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In this week the challenge between me and the AI ended unfortunately. Gelato#1 died due to unforseen weather events. We tried to help it but the main stem broke (even with supports) and bringing it inside was already too late.
I will continue the diary anyway but without the challenge. I will foster the remaining Gelato#2 with the help of the AI. I already ordered new plants to start a new challenge in time - they should arrive within the next week. I will start a new diary for the Gorilla Skittlez challenge and the Blueberry Challenge is still going.
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This week is a little different, because after accessing the new images I made of Gelato#1 it said the following:
This plant is Gelato #1.
Condition Assessment
Visual Observations:
Leaves:
The leaves appear to be significantly curled and wilted.
There is noticeable damage to the leaves, including some discoloration.
Stem:
The stem looks weak and is not standing upright, indicating severe stress or damage.
Potential Issues and Recommendations
Environmental Stress:
Observation: The plant appears to be under severe stress, possibly due to high temperatures, strong sunlight, or wind exposure.
Action: Provide immediate shade to protect the plant from direct sunlight. If possible, move it to a less exposed area temporarily.
Watering:
Observation: The soil looks moist, which is good, but overwatering combined with high temperatures can lead to root issues.
Action: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid watering for a day to see if the plant recovers.
Nutrient Burn:
Observation: The damage to the leaves could also be indicative of nutrient burn from too strong a nutrient solution.
Action: Flush the soil with plain water to help dilute any excess nutrients. This can help prevent further nutrient burn.
General Health:
Observation: The overall condition of the plant is poor, and it may be struggling to recover from transplant shock or environmental stress.
Action: Provide gentle care, monitor closely, and avoid any additional stressors like LST until the plant shows signs of recovery.
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After this it gave me a detailed instruction:
Day | Task | Details
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3 (Saturday) | Provide Shade | Move the plant to a shaded area or provide a shade cloth to protect from direct sunlight.
3 (Saturday) | Watering | Avoid watering today to prevent further stress.
4 (Sunday) | Monitoring | Check the soil moisture. If dry, water lightly with plain water.
5 (Monday) | Flush Soil | If the plant is not recovering, flush the soil with plain water to dilute excess nutrients.
6 (Tuesday) | Monitoring | Check for signs of recovery. Avoid any additional stressors.
7 (Wednesday) | Gentle Care | Continue to provide shade and monitor soil moisture. Water lightly if needed.
8 (Thursday) | Nutrient Solution | If the plant shows signs of recovery, resume a light nutrient mix (NPK 2-5-8, 1 ml/L).
9 (Friday) | Monitoring | Continue monitoring and adjust care as needed based on the plant's response.
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A day later I updated it with more pictures (Day 09) and it's response was:
It looks like Gelato #1 is in severe distress. The plant is significantly wilted and appears to have suffered from both heat and possibly dehydration. However, there's still a chance to save it with some careful attention and care. Here's a step-by-step recovery plan:
Immediate Actions for Recovery
1. Move Indoors:
- Given the plant's condition, it is critical to move it indoors immediately to a more controlled environment.
- Place it in a location with indirect light and good air circulation.
2. Watering:
- Hydrate Gently: If the soil is dry, water the plant gently with plain water to moisten the soil. Do not saturate it; the goal is to rehydrate the plant gradually.
- Mist the Leaves: Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves lightly. This can help reduce transpiration stress and provide some immediate moisture.
3. Environmental Control:
- Humidity: Increase humidity around the plant by placing a clear plastic bag or a dome over it to create a mini greenhouse effect. Make sure to leave some gaps for air circulation to prevent mold.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature stable and avoid exposing the plant to drafts or sudden temperature changes.
4. Reduce Light Intensity:
- Place the plant in a spot where it will receive indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight until the plant shows signs of recovery.
Additional Tips
- Handling: Handle the plant very gently to avoid further stress or damage.
- Light: Ensure the plant receives some light indoors, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent shock.
- Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity indoors to prevent the plant from drying out.
Long-Term Considerations
- Soil Health: Ensure the soil remains well-draining and not compacted. Lightly aerate the soil if necessary to improve root oxygenation.
- Root Health: If the plant doesn't show signs of recovery, consider carefully checking the root system for rot or other issues.
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After placing it indoors and building the greenhouse the AI suggested, I posted images to which the AI responded (I left the first sentence to amphesize on how good the image recognition works):
Great job setting up a controlled environment for Gelato #1! This mini greenhouse effect with the plastic bag should help maintain humidity and reduce stress on the plant.
Monitoring and Adjustments
- Ventilation: Ensure there are small openings in the plastic bag for air circulation to prevent mold. You can adjust the size of the openings if needed.
- Temperature: Keep the plant in a stable temperature environment, avoiding drafts or direct heat sources.
- Humidity: Maintain a humid environment inside the plastic bag but watch for any signs of mold or mildew. Mist the leaves lightly if needed to keep them hydrated.
- Support: Check the stake and ties regularly to ensure the plant is supported but not constricted.
- Soil Moisture:Water lightly as needed based on the soil moisture level. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Signs of Improvement to Look For
- Leaf Turgor: Leaves starting to firm up and hold their shape.
- New Growth: Any new leaves or stems emerging.
- Overall Stability: The plant standing more upright without much assistance.
Long-Term Considerations
- Root Health: If the plant starts to recover, consider checking the root system in a week or two to ensure there are no signs of rot or damage.
- Gradual Reintroduction: Once the plant shows signs of recovery, gradually reintroduce it to its outdoor environment, starting with shaded areas and increasing light exposure slowly.
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