HighTVanswered grow question 6 years ago Defoliating an Auto-flowering strain is vastly different from a photo period mainly because the plant control when it goes into flowering and stunting it during this process can lead to decreased final product. Ideally if you defoliate then its best done before flowering, because the first 3 weeks of flowering are so important. I recommend tucking the larger fan leaves away and under the younger growth as much as possible to increase light penetration without sacrificing stress to the plant. Defoliation is obviously possible but only recommended right before flowering and after the stretching phase of flower on the leaves you are unable to tuck easily. My general rules is, if I can tuck it then I will and most defoliation is in the form of lollypopping for thicker bud structure. I hope this helps with your question 😎