Fan Leaves? Should some go durring budding?

silkyride

Well-Known Member
I've got some really sweet stuff doin a really nice fluff in it's 4th week of 12/12. Is it wise to cut any of those large fan leaves off so more light can reach down lower or are those necessary for pulling in energy or other reasons? Wondering if it really matters.
 

silkyride

Well-Known Member
There are some big ones way down below that have gotten yellow and fell off but I'm talking about those big ass suckers more near the top. Seems like they're really covering the light from the bud action about 7-8 inches down on the stock. Those aren't going to yellow. Can they go or are they needed? Is it the leaves taking in the needed light energy for the buds or is it the buds taking in their own light energy and could do better if completely exposed?
 

Dumpstar

Active Member
The fan leaves are nessesary, they absorb light, which buds don't do for themselves, and which is needed for chlorophyll production. If you prune a few it's ok, a good rule if thumb is to cut off completely only leaves that are 50% or more dead. (although I'm a really heavy pruner) If bottom fan leaves are yellowing but the tops are good it's probably a nitrogen diffeciency. So even though it seems like they're blocking light, they're actually there to provide it.
 

Uncle Ben

Well-Known Member
The fan leaves are nessesary, they absorb light, which buds don't do for themselves, and which is needed for chlorophyll production. If you prune a few it's ok, a good rule if thumb is to cut off completely only leaves that are 50% or more dead. (although I'm a really heavy pruner) If bottom fan leaves are yellowing but the tops are good it's probably a nitrogen diffeciency. So even though it seems like they're blocking light, they're actually there to provide it.
Excellent advice and good point about the N deficiency. Someone needs to write a FAQ, because with every crop of newbies, this topic comes up again, and again, and again.......

Here's good thread on the issue of removing fan leaves, if and when:
https://www.planetganja.com/highsociety/showthread.php?t=18940&page=3

IOW, keep 'em green and leave them alone!

UB
 
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