If they're getting dry and crisp it's either heat or nutrient burns. I'm guessing over-fertilization since seedlings don't need any nutrients until after they're getting true leaves and, even then, only light nutrients until they get a little bigger.
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
Ok, Thanks SME...that makes sense. I've moved them away from the light, and temps are steady at 78-79, so I'm thinking nutrient overload. I haven't given them anything extra, but they are planted in 50/50 mix of FFOF and FF Happy Frog...if that's too hot for them, what can I do now?
Since they are only a week old, I couldn't risk transplanting them, could I ?
I'm not a soil guy so I don't know how hot that mix is but if it's killing the seedlings you don't have much to lose. If the survivors look like they're going to make it you might give them time and just pH adjusted water. If worse comes to worse you'll just need to germinate more seeds in a different mix.
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
Thnx SME. So, the PH on my well water coming out of the RO filter is 6.6...PH of the run-off from my pots is 6.3. I've read that this may be too acidic for hydro set-ups, but pretty good for soil grows? I'm thinking you were right on point with your assessment about the FFOF and FFHF being a bit hot for the seedlings. I've since read elsewhere that the FFOF and FFHF are best AFTER seedlings grow up a bit...
The Northern Light Blue and the White Rhino seem to have recovered pretty nicely after the thorough drenching I gave them...the leaves are reaching up towards the light again, and I also noticed some new growth since just yesterday! The Blueberry, which was the crunchy one, still isn't looking so great...keeping a close watch on her. The first set of leaves still look brittle, but the 2nd set of leaves look a little better. They all seemed to like the move away from the light (I think it was too close for such young seedlings).
I've also started germinating another CBD Critical to replace the girl that didn't survive this ordeal..it's supposedly the fastest flowering strain I have, so hoping I will be able to mix her into the garden without too much trouble. I'll plant her in some black gold I've read about, and see if that makes any difference.
Hey, on a separate note, I think I read that you had your gall bladder removed recently? Sorry to hear about that, hopefully you're well on your way to recovery.
Also, thanks for sharing the info about your experience with MMJ and your back issues. I crushed T11 & T12 last Christmas Eve...looking at potential surgery in the coming months...but I am at least walking around and able to do everything I need to again...they weren't sure it was going to be that way.
Yeah that pH run-off is a *tiny* bit low for soil but not that bad...
The gall bladder thing was actually several years ago I was just relating to another member that said he has/had gall stones.
Back issues are no joke, glad you're feeling better...
I struggle with people thanking me for being a vet (even though I do the same thing for other vets) since there are many that went through so much more than I did...but I do appreciate the appreciation.
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
It's been a very tumultuous week here...as I noted in my last post, I was experiencing some nute burns (from growth medium-FFOF and FFHF mix) and possible issues with having the light too close for young seedlings.
I moved the light up to 20" away, and flushed with well water run through my RO filter. I was still seeing issues, so, of course, I over did it! I added some PH up to my RO...raised the PH to 7.6 and flushed until the run-off was neutral @ 7.0...
Today I am attaching pictures of my ladies...you can see clear signs of older nute burn, and I think some signs of over watering (no surprise there). Temps steady at 80, PH run-off at 7.0, Humidity @ 65, lights 20' away...
I think the new growth looks good on all three, they are all about 3-4" in height after being above ground for 2 weeks today. They all have 7 tip leaves already (went directly from 3 tip to 7 tip!). The new growth seems healthy, and I am seeing strong internode growth on two of them.
Northern Light Blue showing most robust growth, serious intermodal growth, tallest plant and most leaves...leaves are turning down...over watering?
NLB..curling down but robust internodal growth.jpg (418.14 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
NLB...better shot of curling down.jpg (423.78 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
White Rhino showing significant nute burn, has largest leaves, not much intermodal growth, and newer growth has sharp edges leaning up (but not curling) ???
White Rhino...clear shot of nute burn, but new growth looks good.jpg (456.46 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
White Rhino...healthy new growth.jpg (452.28 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
Blueberry remains the smallest plant, has smallest leaves, moderate intermodal growth, but leaves are curling down and already a nice floral bouquet..
Blueberry..curling down but good new growth.jpg (428.59 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
Blueberry new growth.jpg (441.5 KiB) Viewed 2301 times
Any recommendations for next steps re: watering, PH, lights?? I tried to be descriptive as I'm not sure what to show in these pictures, close-ups or entire plants. Please let me know if you want to see anything in more/less detail, and I can post more pics!
I think you might want to aim for a pH about 6.5 - 6.6 for soil unless you have some funky soil that needs it higher...
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
Time for the weekly update! Today marks three weeks above ground for 3 of my girls, and the 1 week mark for my replacement CBD Critical that didn't make it the first time around. It's been a rough week for them, as I've been struggling with nute burn from the growth medium I have been using (FFOF & FFHF mixture). It seems it's just too hot for them...in the past, I have used Miracle Grow Violet mix with Fluorescent lights and never saw anything like this.
I've been adding PH-up to my RO water (7.0 going in), moderate watering every other day (6.6 draining out), and they seem to be recovering well. At any rate, they are growing like crazy. Still seeing some signs of nute burn I think? But new growth seems to be healthy...very thick sturdy stalks, robust intermodal growth, the leaves are now up to 9 tips, and feel healthy to the touch. The White Rhino seems the most robust now, and the Northern Light Blue is really getting a lot bigger than the others, but not a lot of stretch, just seems to be growing bigger faster??
Already have a very nice aroma developing, I think it's the Blueberry genetics...it's very enjoyable!! If this is any prediction of what the flowers will be like, wow am I in for a treat.
As always, and questions, feedback or comments would be greatly appreciated
They have grown 2-3 inches each in this past week..
Northern Light Blue..
Northern Light Blue @ 3 weeks, 8 inches tall
Northern light blue at 3 weeks 8 inches.jpg (403.58 KiB) Viewed 2279 times
Blueberry..
Blueberry @ 3 weeks, 6 inches tall
Blueberry at three weeks 6 inches tall.jpg (416.76 KiB) Viewed 2279 times
White Rhino..
White Rhino @ 3 weeks, 6 inches tall
White Rhino at 3 weeks 6 inches tall.jpg (489.72 KiB) Viewed 2279 times
CBD Critical...this baby has a lot of catching up to do, but given it's Sativa blend, I'm hoping it will grow quickly. It looks good after just 1 week above ground.
CBD Critical @ 1 week...Sativa hybrid visibly different
CBD Critical at 1 week.jpg (385.46 KiB) Viewed 2279 times
I see what appears to be a magnesium deficiency but since your pH was so high it could be a lockout issue or you just might not have enough. If it's lockout due to acidic soil with too much calcium/phosphorus, etc then you might give it a few days at the lower pH to see if it gets better. If it doesn't you'll want to supplement. You can top dress those plants with worm castings for some slow release Magnesium or you can use some Epsom salt dissolved in water before you add your normal nutrients and adjust the pH...
Disclaimer: I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
Thanks for the advice SME..I will get some castings tomorrow. Question for you-Since it's almost time to transplant them, would it be a good idea to mix my FFOF/FFHF with earthworm castings and perlite, and transplant into that? Do you think they are healthy enough to transplant? I've read that once I have some good vegetation going on, the FFOF & FFHF should be ok as far as PH goes.. Thanks!