Is defoliation effective with auto flowers?

BBbubblegum

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't. Fucking with autos in anyway besides SCROG or LST is a bad idea. I wouldn't top,clone, defoliate, or lollipop them. You can give it a shot though.
 

technical dan

Active Member
Nope. Due to the short get time its best to leave them alone for the most part. Tuck fan leaves that are covering bud sites but don't cut anything off. Some techniques are possible with autos but must be done very early and are generally only marginally effective.
 

dimebag87

Well-Known Member
As well as the lifespan they don't really get big enough to justify taking foliage off. They're generally short so you will still get sufficient light penetration to the entirety of the plant.
 

giantsfan24

Well-Known Member
No clue..I have defoliated my grows but I've never grown auto's. I'd defer to those who have.

Namaste
 

dopeboi69

Member
I take off the very bottom leaves and bud sites that arent getting ANY light. but I only do it on the larger, more bushy plants. I'd say I'm cutting off less then 5% of the total foliage. Doesn't hurt them at all, it allows for better airflow in the under canopy and makes them easier to water(cuz I lst as well, and some autos can get pretty fuckin bushy). But everyone says something different, try what u think is best for your setup.
 

dopeboi69

Member
oh and i forgot to mention, i've had several autos break, snap and fold over at their main stem. when i see it, I tape them up and they usually become the strongest of the bunch, and in many cases yield the most. so for someone to just generalize something and say NEVER EVER EVER DO IT is absolutely wrong. for some strains and situations you will absolutely need to top of fim an auto. if you do it right, it causes minimal stress that will ultimately help u out immensly
 
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