Have you ever wondered why your CBD buds or cannabis doesn’t reach that size and density you want so much? In the search for larger buds, there is a lot of talk about the importance of defoliation or leaf removal. But, we get it: it sounds like a process that could affect the health of the plants you’ve grown so carefully. Here at maionais you will discover how to use this technique safely and efficiently, fatten up marijuana plants naturally, and at the same time improve your buds to achieve more solid results.
Why do we remove leaves to fatten buds?
Defoliation is a method that consists of removing leaves to fatten the buds, so that the plant allocates more resources towards the flowers. Not only does it allow the plant to focus its nutrients and energy on the part that matters most, but removing leaves opens the way to adequate light and ventilation, significantly improving the health of your crop.
How does removing cannabis leaves help?
- Increased light exposure: By removing shade-generating leaves, you help the lower buds receive more light, resulting in fatter buds and denser buds.
- Better air circulation: When you remove large or damaged leaves, air circulates freely between the branches, reducing humidity and preventing problems such as fungus.
- Nutrient concentration: By removing leaves to fatten plants, the plant better directs its nutrients and growth hormones towards the buds. This way, you can increase bud size without complications.
When is the best time to start?
Vegetative Phase
During the vegetative phase, the plant develops its basic structure: stems, branches, and foliage that will then support the weight of the flowers. Although it is possible to fatten buds with early pruning, you must be moderate. Too much defoliation at this stage could stunt growth and stress the plant.
- Light pruning: If you notice leaves that are too large that prevent light from reaching the lower part of the plant, you can carefully remove them.
- Notice the answer: Each cannabis strain reacts differently to defoliation. If you see that your plant loses vigor or that new leaves are slow to appear, stop pruning and provide a few days of recovery.
Flowering Phase
Once buds begin to form, your priority is to increase the size of your buds with techniques that strengthen flowering. Here’s where to prune Ris most helpful:
- After the initial growth spurt: During the first 2 to 3 weeks of flowering, the plant “stretches” its branches to accommodate the flowers. After that period, you can remove leaves that block direct light.
- Monitor yellowing: As the plant approaches maturity, it is normal for some leaves to turn yellow. Removing those leaves doesn’t just help It is not only a form of bud that does not improve buds, but also prevents the appearance of mould and facilitates air circulation.
How to Remove Leaves to Fatten Buds Effectively
Tools Preparation
- Clean and sharp pruning shears: Good shears minimize uneven cuts and reduce stress on the plant.
- Nitrile gloves: They protect your hands and prevent the transfer of bacteria or fungi.
- Disinfectant: Both for the scissors and to clean your gloves in case you touch leaves with signs of illness.
Before you begin, make sure your grow space is a tent or outdoor area, tidy, and has good ventilation. If you work in an indoor cabinet, the Using light and controlled ventilation will allow you to fatten buds naturally and even safer.
Key Steps in Defoliation
- Identify the leaves that hinder light: Those large leaves located at the top usually block the lighting of the lower branches, affecting the growth of flowers in those areas.
- Remove badly damaged or yellow leaves: If the leaf shows signs of pests or diseases, it is best to remove it immediately to avoid contagion.
- Don’t overdo it: Remember that leaves are essential for photosynthesis. If you remove too many, you could decrease the plant’s ability to produce energy. With a few sheets strategically removed, you’ll see how your Heavier buds begin to take shape.
Additional Nutrients and Pruning
Fattening Buds with Nutrients
Pruning is not the only option. To fatten buds naturally, you can supplement defoliation with a fertilizer that is balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Other pruning techniques for larger buds
There are other techniques that combine very well with defoliation and that will help you fatten marijuana plants:
- Topping: It consists of cutting off the main tip so that the plant focuses its energy on several branches instead of just one.
- LST (Low Stress Training): A low-stress practice that involves tying and guiding branches so that they receive more light.
- SCROG (Screen of Green): Place a mesh to evenly distribute the branches and allow for more orderly growth of the buds.
Combining defoliation with these techniques enhances their effectiveness, giving you the opportunity to fatten buds with pruning in a methodical and controlled way.
Risks and Precautions
Are you worried about harming your plants by removing their leaves? The most important thing is moderation:
- Avoiding excessive stress: Every cut you make is a small wound. Therefore, respect the right times and do not carry out drastic pruning in critical phases of flowering.
- Keep an eye on humidity: After defoliation, some plants can retain more or less moisture. Adjust your watering if you notice that the soil remains too wet or too dry.
- Step by step: If you’re a beginner, remove a few leaves and wait a few days to observe the plant’s reaction. This will help you learn how it responds to defoliation and avoid unnecessary risks.
Final Tips and Next Steps
On this journey of removing leaves for bigger buds, constant observation will be key. Each cannabis strain is different, so keep an eye out for the cues your plant gives you. Do you see signs of healthy growth and denser buds after pruning? Keep it up! Do you notice wilted leaves or buds that don’t make you fat? Review your watering, nutrients, and ventilation techniques.
If you want closer contact or specialist advice, it may be a good idea to look for communities of growers and experts in your area. This way you can delve even deeper into defoliation techniques, fatten buds with specific nutrients or even adapt methods of removing marijuana leaves according to your climate and space.
Conclusion
Remember that the key to defoliation is in balance: removing enough to boost the size of the buds, but without compromising the overall health of the plant. By integrating techniques such as defoliation, a proper nutritional program, and other strategic pruning, you’re more likely to achieve heavier, more aromatic, and high-quality buds.
Do you dare to take the next step? If so, prepare your well-sanitized scissors and gloves, and watch your larger buds form with each day of care. Enjoy the process and celebrate every breakthrough, because every little improvement brings you closer to the harvest you’ve always dreamed of!
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References
- Atkinson, R. R., Burrell, M. M., Rose, K. E., Osborne, C. P., Rees, M. (2014). The dynamics of recovery and growth: how defoliation affects stored resources. Proceedings. Biological sciences, 281(1783), 20133355. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3355
- Danziger, N., Bernstein, N. (2021). Plant architecture manipulation increases cannabinoid standardization in ‘drug-type’ medical cannabis. Industrial Crops and Products, 167, 113528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.113528
