To prune or not to prune...

[clarkkent]

My plant that has been mistreated since birth (left out in grow box in garage where it's friggin freezing) is now inside and happy.

But.......it has some leaves that seem pretty much dead. They are very thick and dry and crack when handled. some of the others have some brown edges where they are certainly dead. and I have some tips that are juuust starting to curl down.

I think I read that it has something to do with a lack of potassium? Anyhow, should I prune the cruddy leaves off or even go a little further and trim the lower leaves?

She's in flower right now, btw.

 

[THE BROTHER'S GRUNT]

Yes if they are dead and have no life left in them you can trim them off. They should just fall off with a touch or a slight tug. If they don't leave them alone until you can.

 

[clarkkent]

It wouldn't spare the plant some energy if I just took them off at the stem now? Or are we hoping that they heal or something?

 

[That crazy vancouver guy]

let me put it this way... if it is still attatched to the plant, it is needed by it. leave well enough alone... if the plant is finished with it, it will die and fall off on it's own.

think of it this way... if you break your finger, does the doctor cut off your whole arm?

 

[Kupunakane]

Great questions,
Like TGB said, gently remove the seriously damaged lower leaves. It should only take a light tug, for them to pull away.
Think along lines like this. If you had a really badly damaged finger, and we are talking the finger is dead and dying, then it would be reasonable to remove the damaged tissue before it harms the rest of the body.
Strange analogy I know, but it does sorta work. LOL
Yes, The removal of the damage means that the plant doesn't have to try to put too much energy into healing it's ouchies. Good Luck Friend, if you get the chance throw a pic.
smoke in peace
KingKahuuna

 

[Wise Man]

if you break your finger, does the doctor cut off your whole arm?

Funnily enough,ive seen it happen.

 

[clarkkent]

other than those few leaves she seems good. a lot better than when she was outside in the cold. she's way bushier than the ones i grew over the summer *shrug*

 

[THE BROTHER'S GRUNT]

Whats up Superman opps i mean Clarkkent. She's a nice looking young lady that's for sure. What do you have her in a 5 gallon bucket?

 

[clarkkent]

Nah, she's only in a 3 (or maybe it's 3.5)