Plant Training maximises cannabis yields by manipulating growth. Low Stress Training (LST) and High Stress Training (HST) explained in full.
Plant Training maximises cannabis yields by manipulating growth. Low Stress Training (LST) and High Stress Training (HST) explained:
**Low Stress Training (LST)**
Gentle methods without cutting or injuring the plant.
*LST techniques:*
- **Bending and fixing**: Carefully bend the main shoot to the side, fix with wire or string
- **SCROG (Screen of Green)**: Stretch net over plants, thread shoots through meshes
- **Supercropping**: Carefully bend shoots without breaking them (border area to HST)
*LST advantages:*
- No stress for the plant
- Even light distribution
- More inflorescences at the same height
- Perfect for beginners
**High Stress Training (HST)**
Methods with cuts or deliberate injuries.
*HST techniques:*
- **Topping**: Cutting the main shoot, leads to 2-4 new main shoots
- **FIMing**: "F*ck I Missed" - incomplete topping for 4-8 new shoots
- **Lollipopping**: Remove lower branches and leaves, energy to main colas
- **Defoliation**: Strategic removal of leaves for better light penetration
*HST timing:*
- Apply only in vegetative phase
- At least 1 week recovery before flowering initiation
- Healthy, vigorous plants are a prerequisite
**Combination strategies:**
1. Topping in week 3-4
2. LST from week 5
3. SCROG in preparation for flowering
4. Lollipopping before flowering
**Important rules:**
- Use clean, sharp tools
- Never use on diseased or stressed plants
- Allow sufficient recovery time
- Less is often more - do not overdo it
LST (Low Stress Training) involves gently manipulating the plant's structure to distribute light more evenly, while HST (High Stress Training) uses more drastic techniques, such as pruning or bending the plants, to stimulate growth.
LST can begin as early as the vegetative phase, while HST is typically applied after the first or second week of the flowering phase to avoid putting too much stress on the plants.
Both techniques promote the formation of more flowering sites and improve light distribution, which can lead to higher yields when applied correctly.
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