Overview:
Week 5 marks a pivotal transition as the plants move further into their flowering phase. Adjustments were made to optimize environmental conditions and nutrient profiles, ensuring the plants thrive as they build toward maximum yield and quality.
Environmental Conditions:
Light Intensity: Maintained at 540 PPFD at the canopy level, ensuring optimal energy for photosynthesis and flower development.
Temperature: Steady at 24°C, providing a stable and stress-free environment.
Humidity: Lowered to 55% to create conditions more suited to flowering and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
VPD: Precisely maintained at 1.40, aligning with ideal parameters for this growth stage.
Key Adjustments:
Nutrients:
Transitioned from Athena Grow to Athena Bloom nutrients to cater to the plants' changing nutritional demands during flowering.
Balanced nutrient feed to ensure a seamless shift and minimize stress.
pH Optimization:
Adjusted pH from 5.9 to 6.0, promoting better uptake of essential nutrients, particularly calcium and magnesium, as the plants enter the blooming phase.
Humidity Management:
Lowered to 55% to encourage flowering hormone production and reduce moisture-related risks.
Plant Health:
Plants are visibly responding well to the adjustments:
Improved leaf color: The foliage appears healthier and a richer green, a sign of better nutrient absorption.
Vigorous growth: Bud sites are developing steadily, indicating the transition is on track.
Action Plan:
Closely monitor nutrient uptake, pH, and EC to fine-tune the feeding regimen.
Continue observing plant response to the environmental changes.
Consider a slight increase in light intensity if plants show no signs of light stress.
Prepare for potential defoliation to enhance airflow and light penetration as buds grow denser.
Summary: Week 5 has been about refining conditions and ensuring a smooth transition into the flowering stage. With adjustments to nutrients, pH, and humidity, the plants are showing clear signs of progress. The focus remains on sustaining optimal growth and addressing any needs as they arise. 🌱✨