What is Defoliation and how does it affect the growth of my cannabis plants?
One answer “Defoliation for Cannabis Plants”
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What is Defoliation and how does it affect the growth of my cannabis plants?
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Defoliation is a growing technique that involves pruning, trimming or removing the leaves of your cannabis plants. This can be done for various reasons, but typically it is done in order to emphasize and accelerate the growth of flower buds and increase the overall yield at harvest time. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally and depending on the circumstances, the effects can be positive or negative.
On the positive side, defoliation can, when done correctly and at the right time, stimulate the growth of bigger, denser buds and ultimately give you more product at harvest. This is due to the fact that when the leaves are removed, the plant redirects its energy from new foliage and puts it towards producing larger flowers and buds, thus increasing your yield. Another benefit of defoliation is that it can open up the flowering sites of your plant and give them more exposure and airflow. This can reduce the likelihood of fungal growth due to humid environments and can also reduce the chance of bud rot which is common in dense flowering sites. Lastly, depending on where you live and the climate that your plants are in, defoliation can also act as a way of protecting your plants from too much sunlight and heat. This can help avoid sunburn and keep the temperature of your plants at an optimal level.
When done incorrectly and at the wrong time, this technique can have negative consequences for the health of your plants. If the healthy, mature fan leaves are removed then you can be left with a plant that cannot grow to its full potential because it is lacking photosynthesis and the essential nutrients and elements needed to produce healthy buds and flowers. Additionally, if too many leaves are taken and directions are not followed, you can be left with weakened, stressed out and overall unhealthy plants.
When it comes to defoliating your cannabis plants, it is important to note that this is a technical procedure that should only be attempted once you are comfortable with the basics of growing. It is crucial to follow directions and approach it with caution, as the wrong timing or technique can permanently damage or stunt the growth of your cannabis plants. As a general guideline, you can defoliate your plants when the flowering sites start to become visible, about 2-3 weeks into flowering. When defoliating, remember to leave healthy, mature fan leaves intact and only remove the wilted, yellow or diseased leaves or inner leaves, with the goal being to open up the flower sites to get better airflow and sun exposure. Additionally, make sure to not remove too many leaves in one day as it can cause stress to your plants and be sure to follow it up by giving the plants the proper nourishment and care after the procedure.
Defoliation is an effective growing technique that can be used to increase the yield and health of your cannabis plants. However it is important to practice caution when approaching this technique and to make sure to not remove too many leaves at once or at the wrong time. If done right, defoliation can be beneficial and give you more of a return at harvest time.