LST stands for “low stress training,” and it is a technique used in cannabis cultivation to train the plant to grow in a specific shape or direction. It involves gently bending and securing the branches of the plant to encourage them to grow in a desired direction, rather than using more aggressive techniques like topping or fimming.
LST can be an effective way to shape the plant and create a more even canopy of foliage, which can improve light penetration and increase the overall health of the plant. It can also be useful in increasing the yield of the plant by encouraging the growth of more branches and bud sites.
To perform LST on a cannabis plant, the grower will typically use bendable wire or plant ties to gently bend and secure the branches in the desired direction. It is important to be gentle when performing LST and to avoid breaking or damaging the branches. The plant should also be regularly monitored to ensure that the branches are not being stressed or damaged by the ties.
LST is a less aggressive training method than techniques like topping or fimming and is less likely to stress the plant. However, it is still important to allow the plant enough time to recover and to avoid over-training the branches.
Overall, LST is a useful technique for cannabis cultivators who want to shape their plants and create a more even canopy of foliage. It is a gentle method that can be effective in increasing the yield of the plant without stressing it too much.