The theory is that fan leaves are only for shading and keeping the plants cool under hot natural sunlight. Since the majority of folks out here are growing indoors these shading fan leaves are not needed. That being said - fan leaves also draw water and nutrients up the stem and to all plant parts. Without these fan leaves the plant gets less water and nutrients. All in all I've tried it both ways. Way 1 - I cut off all fan leaves that were below where the main cola began. Way 2 - I left all of the fan leaves in place until they yellowed and fell off on their own. Both ways I got about the same overall yeild. Way 1 - was much easier to manicure however this is why I always use way 1 now.

Herbus