Plant Stem Benders

[Old ST1R]

I was just cruising through Facebook at lunch and saw an ad for these.

I think I’d be more inclined to use these instead of the traditional supercropping method.

I might just order some up to have on hand in the event I get a plant that just wants to stretch and stretch!

Apofly 90 Degree Plant Bender,LST Training,Plant Clip Plant Growth Manipulation Kit Plastic Red 10PCS https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08V56QS1L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JRNJTD1KBTP85WGE3CQ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[H.A.F.]

It's a neat idea. Same theory as a copper tubing or pipe bender. Having that radius to keep it from a sharp bend.

 

[Fiddler's Green]

That's awesome!

Especially for someone like me who still hasn't developed that finesse.

 

[NoWaistedSpace]

It's a neat idea. Same theory as a copper tubing or pipe bender. Having that radius to keep it from a sharp bend.

I use my finger and thumb to wrap the stem and pull up at the same time. Water the stems real good before hand. Twist the shaded part to the "sunny side". Might take a few times to train or just use the "zip tie" technique I showed you all last year. No need to do all that bending and tying if you close the tops off. Instantly starts the laterals growing.
It's not as confusing as it sounds.

 

[H.A.F.]

I use my finger and thumb to wrap the stem and pull up at the same time. Water the stems real good before hand. Twist the shaded part to the "sunny side". Might take a few times to train or just use the "zip tie" technique I showed you all last year. No need to do all that bending and tying if you close the tops off. Instantly starts the laterals growing.
It's not as confusing as it sounds.

I just bend them gradually and in veg. no issues. In the rare instance one gets away from me stretching in flower I have no problem breaking them over instead of gently bending them over. By that time the stems are getting woody and they won't bend like that in the pic unless you spend a while at it.

I put 2-3" wide bandage tape on mine before I bend and it acts more like one of those spring-type tubing benders. The tape being tight helps keep thge sides from kinking out if the stems are hollow. I squeeze the stem in that whole area before trying to bend it, then make sure to bend it right in the middle of the tape. If there are any open wounds created, they are already taped up.

 

[H.A.F.]

I don't see those as a million dollar idea that's the next big thing everyone must have, but it might be one of those things to remember you have in the back of the drawer to try when you do need it

 

[treefarmercharlie]

I’ve seen a fair amount of growers on Reddit use these for something between LST and super cropping. I thought they were way cheaper than that, though…like a bag of 50 for $15.

 

[Dis39]

I actually just picked up some of these after IG shoved them down my throat. 30pk for $15. Engineered Essentials. Grabbed a pack of each size, should be here this week. US made was the tipping factor.

 

[H.A.F.]

I’ve seen a fair amount of growers on Reddit use these for something between LST and super cropping. I thought they were way cheaper than that, though…like a bag of 50 for $15.

I use rubber coated wire of varying rubber-thickness/gauge, and the long roll of garden twist tie you cut to length.
I use the rubber part where it touches the plant, just making a hook, then I use the twist-tie to fasten it to the side of the pot in some fashion. Drill a hole, use a binder clip - whatever.

When I start a planned LST like for a manifold where you need that sharp bend I think the node-spacing is usually too short to make use of those. If I had a 30-pack I might use 4 if I had a really stretchy plant, and the other 26 would get lost somewhere, or I would step on them barefoot like damn legos

 

[H.A.F.]

IMHO they need to shorten the quantity and the price. I might buy a dozen for $5.99 but I wouldn't want more or want to spend more.

 

[Old ST1R]

IMHO they need to shorten the quantity and the price. I might buy a dozen for $5.99 but I wouldn't want more or want to spend more.

There are all kinds of volume and price options if you search Amazon, I just picked that one because it had good pictures.

 

[H.A.F.]

There are all kinds of volume and price options if you search Amazon, I just picked that one because it had good pictures.

I guess the shorter answer is "I think I'll pass" LOL

 

[619KGB]

How about Gumby wire

 

[H.A.F.]

How about Gumby wire

That's the stuff. And since it is pricier than the rolls of twist tie wire I just use little chunks of that, and lots of wire.

 

[NoWaistedSpace]

How about Gumby wire

I have those and the roll of twist ties as @H.A.F.
For me, I don't want wires or anything tied to the pot. I have a tendency to keep hitting them while watering. For me, the zip ties works great. Resembles a "poppy". No need to defoliate for more light in the lower branching either. It opens the heart of the plant up. The plant tops will push the zip tie off eventually. You might get some leaf scarring but I will eventually take those leaves of anyway. There are so many techniques I have tried in over 40 years of growing. I have forgotten as much as I remember. I should have kept journals all these years. lol
You could cut some of the 1/2" hydro tubing in 1" sections and tie stem around that will do the very same thing without costing any $$$.
I go the cheapest route I can and use my cash for better lights and better seed.

 

[H.A.F.]

For me, I don't want wires or anything tied to the pot. I have a tendency to keep hitting them while watering.

Unless I have a tent-full with major height differences I have those little rolling plant-caddy's for everything. I sit my happy ass on the floor and roll stuff around. When I am lifting the pots I have to be careful, but that's about it. On most of the initial LST I end up removing that when I up-pot, and usually it doesn't go back on. I only do emergency LST in flower, usually its just rigging things supporting weight.

 

[18B]

It ships from Chyyyyna...keep em.
i have no problem bending mine without them.