Michael Alden talks about "Praying Leaves" in Cannabis.

I had speculated in a recent post that praying leaves might be related to light levels (ppfd) being too high because of something recent in my garden. Michael explains though what the real cause of it is and how you can "fix it." I will say that I made some changes in air flow in my setup and the leaves flattened back out!
Stay tuned for my entire podcast with Michael, where he shares his research at Clemson University on photoperiod and other interesting topics.
Keep in mind this is one of many explanations for this phenomenon. Michael shares some more thoughts below:
On this question of leaves praying, there's a range of environments that can lead to an angled rather than planar leaf position. Some species hardly ever change their leaf angle, unless under drought stress where they wilt and leaves droop (downward angle). Others are more flexible and adapt to their environment. One explanation might be that the leaves are angled higher to improve air flow and lower boundary layers near stomata to increase transpiration rates. Another explanation could be light quality- low Red:Far Red perception induces shade avoidance responses and angled leaves can capture light better at high plant densities (think maize, wheat, and rice). A third explanation could be that this is cultivar dependent and some cannabis cvrs do this while others don't. It would be really cool for someone to document this with pictures in a range of cultivars for a given growing area/facility.
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[@kisorganics]

From Michael: On this question of leaves praying, there's a range of environments that can lead to an angled rather than planar leaf position. Some species hardly ever change their leaf angle, unless under drought stress where they wilt and leaves droop (downward angle). Others are more flexible and adapt to their environment. One explanation might be that the leaves are angled higher to improve air flow and lower boundary layers near stomata to increase transpiration rates. Another explanation could be light quality- low R:FR perception induces shade avoidance responses and angled leaves can capture light better at high plant densities (think maize, wheat, and rice). A third explanation could be that this is cultivar dependent and some cannabis cultivars do this while others don't. It would be really cool for someone to document this with pictures in a range of cultivars for a given growing area/facility.

[@kisorganics]

I think it’s important to think critically, be open minded, and challenge accepted assumptions in the cannabis industry. I also think understanding the underlying mechanisms for why or how a plant reacts to stimulus is really interesting. There may be multiple reasons for why a cannabis plant might orient its leaves upwards, so it may not just be one variable.

[@ianbarlow9387]

Makes sense. See it more in greenhouses in the morning with high humidity. Don’t see it much on the outdoors. I’ve always thought it was a sign of a healthy plant too. Great work. Always dispelling myths.

[@hiroyopoetker]

But is a sign of health, the plants are responding and acclimating, that shows intelligent health. If not they would be wilting! hahahahahahah

[@danielalmond7823]

Ive heard also if your plants are praying straight up have yellow leaves and other stuff then it can be a problem. Other then that if tillers on plants are straight up and leaves then maybe problem. But mostly praying leaves is goof sign ofcourse if plants growth is good. Good topic on video.

[@MICHGANDER9]

Not agreeing or disagreeing. My experience with praying leaves is there seems to be good growth after i see them praying.I honestly don't care if they pray or not as long as they are healthy and are growing at a decent pace. They seem to be growing good after they pray so for me on this topic is 6 of 1, half a dz of the other now if it were causing issues then id take notice and actually because ive long thought praying leaves meant good growth and they HAPPY and I like to see it but im a creature of habit so......

[@nscanna2680]

The hardest I've seen leaves 'pray' is about half a day after I gave my plants a seed tea made of of alfalfa sprouts a few years ago. They were up well beyond 30 degrees, it was pretty bizarre. I have this one genotype I'm growing now that will actively turn it's top leaves over, I guess it's either due to light or humidity in my veg tent; I have no fan running in there and I just leave the front door-flap open for air flow.

[@ballbeanking]

I always thought it means the plant is happy.I think something is wrong if they aren’t . .also I’ve had occasions when they are like super praying and it does seem like something is wrong. I thought maybe they were trying to not get as much light and assumed it was maybe nutrient related. But I’m just speculating I don’t know the science behind it. Interesting subject for sure

[@user-ig7gx8ii6w]

What does Bruce Bugbee say about this?

[@306choicegenetics4]

Vpd need to be pretty well on que and do not let it dry back

[@greenmedgenetics]

Absolutely disagree my plants are in the best health when they pray in that position

[@cobyhuang9217]

I agree with what you are saying , I don't think that it is because of airflow that the plant prays, when all check boxes are met environmentally, nutritionally, and water wise, the plant will be photosynthesizing and transpiring at the most optimum rate which causes turgidity in the leaf cells to make it point upwards causing the praying. The age of the leaf, and light conditions also play a part in this equation.

[@cannabisresistance6757]

I agree

[@kisorganics]

I just updated the description of the video to include a more detailed explanation. I hope this helps!

[@bobcarter2329]

💯

[@hiroyopoetker]

Well you see leaves praying in nature too! So....... ya....

[@stlsoldier3144]

You can't be serious? Air flow eh...explain completely defoliated rooms still "praying" 😅

[@kenmauge8032]

I agree

[@TheDev82]

It's mainly to do with zinc finger trascription factor not enuf micronutrients in most bottled juices

[@silentcharm28]

Total BS. I've grown plenty of plants out doors that have awesome praying leaves on a nice sunny day with temps in the mid 80's and plenty of air flow.

[@kisorganics]

To be clear, this may not be the only explanation for this phenomenon and I've added some of Michael's thoughts to the description of the video if you want to read more. Hope this helps to clarify but it appears there may be multiple mechanisms than induce this plant response, some of which are positive and some which may not be.

[@homewordbound4970]

Hey freind, what was the humidity at the time?