Reversion to a lower leaf number happens under stress or during flower time.
Read the sticky in plant problems on flushing. That's how to lower your soil pH. You'll need some pH down, or whatever you can scavenge... Don't use HCl. HNO3 or H3PO4 are correct. Same for pH up; NaOH is harmful and KOH is good. What do the 3 'good' ones have in common? You know the answer to this one.
Let me guess... does your cloaking method involve crab grass? lol! If not, get it out of your pots PRONTO.
For the record: I rarely post stoned. Medicated to a very low level, perhaps, but if I wouldn't go to work like that, I won't try to answer grow questions like that. To me, it's the same.
Try not to over-think your outdoor plants. You still have 5 months to harvest. The flower response, even if it IS a false start and not just preflowering, isn't anything to worry about. There are 3 months to the time when outdoor plants flower in earnest; relax!