Defoliation

I wouldn't remove any leaves for these particular plants. Leaves do more than just capture light. Shielded leaves are value-added even if they don't get much light. If a leave becomes a 'sink,' the plant will shed it on its own. Transpiration is very important. CO2 intake is just as important as light absorptions... both are the primary function of leaves. Leaves are organs. Do you remove a lung to breathe more efficiently? No, because that's ludicrous, lol. Remove a leaf only when it is a risk of infection.. is it dangerously congested? is there condensation forming daily? these are reasons to consider removing a leaf. Leaves do more than 1 thing and are incredibly importnat organs.