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Alternative Low Stress Training (LST) - Submitted for your consideration

B

BR2K

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DISCLAIMER: This is an experiment that I chose to conduct. While probably safe, Plumber's Putty comes with a warning, which is included here. While I will not intentionally ingest it, it may be remotely possible, via osmosis, to contaminate my plants. It is a risk I decided to take. If you choose to participate, at least you're aware of the risk.

My current grow has one Mandarin Gelato (MG), which is the base of this effort. It's now at 37 days of veg and will likely be at least 50 days old when I switch.I am waiting for my Golden Tiger X Panama seed to pop and get to 15 days, before I switch to flower. My first MG did well with only topping and a tiny bit of defoliation (30 days of veg). It did grow to the maximum, in my tent. Therefore, I may expect this older plant to grow even taller.

The problem is, dear readers, I'm lazy. I have pipe cleaners littering my grow room. I find the method awkward and tedious, like my personality ;)

So I was looking about for inspiration when my eyes settled on some plumber's putty. I pulled and kneaded a small amount. I then fashioned a wedge, creating grooves where the branches will contact the putty.

I am hoping that this may work out for me. I am also considering using "Great Stuff" foam.

Last but not least - If any of you have tried this or the foam and had bad results, please let me know!
 

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I used to do the same thing & thought there’s got to be a better way. There is!

Right above where your putty contacts your branch squeeze the branch and gently work the branch in the direction you want it to grow until you see a little crease in the skin of the branch. That crease will form a nice knuckle and make your branch stronger. As you get used to this technique you’ll find out that a little pinch here & a little bend there works better than any tying down of branches in my opinion.

You’ll also notice as you’re practicing this technique wherever you bend the branch (try and do it no lower than the fourth node from the top for good practice) will send energy to the lower nodes. That’s a good way to create branches without topping. You can work the lower parts of bigger branches too but don’t pinch or crease to far down the stalk or it will stunt their growth.

This is what mine look like before I send to the flower room. Again I don’t tie anything down. Just work the branches. It also helps to let it get some growth first then bend it outward.
 

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UPDATE: (Day 45, 25, 25, 7) At this point, I am pleased with the progress. The smaller plants are my two (topped) White Widows at 25 days old. My Golden Tiger X Panama had it's 1st week Birfemday today. It's hidden behind the WW on the right.

I have found it necessary to wait until the fresh growth matures enough to retain the weight of the putty. Of course, it's perfectly customizeable...and reuseable.
 

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I am pleased with my experiment. I intend to manipulate future crops, maximizing their exposure to light...maybe fun shapes too!
My canopy is relatively even, for a newbie. As my girls get taller I will apply the putty to the new, bendable, growth. Maybe directly opposite of previous bends? We'll see.
 

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Interesting take on the subject. I tried something similar using lead fishing weights attached to the ends of the branches with twisty ties. This works well and can be easily removed and relocated as the plant grows. However, I have now developed a new technique. I use those big strong paper clips designed for large stacks of paper. I attach them to the edges of my pots and use plant ties to tie the branch down to the edge of the paper clip. I use fabric pots so this works quite well for me but should work for most any pot with a smooth edge.
 
My GTXP is absolutely gorgeous and almost as tall as her much older sisters. I will likely need to employ plumber's putty, in the next week or so. I am still learning the in and outs of coco-coir and General Hydroponics' nutrient schedule. I do know that it will be my choice for future grows but that goes back to my laziness. I accept the constraints and will work to maximize my results within them.
 
Hey i think that putty is a hoot of a idea, if it's not harming the plant grow with it. But if you see fungus under the wrap??? Just don't be tooooooo lazy LOL :bashful:
 
No Ma'am, I promise to be careful. One great aspect, it doesn't adhere to the plant. I also take care not to put it over bud sites.
 
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