Mephisto Genetics do you ever defoliate dominant cola fans?

[lunarman]

I'm pretty new to growing and learning every grow. And let me be honest, I'm sure my plants still are not exactly as well formed as more experienced people get to. I am not topping right now so I have a dominant cola on my plants now. I did top my first grows but I want to see how the plant grows naturally now. But I'll be topping again soon because the canopy is more level.

I've noticed that the leaves on the main cola can block out light on buds that form below the top that are still on the main cola stem. Is it better to leave those leaves alone and let nature do its thing and the main cola will fill in? I'm assuming it is better to let them be, but am curious if people do prune them off.

 

[islandgrower]

I'm pretty new to growing and learning every grow. And let me be honest, I'm sure my plants still are not exactly as well formed as more experienced people get to. I am not topping right now so I have a dominant cola on my plants now. I did top my first grows but I want to see how the plant grows naturally now. But I'll be topping again soon because the canopy is more level.

I've noticed that the leaves on the main cola can block out light on buds that form below the top that are still on the main cola stem. Is it better to leave those leaves alone and let nature do its thing and the main cola will fill in? I'm assuming it is better to let them be, but am curious if people do prune them off.

You can if blocking a lower budsite

'Carpe diem et fumum veriditas'

 

[Slater]

You should be all good but to be safe just take away a couple at a time each day... if any are blocking any bud sites I normally remove it

 

[lunarman]

No kidding. I thought those solar panels should be left alone and main cola development depends on them to bloom out big. Damn, I shouldn't assume. Ask questions and learn.

 

[bakEQuatorial]

I remove them as much as I can. Even on colas. If it’s too deep inside the bud, I just trim the leave off. When it grows out more, then I remove the whole leave. Up till now, no issues that I can tell. I’m only worried bout mold so I got a fan on them oscillating 24/7. It just becomes very obvious to me from observation, that buds grow bigger when exposed to light, period! So it’s a no brainier for me atm. But as you know, first time grower here so nothing concrete but I’m very convinced atm.


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[slowandeasy]

Defoliating Colas is not wise deep into flower. If you do, leave the majority of the stem of the leaf attached. Cutting too close to the buds is a recipe for bud rot. That being said, if you decide to... moderation is the key. Good luck

 

[slowandeasy]

What happens when you cut a leaf to close to the bud is that the cut area actually can "bleed" in a way. They release moisture. If you clip further away from the bud that moisture won't be soaked up by the bud. I pluck leaves I flower all the time, but big leaves on Colas I prefer leave unless they start to look crappy in flush.

 

[slowandeasy]

One more thing I want to point out. Certain strains take Defoliating better. In general Smaller Indica plants DO NOT like Defoliating as much as larger plants. Most large plants and Sativa leaning phenos can take Defoliating better. I actually have HEAVILY Defoliated photo plants in the past to try and increase yield and density. I had some Galadriel plants that you could literally strip of all leaves and it would flourish. But try that on Sour Bubble and total SHUT down can happen. I did heavy Defoliating in veg and then waited til after stretch to start again. I had some killer yields on some plants, but some plants did worse. For Colas late in flower, go lightly on frequency and leave a good portion of stem. I have heard of people getting mold/bud rot from Defoliating Colas too much. Good Airflow and humidity is a must.

 

[puggle6]

Take it ez on sativa's, timing is a bit more important, do it less at least until solid flowering.

You can get yourself into perpetual stretch

Agreed on the smaller indica or hybrids. A lot of the time these guys don't need much as a good structure from good genetics means you don't have to get to brutal with the girl!

 

[bakEQuatorial]

Very very good advice! When I decided to defoliate the colas, I was well aware of bud rot risks. However, I was even more certain that if I left them bushy like that, mold/ bud rot is just a matter of time.

My humidity is high. Even with a fan on them 24/7 and they get as much ventilation as outdoor plants, leaves that touch each other can be wet during the hottest time of day. I decided to choose the lesser of 2 evils. I space the colas to the best of my ability and they don’t touch each other. At least not yet. With the fan on them, I can pretty much be certain that there will be zero stagnant air. Each bud will have fresh air surrounding them. Like a good breeze every few seconds. So far, things look ok but I know it can change in an instant.

Compared to letting them grow bushy, even with 24 hour fan on them, there will be covered spots that will be perfect habitats for mold.

I recently added full spectrum blurple cobs (full spectrums usually has a little UV on them) as side lighting in addition to my 3500k top lightings. Not sure if it minimizes the chances of bud rot but buds are getting fat! Which again might not be a good thing for me.

If it helps, my only issue is with humidity. Temps never ever go below 25C, no matter how long it rains. Circulation is excellent but no filter. Some asswipe did some open burning near my house and I came back to see ash in my grow space. Preventative measures during veg were done with neem cake and oil. I even use Mangrove wood vinegar for foliar in veg and as PH down during flower, cos there are strong claims by the Thailand government that it can prevent mold in equatorial climate such as mine.

Anyone has experience in growing or drying in high humidity climates, please give me some advise!

I have read about @Slater quest to perfect his drying process and absolutely loved his guide. I hope the OP would not mind me hijacking the thread by inviting @Slater over to help out an even newer newb than the OP - ME!


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