Fan leaves

[leandis]

I'm in my 2nd week of flowering and I'm wondering if I should cut off the fan leaves on my 2 plants. They're bigger than my hands and I can't help but think that some of the energy being used to sustain these leaves could be concentrated on the buds.

 

[4iLLEsT2bTCH0]

the fan leaves are what gives your plant energy... theyre what absorb the light that makes the energy.

 

[leandis]

indeed, that may be why the budson my first crop were so small. thanks

 

[Gorillabuds]

I selectively trim fan leaves to let light deeper into the foliage. If trimming one leaf allows direct light onto more leaf surface area than the one being trimmed, it's beneficial. For the most part, don't cut them off. Like 4iLL said, they make food for the plant.

 

[Torco]

dont trim the big fan leaves your plant needs them to grow.

 

[Gorillabuds]

dont trim the big fan leaves your plant needs them to grow.

That's a pretty broad answer. Generally it's not recommended to trim them off but if doing so allows more light deeper into the growth and hits more leaves, it's beneficial. It worked for me 20 years ago and works now as well. Be very selective. I've never had to clip more than 2 or 4 leaves to achieve optimal light saturation.

 

[Bagzgroove]

I had pretty good results just bending them out of the way. . . I have trimmed a few on my last grow, but I bent them for the most part. . . everyday just bend it gently where its not in the way and not crimped, most of the time it stayed, but I have weighed them down too. Seems to be a little less stress, and possibly more energy for the lady. IMO. . .

 

[Akornpatch]

Torco, Gorilla and Bagz all have legit points. Minimal removal and bending always have their place in a grow.

General rule...if it's not dead or dying leave it on.

 

[RangerDanger]

During veg the plants stores nutrients in it's fan leaves.
During flowering this food (already in the form needed by the plant) is used by the plant to make buds.
Removing them removes a food source.

 

[Akornpatch]

EXactly.

 

[tat2gee]

i would only cut them off if they look like death is knockin.but for the most part just tuck them underor over.i only cut when they cover a bud site that without a doubt is not allowing the light to penetrate directly on the bud other wise leave it alone

 

[ilovecheese]

im on my 3rd week of flowering and i cut most of my fan leaves of my plants left the ones around the buds are my plants going to die?