I recently started a trimming job for a medical grower supplying a dispensary, and I am learning that my grow uses techniques that don't always translate well to small home productions. One such technique is "big leafing". That is removing the large fan leaves around the flower all the way down each branch. Afterwards, light reaches the lower flowers but then the plant seems to lack enough energy producing leaves. My question to people involved in large scale production is, "do you big leaf? Why or why not?" I've tried it at home, big leafing 2 of my 3 plants, and I'd say it was a mistake. The affected plants' flowers are developing much slower than the unaffected plant. At work we get away with it because we use better lights and supply a carbon dioxide rich atmosphere when no oxygen breathers are in the room.
The great de-leafing debate, again. Be prepared for very strong views on both sides. I'm curious about these indoor commercial grows. The ones I've seen pics of all seem to run their lights really, really high above their plants, looks inefficient. At a guess I reckon you'd find better efficiency in good small scale enthusiast grows v's commercial indoor operators. The big players seem to balance efficiency/workability and theyre not scared to sacrifice one for the other. Some of the hobbyists, however, make sure every lumen and square inch of space is converted to buds. Maybe I'm way off, Love to hear your thoughts.
AGAINST - Generally I dont take leaves. IMO they are the stomach/energy factory of the plant. I see no point in removing them. The plant has spent much energy making those leaves, in order to make even more energy and taxing them seems counter productive. Exceptions to this -I will take leaves if they are horribly congested and cant breathe or if they are badly damaged and blocking light from healthy leaves.
Maybe it depends on plant size too, I have a few small plants, like 8-16 inches with 2-5 fan leaves each. The lowest fans are finally yellowing. I'm harvesting in 2 weeks. Clearly I didn't need all the fans.