Low Stress Training (LST) Autoflower: How to Gently Boss Your Plants Around

Autoflowers are like the divas of the cannabis world—they do what they want, when they want, and on their schedule. But that doesn’t mean you can’t nudge them in the right direction with some good ol’ Low Stress Training (LST).

Unlike topping or high-stress techniques that can slow autos down or freak them out, LST is the gentle art of bending your plants to your will—literally. It helps you boost yields, improve light exposure, and grow compact, bushy beauties that won’t call for therapy later.

So let’s break down the best LST methods for autoflower cannabis plants. Grab your soft ties, plant clips, and inner mad scientist, we're going in!

What Is Low Stress Training (LST), Exactly?

LST is all about gently manipulating the shape of your plant to maximize light coverage and airflow without cutting or damaging it. Think of it as yoga for weed. You’re guiding, not forcing. Coaxing, not chopping.

With autoflowers being on a short, preset life clock (no time for recovery), LST is your go-to training method.

Why LST Works Wonders for Autoflowers

• Increases light exposure to lower bud sites = more bud production

• Improves airflow and reduces risk of mold or pests

• Keeps height under control (great for stealth grows)

• No major stress = no stunted growth

Top Methods of LST for Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

1. The Gentle Bend & Tie Down

AKA: The “Weed Yoga Instructor” Technique

This is the bread-and-butter method of LST. As your main stem grows, you simply bend it sideways and tie it down, forcing new growth tips to reach up and become colas.

How-To:

• Use soft plant ties or coated wire

• Secure the main stem gently to the side of the pot

• Adjust as the plant grows to spread the canopy evenly

Pro Tip: Start when your plant is about 3–4 nodes tall (usually week 2–3). Don’t wait for a jungle—train it while it’s still polite.

2. Spiral Method (Around the Pot)

AKA: “Growing in Circles”

Rather than just pulling the main stem sideways, you spiral it around the edge of the pot, anchoring it at multiple points. This keeps things extremely compact and maximizes every inch of space.

How-To:

• As the plant grows, keep bending it around the pot edge

• Tie down each section to maintain the spiral

• Let new shoots grow upward naturally

Best For: Small grow tents, stealth setups, and OCD growers who love symmetry.

3. Plant Clips & Spacers

AKA: “The Lazy Grower’s Toolkit”

Instead of tying things down, use LST clips or plant benders that automatically direct the growth without constant adjusting. Great for hands-off growers or folks with slippery fingers.

How-To:

• Snap clips onto the stem where you want direction change

• Use adjustable plant supports to space out colas

• Still adjust spacing as needed during the grow

Bonus: These tools help avoid damaging stems and are reusable. Your plants get a gentle nudge, and you get a nap.

4. Sideways Mainline (No Cutting!)

AKA: “Tame the Beast Without Scissors”

Mainlining usually involves topping, but with autos, we go cut-free. Instead, you bend the main stem sideways early and let side branches grow up to form an even canopy—no topping needed.

How-To:

• Bend the main stem flat at node 3 or 4

• Tie it down horizontally

• Train side branches upward and outward like a cannabis octopus

End Result: Bushy, balanced plants with multiple top-quality bud sites.

LST Dont's: What Not to Do

• Don’t snap stems (bend slowly and gently)

• Don’t start too late (older stems are less flexible)

• Don’t use sharp wire or twist ties (they cut into the plant)

• Don’t overstress autos—remember: low stress is the name of the game

  
  

Pro Grower Tips

• Warm plants bend better. Don’t LST cold, rigid plants.

• Keep adjusting. As your plant grows, keep re-tying to spread the canopy evenly.

• Use anchor points. Drill holes in the rim of your pot for easy tie-downs.

• Monitor daily. These ladies grow fast—miss a day, and you’ve got a weed pretzel.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Be the Plant Whisperer

Low Stress Training is perfect for autoflower growers who want to increase their yields without drama, scissors, or stressed-out plants. Each method lets you shape your plant like a cannabis bonsai artist—with a chill vibe and no regrets. So bend, tie, adjust, and let your autos shine. Remember: gentle hands grow fat buds.