Defoliating autos

Just remember........... less leaves = less energy being made = less growth. Why defoliate at all??

Defoliation of autos is a no no, they're on a clock and do not need added stress from recuperating from a defoliation, if it takes 2 days to recuperate, that's 2 days lost to adding growth. Unless there's a major issue, such as damp leaves touching soil I wouldn't touch them and I've grown some massive autos in my days. Just let time do it's thing and a bit of LST to open stuff up and let them thrive.

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 ✌️