# How often to defoliate in veg **URL:** \ **Category:** Pruning\ **Tags:** indoor-grow\ **Created:** [April 14, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946 "2024-04-14T15:42:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/1 "2024-04-14T15:42:48Z")
Haven’t got a handle on this defoliation skill ,but i did some n its like BOOM ,more fan leaves gettin bigger. 🤔 How often to defoliate without causing major stress n im tryin to avoid the powdery mildew . I got no exhaust fan in this tent(2×2) jus two fans oscillating. So please drop some knowledge for a newbie( 2nd run) Much love n keep up the green thumb fun​:v:t6:🕶😤 P.S these 2 will b vegging until my flower tent is vacant,then they’ll enter in. So a lil longer than I’ve ever grown in veg, so all advice is appreciated ![1000009667](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/6/7/7/677bb75aa679f6efa45e8523f92f5d707116802b.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Spiney\_norman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/spiney_norman/32/240878_2.png) [@Spiney\_norman](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Spiney_norman)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 3:57pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/2 "2024-04-14T15:57:16Z")
The plant will attempt to grow back leaves because it needs them for growth. If you lift a few in different areas and find wet spots between the leaves then you should remove some that are overlapping and touching and then check in the next few days. It becomes a larger problem when you have buds forming. Once the plant stretches you may no longer find its a problem as you will get better air flow. Those look far enough along to switch to flowering. They will double or even triple in size once flowering is started. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/3 "2024-04-14T16:35:39Z")
Yes im very aware that they will stretch. This wasnt my intent tbh, im already a tad nervous cause i can see it already 🤦🏾 But its my set up, I’ll do my very best. Ill check the leaves. I move them around, ruffling the leaves some so they wont be on each other, but they’re sooooo bushy! Thanx for ur advice. So cutting them(fan leaves) here n there( not every day) is ok till i flower? ---
**Author:** ![Spiney\_norman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/spiney_norman/32/240878_2.png) [@Spiney\_norman](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Spiney_norman)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/4 "2024-04-14T16:37:21Z")
Yes. Its ok. Just remember that leaves make growth possible and they are not taking away from growth. They cause growth. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/5 "2024-04-14T16:38:09Z")
I have one in my flower tent now, thats y these r veggin for so long. I can see the next Stage is gonna be REAL​:person\_facepalming:t5:😅 FUN ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/6 "2024-04-14T16:40:24Z")
Ok ok, makes sense, the more i remove will slow the growth down. If i remove form a new site of growth, the new growth will still grow? Jus at a slower rate? ---
**Author:** ![MidwestGuy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/midwestguy/32/914277_2.png) [@MidwestGuy](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MidwestGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/7 "2024-04-14T19:38:51Z")
Defolate only as necessary to maintain good airflow within the plant"s canopy. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/8 "2024-04-14T19:53:11Z")
Ok word, dont go HAM? Jus for airflow. What if some are connected to a site with new growth? It’ll still grow to it full potential? Thanx for ur feedback. Also do u use neem oil? If so how is it applied, i have a 10oz spray bottle to dilute in. Jus not sure of amount n correct application ✌🏿🕶😤 ---
**Author:** ![MidwestGuy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/midwestguy/32/914277_2.png) [@MidwestGuy](https://ilgmforum.com/u/MidwestGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 7:54pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/9 "2024-04-14T19:54:53Z")
Neem oil is only used when problems arise. It cannot be used on a flowering plant. ---
**Author:** ![Bluemm](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/bluemm/32/870597_2.png) [@Bluemm](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Bluemm)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 12:08am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/10 "2024-04-15T00:08:48Z")
If it blocks light to a bud site then it must go. Let all the bud sites get light and you will be rewarded with lots of densely packed nuggets. Sometimes i will clip individual fingers on leaves. KRazy i KNOW. ---
**Author:** ![Storm](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/storm/32/1066086_2.png) [@Storm](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Storm)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/11 "2024-04-15T00:13:34Z")
If photo defoliate all you want in 20%increments. Within a week it will all be back. If auto no. Get as wide as you want. Remember the stretch, and flip when want. Just my style on photo. ---
**Author:** ![Storm](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/storm/32/1066086_2.png) [@Storm](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Storm)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 12:15am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/12 "2024-04-15T00:15:26Z")
> [@MidwestGuy](#): > > Neem oil is only used when problems arise Strong stuff. I just use Growers Ally. Can use right up to harvest. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 1:20am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/13 "2024-04-15T01:20:57Z")
I know, i was referring to my ladies still in my other tent. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/14 "2024-04-15T01:21:32Z")
Ill check it out ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 1:22am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/15 "2024-04-15T01:22:35Z")
Much thanx ---
**Author:** ![plumbdand](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/plumbdand/32/515126_2.png) [@plumbdand](https://ilgmforum.com/u/plumbdand)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 4:09am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/16 "2024-04-15T04:09:53Z")
I remove the all the leaves on the bottom 3dr of the plant and some smaller stuff in the interior of the plant that will never make it to the canopy. I only remove leaves for better airflow. If I’m worried about light getting to other leaves Ill move branches or spread the plant open or tuck leaves out of the way. ---
**Author:** ![Storm](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/storm/32/1066086_2.png) [@Storm](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Storm)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 4:17am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/17 "2024-04-15T04:17:56Z")
Just a suggestion but if you climb in there snatch clones. They will take weeks at times to get set in motion but once they are look out. Explosive growth and can go to flower faster. Same age as the mom so will be in hard veg. I tend to snag 10 or so from big girls right before flip. ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/18 "2024-04-15T21:07:51Z")
Thank you​:v:t6:🕶😤 ---
**Author:** ![DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecd19e/32.png) [@DA\_BURNIN\_BUSH71804](https://ilgmforum.com/u/DA_BURNIN_BUSH71804)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/how-often-to-defoliate-in-veg/109946/19 "2024-04-15T21:08:07Z")
Much thanx ✌🏿🕶😤