This girl is finally starting to take off like my other plant im running.. this Mexican Airlines already has so many bud sites I can't count them all.. have started light defoliation.. but only where the fan leafs block bud sites.. and the plant is loving it.. Stay tuned!
may be a better option to hold the defol until after the initial stretch period. Those leaves are power stations during veg and will convert light to energy. taking them early in veg for an auto could be taking potential growth away. maybe consider topping or l.s.t to get light around better. tucking is fine at this stage as they are still really working the root zones. This can help to build a stronger and wider base for bearing fruits . watering just outside the circumference of the plants leaves will encourage the roots to spread out wider searching for moisture. keeping the L.o.s watered is also key. The living soil doesn't cope with being dried out like normal soil as it can wipe out the living bennies ect..rule of thumb is to feed the soil not the plant. amendments like charge and bio teas can help massively with this. The end product is certainly more flavourful and with no harsh chemicals to dry out and taste , even better. Good luck. I think i am around the same schedule as you with my Mexican too. ( six shooter and strawberry Cola too.love fb).