To LST or Not To LST? (Autoflower in Solo Cup)

I'm a newb who is having a hard time grasping the mechanics of LST. I get that the point is to expose more bud sites to light but I have a spatial learning disability that makes it difficult for me to do things like tying down limbs & understanding what "90-degree angles" are, etc. I've read a hundred different beginner's manuals & I THINK I can pull off the most basic, lean-the-plant-over-to-one-side maneuver using a large paperclip when it gets big enough.

But should I?

My entire grow is going to be in an 18-oz. Solo cup, which isn't very big. (But I can't have the plant getting very big anyway for stealth reasons so that's what I'm working with). I have a feeling it's gonna get top-heavy & need support at some point regardless of how it grows...but I just don't know. Would LST be beneficial for a Solo cup grow with CFL bulbs as the light source? I don't have a lot of them at this point, so I'm thinking the more light the plant can get, the better. But most of the LST guides I'm seeing online are for big photoperiod plants in larger containers--not autoflowers in Solo cups.

Also, would something like this work without any additional steps? This is what I'm thinking of doing--just securing it in one spot so it leans to one side instead of standing straight up. I suppose I'd leave it like this until harvest, correct?



Thanks!

I really dont think there is a right or wrong way you have the general idea. Poke little holes around the rim and as she stretches tie her along the rim in a circle so its even and filled out. Whatever you do there really is no wrong way.

If you know how to train , you should always train no matter what. And if you don’t then start learning through practice.
It makes the most of everything you have from light, to lateral space.
Training Everything from air pruning roots right at the start to LST or HST , respectively, throughout your grow.

Being an auto I would go for LST. Your idea is correct , just keep the canopy at the same height and you’re laughing. Unless of course you have spare lights in which case you can add side lighting too!

Im a new grower as well and i think i'll try the LST on at least half the plants. What could possibly go wrong ?
The LST results pics are very impressive, to my beginners eyes. Thanks to all you posters for the great info.

Awesome, thanks for the feedback so far! Guess I'll watch some vids on Youtube & get more comfortable with the idea of LST then. She's growing up pretty fast.

Wow, two 'no' votes & one 'yes'! I'm still watching this thread while deciding what to do. Your feedback is very helpful.

I've done more research on Sour Diesel Auto & it appears that she's an airy breed with lots of space between the nodes, which means there's minimal need for defoliating & LST. I still may do a 90-degree side bend but am seriously considering not getting too deep into bondage this time around.

If you are dead set in staying in a solo ( *Shrugs ) LST will be a fruitless method as the plant will be restricted in overall growth anyways. " YES " you can grow in a solo ...
Hell i'm doing it now with a solo cup challenge in another thread , but for more productive buds at end , you should at LEAST do a 1 gallon bag or container.

Autos need at least 4-5 weeks from germ to SETUP a base rootball. It needs to grow without restrictions. Once the 5th week comes around , her internal clock kicks in and she will begin to transition to preflower / sexing. She will stretch out and still branch a bit more.
So giving her a fighting chance from the start is important.

If you want a more contained " strain" try say a dwarf strain or Low Ryder type.
There are strains that will grow nice and compact on their own without added effort.
LST will help on plants that are large enough to get something out of it , but not in a drinking cup.

This is a solo grow - seed started under 12/12 .... This is NOT AN AUTO.





This is a 1 gallon grow bag - more growth more bud.




Keep things simple and you will be okay.