Weak Stems

[SmokingWings]

What causes weak stems ive been tying my side stems down with string to side of pot and noticed 2 have popped off main stem

That is different than the typical weak stem. Weak stems are easy to bend and tie down. The stronger a side stem is the less likely it is to bend and so it is more likely to snap off at the crotch or where it connects to the main stem.

Easy things are to slowly bend the stem over like some have mention. Do it slow enough and there is less pressure on the crotch.

Another thing that can be done is to pick a spot on the side stem and then twist or crush the side stem at that spot. When tying the side stem down all the pressure is on that spot and not on the crotch so less likely to have that side stem pop off. Sort of a "super cropping" High Stress Training method. The area will recover within hours and can be healed up like nothing happened in a week.

 

[bluter]

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Another thing that can be done is to pick a spot on the side stem and then twist or crush the side stem at that spot. When tying the side stem down all the pressure is on that spot and not on the crotch so less likely to have that side stem pop off. Sort of a "super cropping" High Stress Training method. The area will recover within hours and can be healed up like nothing happened in a week.

yeah you might have to give a little crush once the branches get that established.

 

[Buds Buddy]

You should check out "The Quadlining Thread". It's probably the easiest way to LST there is. I've done it this way for years & grow some pretty big plants.