[stanm]

Whatever a plant needs and is healthy enough to bounce back. It’s a skill that goes back to the farm in the mid 60’s. The truck farmer would pick plants and point out what was right or wrong with it. Hoeing rows of tomatoes I couldn’t see the end of and getting there by 6am on Saturday to pick veggies, wash crate and load the dump truck taught me a lot as well. Home ownership since 1974 with yard and gardens helped as well.

Long story short. I watch the plants and shape them to fit my grow space.

[ChomeFactory]

I remove large fan leaves (large for the plant) every week in veg. I strip down the legs right before the flip to flower. Leave her alone for a couple three weeks. Then I pick off no more than two leaves per day but only if she needs it. Right before chop I stripped all the fan leaves off. Some plants don’t get touched some get the full treatment.

[melonfarmer]

I’ve been trying the week 1 week 3 fan leaf strip for the last couple of runs . Not super heavy but most fan leaves from the main stems. I haven’t been keeping good enough notes to tell you numbers, but it doesn’t seem to be doing much, or any, harm. It takes some pressure off my dehuey for sure and I think the plants appreciate the extra airflow.

[dr-bombay]

I’ve always been amazed at the plant’s ability to produce new leaves. Almost anytime I look at one of mine, I can find a few fan leaves to come off. They never seem to mind.

I liken defoliation to trimming one’s hair or nails, nothing major. Once I go into flower, I trim all growth from the bottom 1/3-1/2 of the plant. Directing the nutrients upward from the roots to flowers is a concept I’ve encountered again and again in my research. It seems reasonable to trim away branches and leaves that will never amount to much.

Recently watched Mr. Growit interview a man named Jorge with over 40 years of growing experience. Jorge seemed against defoliation but I can’t see not doing it at least periodically.

It sounds really corny but I’ve learned to listen to my plants. They’ll tell me what I can trim and when. Speaking from an indoor perspective, one thing I’ve found is long as I keep a gentle touch, I can develop a resilient plant, that once past a certain stage, the only was it dies other than age is if I ignore or brutalize it.

I believe having a good relationship with your plant is the best guide to defoliation. Trust it to let you know what can go and when.