Defoliate or not?

Thinking about defoliating all the fan leafs... Would that help the plant at all?
First grow btw

Strain is critical by RQS

First grow? Don’t remove anything. The fan leaves are what make it happen eh? If anything cut back on the nitrogen. That plant doesn’t need thinning.

hotrodharley said:

First grow? Don’t remove anything. The fan leaves are what make it happen eh? If anything cut back on the nitrogen. That plant doesn’t need thinning.

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Thanks bro all the help is appreciated, yup my first grow ever! So cut back on nitrogen huh? All ive been giving it is some NPK 3-2-3 growing nutes and enzymes so far but the soil is pre fertilized too. What is the nitrogen problem exactly causing? So i shouldn't remove any of the lower fan leaves on the main stem?

When you first start out, it’s not a good idea,
When you’ve gained experience, it is a must. There are proper ways to do it. And ways that will hurt the plant or stunt it’s growth. I am still learning after 15 years of growing. This site and the people here are so helpful. You will learn, like I still am. Just listen to the experts. And when you think your plants are done? They are not. ( lol) the issues I’ve been having. Ha ha ha. Happy growing and welcome.

Jaahrastafarii420 said:

Thanks bro all the help is appreciated, yup my first grow ever! So cut back on nitrogen huh? All ive been giving it is some NPK 3-2-3 growing nutes and enzymes so far but the soil is pre fertilized too. What is the nitrogen problem exactly causing? So i shouldn't remove any of the lower fan leaves on the main stem?

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Nitrogen is a cause of excess leafiness. Don’t cut it out. Just cut back a bit. When it stretches in 12/12 it will be fine.

Should I start defoliating now before going into 12- 12? What ya'll think?
13 days later into veg btw
Thnx

Maybe try to tuck the fans that are blocking bud sites. Cutting one or two fan leaves per day for a few days is a fairly safe move IMO. Make sure your RH and airflow are good and you may get away with leaving them alone for your first grow.

Jaahrastafarii420 said:

Thanks bro all the help is appreciated, yup my first grow ever! So cut back on nitrogen huh? All ive been giving it is some NPK 3-2-3 growing nutes and enzymes so far but the soil is pre fertilized too. What is the nitrogen problem exactly causing? So i shouldn't remove any of the lower fan leaves on the main stem?

Click to expand...

NO! That is the perfect N value to start with! Any adjustments from that.....Are to adjust for strain needs....

Jaahrastafarii420 said:

Should I start defoliating now before going into 12- 12? What ya'll think?
13 days later into veg btw
Thnx

Click to expand...

NO! You might remove the lowest, non productive branching - "lollypopping"

The leaves are the "food factories" of the plant..... Remove those and decrease effective plant ability to feed it's self.....Stressing a plant? Makes it easier to herm!