The dreaded defoliation conversation

I have never really defoliated, outside of a few leaves blocking bud sites. However, in my recent grow, I have a new strain that has an awful lot of leaves. Currently I am about 10 days from flipping to flower. The strain in the pic (blueberry haze x gg4) has barely started to show signs of true flower.

I cannot see a whole lot of light hitting the floor so I'm leaning toward the possibility of doing some actual defoliation. I had hoped to not have to disturb the plants too much as I have heard that gg4 has a tendency to herm with even light stress.

Apologies for the pics not being the best. I only have so much room to navigate in my space. Thoughts on whether to defoliate or leave it be? Appreciate the help and insight as always!

Before defoliation.
After defoliation.
5 days later.

MickFoster said:

Before defoliation.View attachment 4629186
After defoliation.View attachment 4629187
5 days later.View attachment 4629193

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Perfect example

That strain looks familiar. Here's how far you can push pruning. And suggested. First pic is a monster I am growing. Second pick last indoor with similar structured plant.

Personally I think defoliation is a great RUSH! for your plants especially day after a good watering. I do this probably every 3-5 weeks at a time depending on the the plants growthspert and other characteristics that may apply.

I think its super important especially for all the LITTLE GUYS down below that are just trying to get bigger but they cant because they are too SHADED.

Tormentedangel420 said:

I have never really defoliated, outside of a few leaves blocking bud sites. However, in my recent grow, I have a new strain that has an awful lot of leaves. Currently I am about 10 days from flipping to flower. The strain in the pic (blueberry haze x gg4) has barely started to show signs of true flower.

I cannot see a whole lot of light hitting the floor so I'm leaning toward the possibility of doing some actual defoliation. I had hoped to not have to disturb the plants too much as I have heard that gg4 has a tendency to herm with even light stress.

Apologies for the pics not being the best. I only have so much room to navigate in my space. Thoughts on whether to defoliate or leave it be? Appreciate the help and insight as always!View attachment 4629135View attachment 4629136

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Yeah man whack the fuck outta that!

As far as I’m concerned strategic defoil majorily increases yields. Particularly indoors.

And from other posters example pictures that’s exactly what you’re going to see after defoil.

You can always take off more than you think.

Always water before pruning. And it motivates the plant to grow faster. Something is eating it and it wants to reproduce. Most people forget that we have eliminated all grazing animals and most pests from the equation. Not natural. Also snap or pinch any leaves or branches off with your fingers if you can. Plant responds better. Probably because rabbit and deer don't have precision Fiskars.

DrKiz said:

Yeah man whack the fuck outta that!

As far as I’m concerned strategic defoil majorily increases yields. Particularly indoors.

And from other posters example pictures that’s exactly what you’re going to see after defoil.

You can always take off more than you think.

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Only with photos and preferably in veg. After flower be gentle. And DON'T remove anything unless necessary after week 3. You need a healthy mature or close to it (6-8 weeks) plant with all your other ducks in a row. But suggested. Just work your way into it. Get a feel for it. You can veg forever if you mess up. Takes two weeks to bounce back usually when over done. And you get a stronger plant with higher potential for your patience.

Too slow to hit points that others have, might have missed it but i hope you're thinking about a screen or some sort of support. If you do the job well you should have some heavy tops depending on stretch

My larger worry is that I have seen what plants do after a healthy defol. If they grow back bigger and better than that might create a larger issue of shade once I'm passed 3 weeks into flower. Thats only half the tent and it's already a jungle in there

My scrog is in my 4x4. Did not get 1 into my 4x8 yet. So no screen. I suppose i do have trelis i could throw up simply for support. I definitely prefer the scrog. Less plants is less work for me for the long haul

Tormentedangel420 said:

My larger worry is that I have seen what plants do after a healthy defol. If they grow back bigger and better than that might create a larger issue of shade once I'm passed 3 weeks into flower. Thats only half the tent and it's already a jungle in there

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Your just going to have to keep up with it, theres no way around it now your plants already BIG.

Yeah. Unfortunately lost track of time and they were in veg for 9 to 10 weeks. Should work out well in the end though

3 weeks before flip and 3 weeks after worked well for me. Pick one plant or side and try what your comfortable with and see what happens.

Tormentedangel420 said:

My scrog is in my 4x4. Did not get 1 into my 4x8 yet. So no screen. I suppose i do have trelis i could throw up simply for support. I definitely prefer the scrog. Less plants is less work for me for the long haul

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You do have to thin the shoots until flower. Just removing leaves pushes branch growth. Cut the ones that don't look right or are crowded. But grow how it suits you. This is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Don't stress.

Not stressing it too much. 4th grow now and I have learned to stop babysitting them. That was the toughest part for me. Besides the watering that I do by hand and the trimming at harvest, I have found this whole experience to be quite relaxing.

This is my first time in a larger tent, with better lights and multiple strains though. Should finally be at perpetual status after these finish flowering

I defoliated my plants in week three of flowering and now in week five all leaves have grown back on. Should i defoliate some more?

Dilago said:

I defoliated my plants in week three of flowering and now in week five all leaves have grown back on. Should i defoliate some more?

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No. Just maintenance from here on out. Inward growing or obviously light blocking leaves. As well as anything showing signs of infection or disease.

If i remove all leaves blocking the light - which are quite a few - than i am defoliating aren't i?

Yeah the patience to keep from killing your plants the hardest thing to learn

Keep on pulling all those solar panels off dumbasses