Can I Hang Cannabis Plants with Water Leaves On?

If you're a cannabis grower, you probably know the importance of trimming your plants. Besides helping to improve the final quality and potency of your buds, trimming allows for better airflow and light penetration, reducing the chances of mold and other problems. However, you might be wondering whether it's okay to hang your cannabis plants with water leaves on, or whether you should remove them first. In this article, we'll answer that question and give you some tips for a smooth trimming process.

What Are Water Leaves?

Before we answer the question, let's define what we mean by "water leaves." Water leaves are the broad, fan-like leaves that grow from the stem and branches of your cannabis plants. They are usually the first leaves to develop and the largest in size. While they play a role in photosynthesis and transpiration (the plant's process of absorbing water and nutrients and releasing oxygen), they don't contain much THC or other cannabinoids, so they're not as valuable as the sugar leaves and buds.

Can You Hang Plants with Water Leaves On?

The short answer is yes, you can hang your cannabis plants with water leaves on. In fact, many growers prefer to do so because removing the leaves can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you have a large batch of plants to trim. Additionally, leaving the water leaves on can help protect the buds and prevent them from getting crushed or damaged during the drying and curing process. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you decide to leave the water leaves on.

How to Handle Plants with Water Leaves On

Firstly, make sure that the water leaves are healthy and free from mold or pests. If you notice any signs of damage or disease, it's better to remove the affected leaves or discard the entire plant than to risk contaminating your entire crop. Secondly, when you hang your cannabis plants, make sure to give them enough space to avoid overcrowding. Airflow is essential for drying and curing, and if the plants are too close together, they can trap moisture and promote mold and rot.

Thirdly, be aware that leaving the water leaves on can slow down the drying process because the leaves contain more moisture than the buds. To avoid over-drying or under-drying, monitor the plants regularly and adjust the humidity and temperature as needed. Fourthly, keep in mind that removing the water leaves can help improve the appearance and taste of your buds, as well as their potency. If you're aiming for top-shelf buds, you might want to invest the time and effort into trimming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can hang your cannabis plants with water leaves on if you want to save time and effort, but there are some precautions you should take to ensure a smooth and successful drying and curing process. Ultimately, whether to remove the water leaves or not depends on your goals and preferences as a grower. Whatever you decide, make sure to handle your plants with care and attention, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of high-quality buds.