I too don't remove leaves, and have had no issues with bud forming properly, but I have begun to employ the tie down method to prompt more main colas. I used to pinch off top cola branch, then moved to just pinching the same, now the tie down method. Pinching and cutting off delayed maturation.

I am wearing the offending lenses now, trying to "adjust" to the new prescription. Every time I put them on, initial disorientation, same thing when I take them off, my eyes return to "normal"? Wife wants me to return them, I want to force them to work so I don't have to. Wife will likely win.

Hey Mel, plant looks great, just wondering what the purpose of removing leaves is. Is it to promote a sea of green? I used to top some plants to promote further branching, now I tie down the main branch to promote side branching, and tie down any branches additionally along the way, more colas.