What is the LST technique?
The LST technique (Low Stress Training) involves gently bending and tying down the plant's stems and branches so it grows wider and flatter, without cutting anything. That way, light reaches more tops evenly and the plant forms more good buds.
A cannabis plant left to grow freely is usually shaped like a Christmas tree: a tall central top, with the main bud, and lower branches that get less light and produce smaller buds.
With LST, you bend the main top to one side and hold it in place. The plant responds by growing its side branches upwards, so they end up at the same height. The result is a flat canopy, with lots of tops making the most of the light.
It's similar to what is done with grapevines or fruit trees trained along a trellis: guiding the branches so they spread out well.
How is it done, roughly?
- When the plant has several nodes and the stem is still flexible, you carefully bend it to one side.
- You hold it in place with coated wire or soft string tied to the edge of the pot.
- Over the following weeks, you keep repositioning the branches that grow upwards to keep the canopy at the same height.
Who is it a good option for?
Since there are no cuts, the plant hardly suffers and doesn't need time to recover. That's why LST is one of the most recommended techniques for beginners and one of the few that work well with autoflowers, which have a short life and recover less well from pruning.
It's also useful indoors when you're short on height, because it helps control the flowering stretch. The key is to bend without forcing: if a stem creaks or splits, you have gone too far.
Related terms
Before you grow, check the laws in your country: growing cannabis is not allowed everywhere.
