LST means bending branches sideways without cutting them. The plant responds by shooting new tops everywhere — turning one cola into ten.

  1. 1
    Week 3 onward
    Once the plant has 4–5 nodes, gently bend the main stem horizontal.
  2. 2
    Anchor it
    Soft plant ties or pipe cleaners. Tie to the pot rim — not the stem.
  3. 3
    Repeat weekly
    Each new top gets bent outward as it climbs. Build a flat, even canopy.
  4. 4
    Stop at flip
    When you go 12/12, the plant will stretch hard. Tie down any rogue tops in the first two weeks of flower.
LST vs HST (topping)
LST (bending)
  • No wounds — no recovery time
  • Works great for autos
  • Better light penetration
  • Beginner-friendly
HST (cutting / topping)
  • Cuts the apical tip — forces two tops
  • Plant pauses 3–5 days to recover
  • Works best on photoperiods with long veg
  • Easier to over-do