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Is too much foliage at the base of a plant a problem?

Boris

Boris

I think I was told that too much leaf growth near the soil can be a problem because it might make the plant more susceptible to disease and it can restrict air flow. This is a small habanero plant I am growing. I brought it inside tonight because the outdoor temperature is kind of low right now. Any idea if I should prune some of the leaves near the base? Or should I just leave it be?

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I've never been one to trim healthy growth. I only trim obviously dead/dying growth, when branches/leaves are getting in the way, or when propagating. I'm also purely a hobbyist and not trying to maximize production or survival rates, so that's where I'm coming from.
 
It looks fine and more branches near the base will continue towards a sturdy, bushy plant. When the canopy is large enough, leaves will stop growing down there and it will just be the sturdy branches.
 
I would personally leave it.
 
I would not prune the lower growth. I would "top" plant at point indicated below but wait for others input on this before you do then decide.
 
 
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Topping_zpsgvjez8tw.jpg

 
 
 
My reason for this is I grow in pots and below is a Hab I grew in 2015. If you're going to grow in garden you may choose to not "top" and let plant grow like a tree.
 
 
U5KH5mR.jpg
 
The_NorthEast_ChileMan said:
I would not prune the lower growth. I would "top" plant at point indicated below but wait for others input on this before you do then decide.
 
 
`
Topping_zpsgvjez8tw.jpg

 
 
 
My reason for this is I grow in pots and below is a Hab I grew in 2015. If you're going to grow in garden you may choose to not "top" and let plant grow like a tree.
 
 
U5KH5mR.jpg
Click to expand...
 

 
 
For me it depends on the plant and situation.  If it's a heirloom tomato I prune the bottom every time.  On my peppers I don't unless I have a reason to be concerned about a soil born fungus or something.  Also if the plants are a bit too crowded I'll prune the bottoms to increase airflow.  I prune all leaves that are physically touching the ground on all my nightshade plants.  Since you're container growing, I wouldn't worry about airflow.
 
     I usually pinch off all branches growing within 4-8" of the soil. As you mentioned, air flow is important for keeping pepper plants free of foliar disease. Also, low branches tend to be the ones that droop down to the soil and allow slugs an easy route to the canopy.
     Along with pinching off the lowest branches, I also remove side branches when they appear too crowded. I've found that crowded branches on an overly bushy plant only end up competing with eachother and just produce foliage on the inside of the plant's canopy - further restricting airflow and producing little fruit.
 
 
Here are some pics of plants I grew last season. All of these had their lowest branches removed. And I only kept maybe 4-6 branches below the "Y". The branches I chose to keep were well spaced and loaded with fruit.
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