Do Marijuana Fan Leaves Get Trimmed

When it comes to growing marijuana seeds there is no one method for all strains.

Different marijuana strains have their own growth characteristics. Some marijuana seeds produce short squat plants, while other weed seeds create lanky plants.

Plus every experienced marijuana grower has their own little techniques to produce heavy yields. Outside of the basics, every grower will do something different to their marijuana seeds.

One of the biggest arguments about marijuana seeds is whether growers should trim the fan leaves during the final weeks of flowering. Or leave them.

Some marijuana strains respond favorable to having their fan leaves trimmed. While other marijuana plants don't.

Some marijuana growers swear trimming fan leaves helps produce better buds and heavier yields.

While just as many cannabis growers swear fan leaves should not be removed as it throws the plant into shock.

There are a number of theories why marijuana seed fan leaves should or should not be removed.

Increase Bud Development

Marijuana seed fan leaves shade lower cannabis buds. These marijuana buds do not develop their full potential do to this shading. By removing fan leaves more light hits the lower branches.

Remove fans to conserve energy for upper marijuana bud development.

Trimming marijuana fan leaves and lower shaded branches focuses the plant’s development on the cola.

A marijuana plant wastes precious energy several ways.

Tall marijuana plants use energy to build extra stem and to move water up higher.

An untrimmed bushy cannabis plant wastes energy by expending energy on lower small bud producing branches. Careful trimming to remove unnecessary branches (which wont produce nice buds) leaves more energy for a larger yield.

Reduce stretching marijuana plants by removing fan leaves in the early flowering stage.

Speed Up The Flushing Process by removing fan leaves in the last 14 days before harvest.

Removing fan leaves creates better airflow which reduces the chance of mold.

When and how to trim marijuana fan leaves.

A marijuana strain with very few leaves and long internodes will need a lot less trimming - if a trimming technique is even adopted.

A marijuana strain with a surplus of leaves and short internodes would require more thinning to get the same amount of light to the lower buds.

Remove non productive dead leaf material first.

Marijuana leaves that have reached their final size and are aging will stop producing chlorophyll and start changing to a lighter color, often yellowing and showing purple.

These are the ones to take out first.

The older leaves, even though larger, are no longer very productive once they are not dark green anymore. By the time they start looking pale or discolored, they are not contributing anything to the marijuana plant at all.

Always try to retain the upper 2 to 3 sets of fan leaves indoors.

Trim marijuana fan leaves up to the last 14 days to help speed up flushing.

If you decide to trim your marijuana seed fan leaves, one should always do it by clipping the leaf halfway between the stem and the leaf. Not too close to the branch. Allow a small piece of the leaf material to dry up and fall off. This will help protect the plant from risks of infections.

Some marijuana leaves will just fall with a little effort. No scissors required. This is proof the leaf wasn't producing anything beneficial for the marijuana plant.

Trimming must be done from time to time.

The first real pruning should be done at the beginning of 12/12. Trimming or not trimming your marijuana seeds is really a personal preference. One of those grower techniques that some marijuana growers adopt while others don't. Experiment by trimming some of your marijuana strains, but not all.

The more you sow marijuana seeds the more you will learn about what works for you and what doesn't.

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Readers' Questions

  • mimosa
    When to start trimming fan leaves on marijuana plant?
    1 year ago
  • It is generally recommended to begin trimming fan leaves from your marijuana plants once they reach the beginning of the flowering stage. This typically occurs about 6-8 weeks after germination.