Lst help
- Thread starter Jaystank
- Start date
Whata the point of the one on the bottom of the stem for support or?
ComfortCreator
Well-Known Member
My suggestion is not to tie down the main stem although some do that. To me its a lot easier to grow it straight up, top it and then bend the two new tops created into flat shape which is the same idea.
Thank you
Never Known
Active Member
Sorry I’m new to growing and all (first grow) but isn’t the point of LST (low stress training) to be low stress? Isn’t topping HST (high stress training)...
ComfortCreator
Well-Known Member
Yes that is correct!
However let me explain very briefly.
LST is bending and often tying the plant gently in order to manipulate it for an advantage.
If you simply bend the main stem, in theory its the easiest training because its just that. Bend it a little each day, tie it down, grow it flat and shape it.
Now, if you top that same plant instead, what happens? You have performed HST! Oh gosh....oh no....except with a healthy plant it will be 100% successful, allow for a perfectly proportioned plant i.e. 2 equal sides with the main stem straight up and down to start, and allow you to begin shaping 2 main branches instead of one.
Are your chances of success topping a plant and tying the 2 branches down higher than LST the main stem from the get go? Imo, if you can work a scissors, topping and tying is 100%, while applying LST to a young plant and gently stressing it into growing sideways is harder for a newbie than topping and tying.
Just my 2c. A lot rides on that main stem. The plant will die if messed up too badly.
So shorter version is...bending a plant may be called LST...but bending the main stem is a life or death move if messed up badly enough. Many guides describe doing it but i much prefer topping to just bending.
Check out mainlining and manifolding for a really cool combination of techniques. Scrogging is another awesome use of the methods.
Topping a healthy plant may be HST...but its 100% safe. LST of main stem is not hard, but carries some risk.
Weouthere
Well-Known Member
Every plant in my garden gets topped, indoor or out. Sometimes multiple times!