Fan leaves are the large, primary leaves on the cannabis plant.
All of the leaves of the cannabis plant are necessary for the process of photosynthesis to occur. Photosynthesis results in the production of sugars and other plant nutrients. Since the fan leaves are the largest leaves, they are essential to this process.
Fan leaves also have pores known as stomata, which allow the plant to breathe. Plants breath in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Fan leaves are absolutely essential to the growth and development of the plant.
Are big fan leaves a good sign?
The health of your entire hemp plant is reflected in the condition of your fan leaves. Big, green, healthy fan leaves are a sign of a robust, healthy plant. As long as these leaves are healthy, it is normally advisable to leave them in place at trimming time, especially during the veg state of growth.
Should I trim yellow fan leaves?
When your fan leaves begin to turn yellow, the viability of the leaf is diminishing. The yellow coloration signifies that the chlorophyll levels have dropped, which means there will be less sugar production. Since sugar production is one of the primary functions of the big fan leaves, a yellowing leaf should probably be removed.
When fan leaves turn purple during flowering, it is likely due to a phosphorous deficiency.
Can I cut all the fan leaves off?
During the earlier stages of plant growth, the fan leaves should only be removed if they yellow or dry out. However, once the plant begins to flower, you can trim off some of the fan leaves. However, don’t remove more than half of the fan leaves, because they are still needed by the plant.
When do I remove fan leaves?
Prior to flowering, you may want to remove up to one half of the fan leaves to encourage bud production. When choosing fan leaves to prune, trim the ones that are beginning to yellow first. Then, trim ones near the bottom that are older. If you still want to trim off more, choose leaves near the top that are shading leaves and flowers below.
Do you need fan leaves during flowering?
Right before you begin to harvest buds, you can remove most or all of your fan leaves. However, always allow two days for the plant to recover before harvesting buds.
You may want to prune fan leaves just prior to flushing, because the reduction in nutrients will tend to yellow some of these leaves anyway. Choose older leaves to trim off.
Train your plants to produce more with pruning.
There are many forms of trimming that are utilized in hemp plant cultivation. Popular trimming techniques include:
Topping – When you remove a growing point by pruning directly above the first node, this is called topping. Topping refers to trimming the plant’s highest growing point, but it also refers to trimming any growing point.
Fimming – Fimming will help you increase yield. Fimming is accomplished by holding the small leaves of a growing point between your thumb and fingertip, and then cutting through the leaves, leaving only about 25% to 30% of the growing point intact.
Lollipop – The term lollipop is derived from the shape of your plant after you apply lollipop trimming techniques. It will look somewhat like a lollipop, with all of the growth focused at the top of the plant, with only bare stalks at the bottom.
Strategic trimming can be used to:
1. control the height of the plant
2. control the breadth of the plant
3. remove dead or diseased leaves
4. remove dead or diseased stems
5. introduce light to all areas of the plant
6. encourage the growth of the plant’s structure; leaves and stems
7. encourage the growth of the plant’s flowers
8. increase the size of the plant’s flowers
9. increase the number of flowers produced by the plant
10. direct the growth of the plant in a particular area or direction
Is there any benefit to total defoliation?
Some professional growers like to completely strip off fan leaves midway, or near the end of the flowering cycle. They do this in order to:
· Expose more of the plant to light
· Increase bud yield
· Decrease lighting requirement
Total defoliation is risky and should only be done by experienced growers.
As a seasoned expert in cannabis cultivation, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in fostering a thriving cannabis plant. Over the years, I've honed my expertise through hands-on experience, keeping abreast of the latest research, and collaborating with other enthusiasts in the field. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about cannabis fan leaves.
Fan Leaves and Photosynthesis: Fan leaves, the large primary leaves on the cannabis plant, play a pivotal role in the process of photosynthesis. This biochemical process is vital for the production of sugars and other essential plant nutrients. Given their size, fan leaves are particularly crucial for facilitating efficient photosynthesis.
Stomata and Respiration: Fan leaves feature pores known as stomata, which enable the plant to breathe. Through these stomata, cannabis plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This respiratory function is fundamental to the overall health and development of the plant.
Indicator of Plant Health: The condition of fan leaves serves as a barometer for the health of the entire cannabis plant. Healthy, green, and robust fan leaves are indicative of a thriving plant. It is advisable to retain these leaves during trimming, especially in the vegetative state of growth.
Yellowing Fan Leaves and Sugar Production: When fan leaves start turning yellow, it signals a decline in leaf viability. The yellowing indicates reduced chlorophyll levels, leading to diminished sugar production. In such cases, removing yellowing leaves is recommended to maintain optimal plant health.
Purple Fan Leaves and Phosphorous Deficiency: During the flowering stage, if fan leaves turn purple, it often suggests a phosphorous deficiency. Addressing nutrient imbalances is crucial for sustaining healthy plant development.
Pruning Techniques and Timing: Trimming fan leaves is a nuanced process that varies throughout the plant's lifecycle. Prior to flowering, selective removal of up to half of the fan leaves can encourage bud production. Timing is key, with an emphasis on removing yellowing or older leaves.
Training Techniques for Enhanced Growth: Various trimming techniques, such as topping, fimming, and lollipopping, can be employed to control plant height and shape, remove dead or diseased parts, and encourage optimal growth of leaves, stems, and flowers. These methods contribute to maximizing yield and overall plant structure.
Total Defoliation Considerations: Total defoliation, the complete removal of fan leaves, is a strategy employed by experienced growers. This risky technique aims to expose more of the plant to light, increase bud yield, and reduce lighting requirements. It should, however, be approached with caution and is not recommended for novice cultivators.
In conclusion, the cultivation of cannabis involves a nuanced understanding of the role of fan leaves in photosynthesis, plant health indicators, and strategic trimming techniques. Balancing these factors contributes to the successful growth and harvest of a high-quality cannabis crop.
