm height

- Bend main stem to the side

- Allow side shoots to develop

- Continuous adaptation

*Pre-flower (1-2 weeks before flowering):*

- Final positioning

- All main shoots evenly

- Preparations for stretch

- Last major adjustments

*Early flowering (week 1-2):*

- Utilise stretch phase

- Gentle corrections

- Position new shoots

- Pay attention to flowering points

*Mid/late flowering:*

- Stop LST completely

- Support only

- Support heavy blooms

- Maintain structural integrity

**Variety-specific LST:**

*Indica varieties:*

- Compact growth

- Less training needed

- Focus on main branches

- Early LST stop

*Sativa varieties:*

- More training possible

- Longer LST phase

- Larger structures

- Continuous management

*Autoflower:*

- Cautious training

- Shorter time frame

- Gentler methods

- Less aggressive bending

**LST problem solution:**

*Break branches:*

- Repair immediately with tape

- Allow plant to recover

- Continue training more carefully

- Learn from mistakes

*Plant stress:*

- Pause training

- Ensure optimal conditions

- Increase observation

- Continue more gently

*Uneven growth:*

- Favour weaker shoots

- Slow down dominant shoots

- Redistribute light

- Be patient

**LST vs. other techniques:**

*LST vs. topping:*

- LST: No stress, takes longer

- Topping: Faster, but stressful

- Can be combined for best results

- LST more beginner-friendly

*LST vs. SCROG:*

- LST: More flexible, less equipment

- SCROG: More systematic, higher yields

- LST as SCROG preparation

- Both can be combined

**Yield increase through LST:**

*Realistic expectations:*

- 15-25% yield increase