Yes, that's very helpful. Thanks for the comments.
Okay, so do you mean completely defoliate? That term in bonsai means remove every leaf, which seems a bit extreme in this case, but maybe you can clarify. Also, what does LP mean? Thanks!
No dont take every leaf. In general never take more than 20% at any one defoliation session. I personally only ever defoliate enough large leaves to open the canopy and allow deeper light penetration to lower bud sites. Neve more than about 20% at one time. Theyll grow back and youll do it again...and on and on. At some point during flower your leaves will slow to grow back. Then stop defoliation completely. LP is lollipopping. We do this to clear te bottom of the stems an stalks of budsites that wont produce anything or will just be parasites and leach energy that wouod be better used in top sites. Stripping any satelite branches from about the bottom that atent goimg to br able to reach the 50% point of the overall plant canopy height. For the same reason. Parasitically leaching energy. It also allows air to love thru the bottom and reduces the chance of md or powder mildews and bugs.
What leaves grow back? Not the fan leaves-they're gone forever. The smaller leaves will grow but they cant absorb nearly the light as the big leaves that are gone forever. Does it increase yield? Idk but my best buds always grows under the big fans. I wish the defoliation guys would do a side by side comparison.
Thanks much for the detailed response. I've pretty much followed your advice on the defoliation. I'll put up photos later.
