Autoflowering cannabis strains have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their short life cycle and ease of cultivation. However, many growers are still unsure about the best practices for defoliation when growing autoflowers. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of defoliation for autoflowers in 2019.
What is Defoliation?
Defoliation is the process of removing leaves from a cannabis plant. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including improving airflow, increasing light penetration, and reducing the risk of pests and diseases. However, defoliation can also stress the plant and reduce its overall yield if done incorrectly.
The Benefits of Defoliation for Autoflowers
Defoliation can be particularly beneficial for autoflowering strains due to their short life cycle. By removing some of the larger fan leaves during the vegetative stage, growers can increase light penetration to the lower branches and encourage more even growth. This can lead to a more robust plant with a higher yield.
During the flowering stage, defoliation can help to improve airflow around the buds, reducing the risk of mold and other diseases. It can also help to increase light penetration to the buds, leading to larger and more potent flowers.
The Risks of Defoliation for Autoflowers
While defoliation can be beneficial for autoflowers, it is important to approach this technique with caution. Removing too many leaves or cutting them too early can stress the plant and reduce its overall yield. Additionally, autoflowers have a limited life cycle, so any stress or damage caused by defoliation may not have enough time to recover before harvest.
Another risk of defoliation is that it can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce energy. This can lead to slower growth and smaller yields if not done correctly.
When to Defoliate Autoflowers
The best time to defoliate autoflowers is during the vegetative stage, when the plant is still growing and developing. This is when the plant is most resilient and can recover from any stress caused by defoliation.
During the flowering stage, it is important to be more cautious when defoliating. Removing too many leaves or cutting them too early can stress the plant and reduce its overall yield. It is best to wait until the plant has fully developed its buds before removing any leaves.
How to Defoliate Autoflowers
When defoliating autoflowers, it is important to be gentle and avoid causing any unnecessary stress to the plant. Start by removing any large fan leaves that are blocking light or airflow to the lower branches. Be sure to leave enough leaves on the plant to allow for photosynthesis and energy production.
During the flowering stage, it is best to focus on removing any leaves that are blocking light or airflow to the buds. Be sure to leave enough leaves on the plant to allow for photosynthesis and energy production.
Conclusion
Defoliation can be a beneficial technique for growing autoflowers, but it should be approached with caution. By removing some of the larger fan leaves during the vegetative stage, growers can increase light penetration to the lower branches and encourage more even growth. During the flowering stage, defoliation can help to improve airflow around the buds and increase light penetration to the flowers. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid causing any unnecessary stress to the plant. By following these guidelines, growers can successfully defoliate their autoflowers and achieve a higher yield.
