Southern Sunrise

Hey. I'm going to try to be as clear as possible, but the answer is long to explain. Here’s what I would do in your place: My verdict: Targeted defoliation (The "Just Right") Don’t go at it with a chainsaw, but don’t leave them in "jungle mode" either. A good clean-up is necessary for two reasons: air circulation (to avoid mold at the end of flowering) and light penetration. 1. What to remove ("A lot" in these areas) The bottom (Lollipoping): Everything that is in the shade in the lower third will only produce "popcorn buds" (small, airy buds). Cut the big greedy leaves and the small scraggly flowers at the bottom so that energy moves up to the tops. The center: If the heart of the plant is a wall of leaves, air isn’t circulating. Remove a few leaves that are pointing inward. 2. What to keep ("A little" in these areas) The upper canopy: Don’t mess too much with the leaves close to the main buds. They act as solar panels to fatten up the buds. The golden rule: If a big leaf from the top is directly blocking a promising flowering site just below, try first to "weave" it (slide it under a branch). If it keeps coming back to its place, cut it. 3. Why not just "leave them alone"? Given the density in your tent, the risk is stagnant humidity. A plant that is too bushy transpires a lot, and that’s where powdery mildew or botrytis can sneak in. By defoliating a bit now, you secure your harvest. A little friend tip: Do it just before the lights go out or at the beginning of the light cycle, and don’t remove more than 20-25% of the total leaf mass at once to avoid stressing them. I hope I could help you, have a good evening my friend.