Does removing lower leaf stimulate new root growth?

[Jim Toomey]

Hi all,
I thought I heard a speaker mention that if you remove the lower "older" leaf that it stimulated the root(s) to grow...

Since I have a lot of seedlings, I've been looking and have often seen a small (1/8 to 1/4th" or so) nub of a root pushing out against the bottom of the lowest leaf.

Sometimes the root breaks through the leaf or work their way around the leaf.

I'm not sure if it is better to leave the leaf there to keep making food for the plant or to remove it and encourage more or better root growth.


What do you do?
Your thoughts please.

Thanks Jim

 

[slippertalker]

I would think the opposite true; the more leaves, the more energy is pushed into growth of both leaves and roots. Don't pull off the leaves unless they are ready to go........

 

[NYEric]

If you have a lot of seedlings try a controlled experiment. If pulling off the lower leasves doesn't promote root growth and the plants die because they have no leaves or roots, at least you have a bunch more to work with! oke:

 

[Jim Toomey]

Hmmm, no thanks Eric.
I should have more specific, talking about a lower leaf that is just starting to change color.

 

[Candace]

Jim, for me it sort of depends on the plant. I tend to remove the lowest leaf if it's changing color and if the plant has a good amount of leaves anyway.

 

[rdhed]

Jim, I agree with the above advice. Remember to do so very gently on very young plants because the rest of the plant can brake off in your hand. I have had that happen to me. The center main stem becomes smaller with every leaf that is removed. Sometimes I just trim the dead or dieing leaf back so it's not just hanging and wait for new growth. I to have heard that removing dead/dieing leaves stimulates or signals the plant to grow new ones.

--Allen--

 

[Jim Toomey]

Hi!
Thanks all!

Thanks Allen,
I thought I heard that advice to during a lecture a few years ago and wanted to confirm what I heard.
I'll just remove the most obvious ones for now.
Jim