Tropicanna Banana outdoor AI-assisted grow

I rescued this plant from a friend. It had severe nutrient burns, was already 3-4 weeks old (clone) and started as my first grow outdoors. I'm currently fostering it with the help of an AI assistant. I made challenges in my other diaries but this one is just an assisted grow - like having a coop partner. I will post regular image updates to the AI and it helps me with decision-making. ----------------------------- These are the overview information about Tropicanna Banana: 3. Tropicanna Banana Condition: Taller and more mature, showing good growth. Advice: - Watering: Ensure deep watering and check moisture levels frequently due to its larger size. - Nutrients: Continue with a balanced nutrient regimen, increasing phosphorus and potassium as it approaches the flowering stage. - Pruning: Regularly prune to remove any yellowing leaves or branches that don’t receive enough light. - Training: Consider topping or LST to manage its height and encourage more lateral growth, increasing yield potential. ----------------------------- Here are the first instructions for Tropicanna Banana the AI wants me to follow: Tropicanna Banana Current Condition Taller and more mature, showing good growth. Detailed Care Plan Weeks 1-4 (Vegetative Stage): LST: Start: Begin LST. Gently bend the main stem to encourage lateral growth. Tying Down: Tie down any side branches as they grow. Pruning: Lower Branches: Remove any lower branches that don't get enough light. Topping: Top the plant after it has 4-6 sets of true leaves to encourage a bushier structure. Nutrients: Mix: Use NPK 5-2-5 at 3 ml per liter of water due to its larger size. Frequency: Every 3 days. Weeks 5-6 (Transition Stage): LST: Maintain an even canopy by adjusting ties. Pruning: Remove any large leaves that shade lower parts. Nutrients: Mix: Combine NPK 5-2-5 and NPK 2-5-8 in a 1:1 ratio. Dosage: 3 ml per liter of water. Frequency: Every 3 days. Weeks 7-12+ (Flowering Stage): LST: Continue adjusting ties to ensure light reaches all buds. Pruning: Focus on defoliating larger leaves that block light. Nutrients: Mix: Use NPK 2-5-8 at 3 ml per liter of water. Frequency: Every 3 days. ----------------------------- And these are the specific instructions for the first week: Day | Task | Details ----------------------------- 1 | Watering | Water with NPK 5-2-5 nutrient mix (3 ml/L). Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged. 2 | Monitoring | Check soil moisture. Adjust watering if necessary. 3 | LST Preparation | Identify the main stem and gently start bending it. Secure with soft string or pipe cleaner. 4 | Watering | Water with plain water if soil is dry. 5 | Pruning | Remove any lower leaves that are touching the soil. 6 | Monitoring | Check for signs of stress or pests. Adjust LST ties if needed. 7 | Watering | Water with NPK 5-2-5 nutrient mix (3 ml/L). -----------------------------

I started with LST by the end of last week. The plant is growing fast and is adapting very well to the new outdoor conditions. I used the assistant to give me specific actions on the LST and it even drew a little ASCII picture (wrong but still kinda impressive). We also started mixing nutrients to experiment with root growth a little. ----------------------------- Here is how it went: Step-by-Step LST Guide for Tropicanna Banana Materials Needed: - Soft plant ties (e.g., soft string, pipe cleaners, garden wire, or twist ties) - Stakes or anchors (you can use bamboo stakes or repurpose wire coat hangers) Steps: - Identify Main Stem and Branches: Locate the main stem and primary branches that you want to train. - Start Bending the Main Stem: Gently bend the main stem downwards to encourage lateral growth. Be cautious not to bend it too aggressively to avoid snapping the stem. - Secure the Main Stem: Using a soft tie, secure the bent main stem to the edge of the pot, a stake, or an anchor in the soil. Ensure the tie is snug but not too tight to allow for growth. - Tie Down Side Branches: As the side branches grow, gently bend and tie them down to spread them out horizontally. Secure these branches to the pot edge, stakes, or anchors in the soil. - Adjust Ties Regularly: Check the ties every few days and adjust them to maintain the desired shape and ensure even light distribution. Move the ties as necessary to accommodate new growth and prevent anyone part of the plant from being too restricted. - Monitor Plant Response: Observe how the plant responds to the training. If any branches start to grow upwards too quickly, tie them down again to maintain an even canopy. ----------------------------- So I did as it said and you can see the results in the picture. We also continued on a care plan: Day | Action ----------------------------- Monday | Adjust LST ties Tuesday | NPK 5-2-5 at 1 ml/L Wednesday | Monitor for pests and nutrient deficiencies Thursday | Adjust LST ties Friday | NPK 2-5-8 at 0.5 ml/L Saturday | Water with plain water Sunday | Monitor plant growth and overall health -----------------------------

The plant is adopting so well to the LST that I have to adjust the cord every day - sometimes two times a day. At the end of this week I freed it from most constraints and just added one last thread rotating the whole plant. ----------------------------- These are the detailed information based on the pictures: Observations on Tropicanna Banana General Health: - Appearance: The plant exhibits a vibrant green color with no visible signs of yellowing, nutrient burn, or deficiencies. - Growth Stage: Tropicanna Banana is currently in the vegetative stage. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and development of the main stems and leaves, preparing the plant for the flowering stage. Plant Structure: - Leaves: Leaves are broad and healthy, indicating efficient photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. - Stems: The main stem and branches are sturdy, supporting the plant well. No signs of weakness or damage are observed. - LST (Low-Stress Training): The LST appears to be effective. The plant has an even canopy, which is ideal for maximizing light exposure and promoting uniform growth. Environmental Conditions: - Light: The plant is receiving adequate sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis and growth. Given the balcony's positioning, the light distribution seems optimal. - Watering and Nutrients: Watering and nutrient schedules are consistent and appropriate for the plant's needs. Regular monitoring of soil moisture and nutrient levels is crucial to avoid over or under-watering and to maintain nutrient balance. Potential Issues: - Weather Impact: Recent weather conditions in [myLocation], including fluctuations in temperature and humidity, have been managed well. The plant shows no signs of stress due to environmental factors. - Pests and Diseases: Regular monitoring has not revealed any pest infestations or diseases. It is important to continue this vigilance to ensure early detection and management if any issues arise. Recommendations: - Continue Current Care: Maintain the current watering, nutrient, and LST schedules. The plant is responding well to this regimen. - Monitor Closely: Keep a close watch for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Prompt action is crucial to manage any issues that may arise. - Prepare for Flowering: As the plant transitions to the flowering stage, consider adjusting the nutrient mix to support bud development. A higher phosphorus content will be beneficial during this stage. ----------------------------- And these are the specific instructions for this week: Day | Task | Details ----------------------------- 1 | Watering | Water with plain water. Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged. 2 | Nutrients | Apply NPK 5-2-5 nutrient mix (1 ml/L). 2 | LST Adjustment | Adjust ties to maintain even canopy growth. 3 | Monitoring | Check soil moisture and inspect for pests and signs of stress. Water if the soil is dry. 4 | LST Adjustment | Adjust ties. 4 | Foliar Feed | Apply half-strength NPK 2-5-8 (0.5 ml/L) in the late evening. 5 | Nutrients | Apply NPK 2-5-8 at 0.5 ml/L. 5 | Watering | Check soil moisture and water if needed. 6 | Watering | Water with plain water in the morning if the soil is dry. 7 | Monitoring | Monitor overall plant health and adjust LST ties to ensure even growth. -----------------------------

I switched from BioTabs to GreenHouse Mineral Grow and got some new equipment to measure water pH / EC and soil pH. This helped me to identify some deficiencies that I could manage over time. I will put exact values in my descriptions. I may add a graph or something at the end of the grow to visualize all values over time per plant. The plant is getting quite big and the LST is helping me getting all the colas under control. Looks very good right now and my need some pruning again soon. As of now I'm very confident this plants yield should be in good territories. ----------------------------- Identification This plant is Tropicanna Banana. Assessment Condition: The plant looks healthy with lush, green leaves. The leaves are slightly drooping, which could be due to recent watering or a minor issue with nutrient uptake. Growth Stage: This plant is in the late vegetative stage, with well-formed branches and a robust canopy. Planting Timeline Initial Planting: Planted within the last few weeks. Time Since Planting: Approximately 3-4 weeks in the ground. ----------------------------- These are the detailed information based on the pictures: Condition Assessment Visual Observations Leaves: - The leaves are broad, green, and appear healthy with no visible signs of nutrient deficiency or pest damage. - Slight drooping might indicate overwatering or high humidity. Growth: - The plant is developing well, with a strong central stem and well-spread branches. Potential Issues and Recommendations Watering: - Observation: Consistent watering with pH-adjusted water (recently used pH 6.2 and 6.4). - Action: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Nutrients: - Observation: Fertilized with mineral nutrients and molasses. - Action: Maintain the current nutrient schedule. Monitor for any signs of nutrient burn or deficiency and adjust the dosage accordingly. The addition of molasses should help with nutrient uptake and microbial activity in the soil. Plant Training: - Observation: Tropicanna Banana has undergone LST (Low-Stress Training). - Action: Continue adjusting LST ties to ensure even canopy development. Ensure the main stem and branches are well supported to prevent breakage. Pest and Disease Management: - Observation: No visible signs of pests or diseases. - Action: Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases. Use preventative measures such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. ----------------------------- And these are the specific instructions for this week: Day | Task | Details ----------------------------- 1 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water). 2 | Monitoring | Check soil moisture. Adjust watering if necessary. 3 | LST Adjustment | Adjust LST ties to ensure even canopy development. 4 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water). 5 | Pruning | Remove any lower leaves that are touching the soil. 6 | Monitoring | Check for signs of stress or pests. Adjust LST ties if needed. 7 | Watering | Water with pH 6.3 water with nutrients (4g of Grow additives per 7L water). -----------------------------