First time growing autos, should I be defoliating about now? She's gone through a bit of stress already and wasn't sure if defoliation would cause additional unwanted stress for an auto. Was wondering if maybe wait to see if she gets any taller?
doesn't need defo.
if any leaves are touching the dirt, i wouldn't remove the entire leaf. just snip off enough so that it doesn't rest on the dirt.
you can raise light a bit if you want longer internodes (distance between growth nodes) .. if nodes are a good spacing, don't do this, but this would give it more height.
From past experience at your current stage I would recommend minimal defoliation. You need the root mass below to grow as much as possible . Let her grow out a little or take the odd leaf off if it's in the way. You want minimal stress or you will hinder the root mass below. Bigger roots bigger fruits ✌️
By skimming thru your past weeks it doesn’t look like you’re in week 5 of flower. I could be wrong but I would bet you’re only about week 3 or so. Just a thought. Looks good for an autoflower IMO.