4/1 AM (Day 26) - Topped at the 6th node for two of the three GDP's. Not touching CD#4 yet since it is still on the small side and I want to give it the best fighting chance to grow out. I'll give her a few more days to put on leaves and see how things go. Overall, three of the four total plants I started with seem to be adjusting just fine to the increased PPFD (hovering around ~550), and a slight increase in average temperature (now hovering around 77F). Height has increased significantly, now ranging between 8-9" (all GDP are at 9").
Unfortunately, the one plant that previously showed some mottling in the leaves seems to be in decline. At least one set of leaves is heavily mottled with brown spots. The reading I've done suggests either a pH imbalance, or problems with the root system. Growth is definitely stunted. I've considered abandoning the one so I can focus on the three that seem to be unaffected, but it's still alive so I'm giving it some time to see if things straighten out on their own. New growth does not exhibit the symptoms.
I'll post additional photos either later today or tomorrow, depending on the weather. Getting good photos under HPS is a challenge. I'll power it down to get a full capture.
Given this is my first attempt, I'm not afraid to show both successes and failures. All four have received the same treatment, and been in the same environment the whole time. It remains a bit of a mystery why one specific plant seems to be perpetually unhappy. I have not over watered. If anything, I've tended to let things dry out considerably between watering. For example, today is day 3 since the last water-- and the healthy plants seem perfectly fine with that.
My pH meter has been calibrated twice out of an overabundance of caution, so I don't think that's the issue. Also, I have not been adding nutrients except for a little CalMag and a very small amount of unsulfured blackstrap molasses.
4/1 PM (Day 26) - Added additional photo with lights out, which includes the GDP with the problem shown in the pics. Close-up available for any who may have suggestions, other than leave it alone and continue with nothing more than pH adjusted water.
@kohlrabi much appreciated. One can only hope they'll live to see the day. They're in the hands of inexperience, which is-- risky at the very least. Giving it my best shot. I know it's old-school with the HID lighting and such, but as a former reef keeper HID was familiar and something I already had on-hand. Controlling temps is a challenge, but so far I've been able to get away with it by moving enough air. As they put on new leaves I'm thinking more and more about transplanting to their final containers (5 gallon fabric pots on racks with casters and pans to catch the run-off). For the time being, I think I'm going to leave them alone in the Solo cups until they put on at least one more set of leaves-- not a science driven decision, but the leaves are already well outside the perimeter of the cup and I've been surprised how quickly the stems are thickening up. Take care!
@new2medicine, Oh it is? Well the biggest tip I give everyone is don't get stressed out...these plants can usually bounce back from just about any mistreatment if you pay attention to what it is telling you. And, if you are not sure about something, you can hit me up anytime with the "Chat" button at the top of my profile. Good luck and have fun in any case!
@@@resimax thanks! Hoping for the best and trying to keep my hands off as much as possible to let nature do its thing. I normally have a bit of a green thumb and enjoy growing all kinds of things, but this is my first real attempt with cannabis. I'm sure before it's over, there will be some kind of crisis to mitigate. 😆
FWIW, it IS a lot of fun!
When transplanting the problem plant did u happen to disturb the root system? I'm on my first non auto medical plants from my state, during my transplant I noted the one of my four plants I disturbed the roots during trans. It has been definitely stunted as compared to the other 3. I am doing 3 Jesus OG and 1 Iron horse and one of my J.O.G.'s is doing it. I don't have spots tho.
I'm a newbie take it with grain of salt.
@98greenlude- it's possible. I'm not going to sweat it too much since I don't have much experience. Though I think I'll probably abandon it sooner or later rather than continue spending time and money worrying about it. Three out of four isn't bad from my point of view.