Training autoflower cannabis plants using Low-Stress Training (LST) is one of the best ways to get the most out of these short, fast-growing strains. Autoflowers don’t have the luxury of time like photoperiod plants, so we want to avoid stressing them out too much. That’s where LST comes in. It’s a gentle, yet effective way to shape your plants, maximize light exposure, and boost yields without slowing their growth. Let’s dive into how you can use LST to your advantage and get the best results from your autoflowers.
What is Low-Stress Training (LST)?
Definition of LST and why it’s beneficial for autoflowers
Low-Stress Training (LST) is a technique where you gently bend and tie down the branches of your cannabis plant to control its shape. This method keeps the plant low and wide, allowing more light to hit more bud sites. Autoflowers thrive with LST because they don’t have much time to recover from high-stress methods like topping or supercropping. By using LST, you encourage the plant to grow horizontally instead of vertically, which can lead to a higher yield without delaying its growth.
The science behind plant growth manipulation using LST
LST works by manipulating the plant’s natural growth hormone, auxin. In a normal cannabis plant, auxin concentrates at the highest point, which is why plants grow tall with a single main cola. When you bend the branches down, you distribute that auxin to the lower branches, encouraging them to grow just as big as the main cola. This helps create an even canopy, which means every part of the plant gets equal access to light, resulting in more bud production.
Advantages of LST vs. other training methods for autoflowers
Autoflowers have a short vegetative period, so techniques like topping (which involves cutting the top of the plant) or supercropping (damaging the plant to stimulate growth) can stunt their growth. LST, on the other hand, is gentle and doesn’t stress the plant in the same way. It’s the perfect method for autoflowers because it doesn’t slow down their rapid growth cycle, and you can still boost your yields significantly.
Why LST is Ideal for Autoflowering Strains
Autoflower growth characteristics and timeline
Autoflowering strains have a quick life cycle, usually finishing up in 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest. Because of this fast turnaround, they don’t spend much time in the vegetative phase like photoperiod strains. This makes it harder to train them with high-stress techniques, as they don’t have enough time to recover. LST fits perfectly into the autoflower timeline because you can start it early and keep it up throughout the grow, giving you bigger buds without interrupting the plant’s natural cycle.
Why stress reduction is key with autoflowers
Autoflowers are on a fixed schedule, which means any stress you put on them can result in smaller yields. Stressing a plant with methods like topping or heavy defoliation can shock it, causing stunted growth and delayed flowering. LST is gentle enough that it keeps stress levels low, allowing your autoflowers to keep growing strong without missing a beat.
Common mistakes with high-stress techniques on autoflowers
Using high-stress techniques like topping or supercropping can backfire on autoflowers. You risk slowing down their growth or even reducing their overall yield. Since autoflowers don’t depend on light cycles to flower, you can’t just give them more veg time to recover from the stress. Once you stunt an autoflower, it’s tough to make up for lost time. That’s why LST is the safer option.
Step-by-Step Guide to LST on Autoflowers
Tools and materials needed for LST
To start LST on your autoflowers, you’ll need a few basic tools: soft plant ties, wire or string, and some stakes or plant clips. You might also want some gardening scissors to trim any leaves that are blocking light. The main thing here is to use soft ties that won’t cut into the plant’s stems as they grow.
When to start LST training on autoflowers
You want to start LST early, usually when your plant has about 4 or 5 nodes (that’s the point where branches start coming off the main stem). This is typically around week 2 or 3 of your grow. At this stage, the plant is still flexible and can be bent without breaking. The earlier you start, the better you’ll be able to shape your plant.
How to gently bend and tie branches
Start by gently bending the main stem down and away from the center of the plant. Use your soft ties to secure it to the side of the pot. As new branches grow, tie them down too, spreading the plant out horizontally. Make sure you’re not pulling too hard or bending the plant too sharply — slow and steady wins the race here.
Regular maintenance and adjustments during the grow cycle
As your plant grows, you’ll need to adjust your ties to keep it spread out. New growth will keep trying to go vertical, so you’ll want to keep bending it down. You might also need to tie down new branches as they appear. Keep an eye on your plant and adjust as needed to maintain an even canopy.
How to identify and fix common LST issues (e.g., snapped branches)
Sometimes branches snap or bend too far. If this happens, don’t panic. You can use a piece of tape to “bandage” the break and support the branch until it heals. Also, keep an eye out for signs of stress, like drooping leaves or slow growth, which can indicate you’ve been too rough with your LST. If you notice this, ease up on the training and give your plant a little time to recover.
Benefits of LST Training for Autoflower Yields
How LST can improve light penetration
By keeping your plant low and wide, LST ensures that light reaches every part of the plant, not just the top. This even distribution of light helps all the bud sites develop fully, leading to bigger and denser buds. When light only hits the top of the plant, the lower buds don’t get as much energy and end up being smaller and less potent.
Enhancing air circulation with LST
LST also improves airflow around your plant. By spreading out the branches, you allow air to move freely through the canopy, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew. Good airflow is especially important if you’re growing in a humid environment or if your plant is in a crowded grow space.
Maximizing yield potential by creating a flat canopy
A flat canopy is the ultimate goal of LST. When all the branches are level, each bud site gets equal access to light and nutrients. This leads to more uniform bud growth and ultimately, a higher yield. Plus, it makes it easier to manage your plant because you can see and reach everything more easily.
Common LST Mistakes to Avoid with Autoflowers
Overtraining or starting too late
Starting LST too late can reduce its effectiveness. If you wait until your plant is already flowering, you’ll miss the chance to shape it properly. Overtraining, or being too aggressive with your bending, can also hurt your plant. The key is to start early and be gentle.
Not checking for plant stress or damage
It’s important to keep an eye on your plant for signs of stress. If you see yellowing leaves, drooping, or slowed growth, you might be training too hard. If this happens, back off for a few days and let your plant recover.
Improper tie-down techniques
Using ties that are too tight or tying down the plant too aggressively can cause damage. Make sure your ties are loose enough to allow the plant to grow, and avoid pulling branches too far in one go. You want the plant to bend, not break.
LST vs. Other Autoflower Training Methods
Comparison between LST, topping, and supercropping
LST is the gentlest training method compared to topping (which cuts off the main stem) and supercropping (which involves damaging the plant to stimulate growth). While topping and supercropping can work for photoperiod plants, autoflowers don’t have enough time to recover. LST is the safest option because it doesn’t slow down your plant’s growth.
Why LST is better suited for autoflowers than other methods
Autoflowers are on a tight schedule, so any stress can hurt your final yield. LST is perfect because it works with the plant’s natural growth instead of against it. You get all the benefits of training without risking stunted growth or delayed flowering.
How early can you start LST on autoflowers?
Start LST when the plant has 4 to 5 nodes, around week 2 or 3. This is when the plant is flexible and can be bent without breaking.
Can LST hurt autoflowers?
LST is gentle, but if done too aggressively, it can cause stress. Be careful when bending branches, and use soft ties to avoid damaging the plant.
What is the best way to tie down branches in LST?
Use soft plant ties or string to gently secure branches to the side of the pot. Make sure the ties are loose enough to allow for growth.
How often should you adjust your LST setup?
Adjust your LST every few days as the plant grows. Keep spreading the branches out to maintain an even canopy and ensure all bud sites get light.
