.....um. i dont think you guys are entirely correct, ive trimmed plenty of leaves off (fan leaves) and it doesnt harm the plant or do anything hurtful to it. it still grows, and still collects the energy it needs, minus the leaves. you just want to keep a few fan leaves, dont take off alot, just enough to let all of the plant get some light on each spot. ur advise that guy gave u was correct, he just mite have forgot to add that u still want some of the fan leaves on the plant, hell ive taken off all my fan leaves before on a plant, still grew just fine, more undergrowth really than the others, but hey, ur choice man.