Cannabis cultivation & advanced techniques: Hydroponics and LST in Cannabis Cultivation – Once you have mastered the basics of cannabis cultivation and are successfully harvesting your plants on a regular basis, you may want to turn to advanced techniques to maximize your yield and realize the full potential of your plants. Two of these advanced methods are growing in a hydroponic system and low-stress training (LST). Both techniques require a little more experience and care, but offer huge benefits in terms of growth, yield and control over the growing process. Get back to all cannabis growing tips here. No time to wait? Then go directly to our store here.
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a cultivation method in which the plants do not grow in soil but in a nutrient solution.
This offers the advantage that the roots have direct access to water and nutrients, which can lead to faster growth and higher yields. Growing in a hydroponic system allows you to precisely control the nutrient supply and growth of your plants. There are different types of hydroponic systems, including deep water culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT) and the drip system.
Advantages of hydroponics:
- Faster growth: As the plants have direct access to water and nutrients, they grow faster than in soil.
- Higher yields: By precisely controlling nutrients and conditions, you can achieve higher yields.
- Fewer pests: Since no soil is used, many soil pests are less of a problem.
- Videos: Hydroponics in cannabis cultivation
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The different types of hydroponic systems
There are various types of hydroponic systems that differ in the way they supply plants with water and nutrients. The most common systems include deep water culture (DWC), the drip system and the nutrient film technique (NFT). Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of system will depend on your space, budget and level of experience.
The most popular hydroponic systems:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC): The plant roots are suspended directly in an aerated nutrient solution. Ideal for rapid growth and easy handling.
- Drip system: The nutrient solution is fed directly to the roots via a drip system. Well suited for large plants and controlled growth.
- Nutrient film technique (NFT): A thin film of nutrient flows continuously over the roots. This technique is particularly effective, but requires more maintenance.
- Videos: The best hydroponic systems
How does a hydroponic system work?
In a hydroponic system, the plant roots grow directly in a nutrient solution that contains all the necessary nutrients. A continuous supply of oxygen is crucial, as the roots could suffocate in a pure water and nutrient system without sufficient oxygen. An aerator is usually used to pump oxygen into the nutrient solution. The nutrients must be mixed precisely and monitored regularly to ensure that the plants are optimally supplied.
Steps for setting up a hydroponic system:
- Provide a container with water and nutrients that completely covers the roots of the plants.
- Use an oxygen pump to supply the roots with sufficient oxygen.
- Check the pH value of the nutrient solution regularly (optimum range: 5.5-6.5).
- Check and adjust the nutrient solution regularly to ensure that the plants are getting all the nutrients they need.
- Videos: Setting up a hydroponic system for cannabis
Low-stress training (LST): maximizing yield
Low-stress training (LST ) is a technique in which plants are gently manipulated to promote the growth of side shoots and distribute light evenly to all parts of the plant.
LST is particularly effective in maximizing yield as it alters the plant’s natural growth pattern and prevents only the main stem from absorbing most of the light. This technique requires no special tools, just patience and regular care.
Advantages of LST:
- Maximizing light yield: LST ensures that all parts of the plant receive light evenly, which promotes growth.
- Higher yields: By branching the plant, you can significantly increase the yield per plant.
- Gentle method: In contrast to other techniques, the plant is not severely stressed, which reduces the risk of growth problems.
- Videos: Low-stress training in cannabis cultivation
How does low-stress training (LST) work?
With LST, the stems of the plant are gently bent and fixed with wire or plant string to control vertical growth. The aim is to allow the plant to grow horizontally so that the light reaches all parts of the plant evenly. Regularly bending and fixing the stems causes more side shoots to grow, which increases the number of buds and therefore the yield. LST is particularly useful for indoor cultivation where space is limited.
Steps for low-stress training:
- Select the main stem or the side shoots that you want to bend.
- Use soft wire or plant string to carefully bend the shoots and hold them in position.
- Fix the shoots so that they grow horizontally and the light is evenly distributed.
- Check the plant regularly and adjust the position of the shoots to ensure even illumination.
- Videos: Low-stress training: step-by-step instructions
The combination of hydroponics and LST: the ultimate yield boost
If you really want to get the most out of your grow, you can combine hydroponics and LST. The fast growth rate in a hydroponic system combined with the branching provided by LST can lead to significant yield increases. However, these advanced techniques require a lot of attention and regular monitoring, but are ideal for experienced growers who want to maximize their yields. The precise control of nutrients in hydroponics and the optimization of light distribution through LST provide the perfect foundation for healthy, high-yielding plants.
Tips for combining hydroponics and LST:
- Use the fast growth rate in hydroponics to start the LST as early as possible.
- Pay particular attention to the nutrient supply, as the plants develop additional growth through LST.
- Check the plants regularly to ensure that they are receiving enough light and that all shoots are growing evenly.
- Videos: Combination of hydroponics and LST
Conclusion: Use advanced techniques for higher yields
Both hydroponics and low-stress training (LST) are advanced techniques that can help you significantly increase the growth and yield of your cannabis plants. While hydroponics provides a precise system for controlling nutrients and water, LST allows for optimal light output and encourages the growth of additional buds.
If you combine these techniques, you can get the best out of your cultivation. However, they require patience, experience and careful care to achieve the best results.
Growing cannabis at home: Our tips
Growing cannabis can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, there’s always something new to learn, and with patience and care, you’ll be rewarded in the end. Make sure to take good care of your plants and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
