Battle of Systems: Chocolate Wafflez

Sejanus21 Chocolate Wafflez is the last on my list for this summer. I do not really know why, but the seedling phase was very hard, expecially for the older seedling. I used rockwool and my usual mini-greenhouse, but the seedling did not grow. Instead there was developping algae, although I did not use any organic fertilizer. Anyway, I finally decided to grow the older one organically and transplanted it into a 1l Airpot with Biobizz Lightmix; it finally started to grow; in two weeks I will hopefully be able to transplant her into her final home, a 12.5l Airpot. The younger one got transplanted in a Lechuza Classico Color LS 28 (7l and 2l reservoir), which will work as a hydro-system once the roots reach the reservoir. It will be interesting to see the growth and results of these two very different setups.

Sejanus21 What a pleasant surprise: The older seedling (in the Airpot), which barely survived, has a mutation: she has two main stems (like natural topping :-). Both are growing nicely, so I am quite sure that they will make it.

Sejanus21 The older girl with the natural topping will be transplanted into her final pot tomorrow. The younger one is also thriving in her Lechuza LS 28 pot. The first roots are visible at the bottom so I will be able to switch to hydro in a few days. This will be an interesting battle between two totally different systems and fertilizer schemes.

Sejanus21 Both of my ladies are thriving in the greenhouse under ideal conditions. I topped the "normal" one, and she has taken it with grace; she is 24cm tall. The race will be close ...

Sejanus21 Both girls are growing explosively. Team Airpot (60cm, day 65) has already filled the whole pot with roots, while Team Lechuza (40cm, day 48) has recovered quickly from being topped. Yesterday, I started to give Team Airpot a little Alga Grow. Probably, that is not necessary, but you you always want to treat your ladies well :-)

Sejanus21 # Weekly Update - Chocolate Wafflez Grow Experiment **Period: July 13-20, 2025** ## Team Earth (Airpot System) - Natural Topping Genetics - **Explosive growth** despite minimal feeding (only one Alga Grow application) - **Multicote 6M + Bio Universal pre-fertilization** proving more than sufficient - **Natural topping advantage** clearly visible - genetic dual main stems developing perfectly - **Outdoor exposure** caused wind damage but increased resilience - **Thrips infestation** detected - treated with 1:100 Neem oil spray (evening application) - **SF nematodes** planned for soil application (thrips larvae + fungus gnat prevention) ## Team Lechuza (Pon System) - Manual Topped - **Remarkable recovery** from topping stress (July 3rd) - **Two new main stems** developing symmetrically from topping site - **Optimal parameters:** EC 1.3, pH 6.0 (lower than projected 2.0+ EC) - **Pon system efficiency** compensating for 17-day age disadvantage - **Protected greenhouse environment** - no pest issues - **Consistent reservoir management** maintaining stable conditions ## Key Insights This Week - **Minimal feeding strategy successful** - both systems thriving with reduced nutrients - **Age gap becoming apparent** but proportional development impressive for younger plant - **EC calculations were too conservative** - real-world values much lower than theory - **Integrated pest management** implemented: Neem oil (foliar) + SF nematodes (soil) - **"Less is more" philosophy** confirmed - restraint in watering/feeding paying off ## Current Status Both plants ready for **intensive vegetative growth phase** - natural photoperiod flowering expected **end of July/early August** in NRW climate. **Bio-Mineral Hybrid vs. Pure Mineral Hydroponics battle intensifies!** 🌱⚔️ --- *Experiment continues: Natural genetics vs. manual techniques, organic-mineral hybrid vs. pure hydroponics*

Sejanus21 Weekly Update - Chocolate Wafflez Grow Experiment **Period: July 20-27, 2025** ## Team Earth (Airpot System) - Natural Topping Genetics - **Impressive vertical growth:** 75cm → 94cm (**+19cm in 7 days!**) - **Feeding strategy:** Only pH-corrected groundwater + 0.5ml/L Fulvital Plus or rainwater - **Multicote 6M sustained release** still providing excellent baseline nutrition - **Natural topping structure** developing beautifully - dual main stems clearly dominant - **Outdoor vigor** visible in robust branching and leaf development - **No additional fertilizer needed** - proving less-is-more philosophy ## Team Lechuza (Pon System) - Manual Topped - **Strong recovery growth:** 59cm → 78cm (**+19cm in 7 days - same rate as Team Earth!**) - **Feeding strategy:** pH-corrected groundwater + 0.6g/L Hakaphos Green + 0.3g/L Calcinit + 0.5ml/L Fulvital Plus - **Pon system efficiency** compensating for smaller root volume brilliantly - **Manual topping success** - two main stems developing symmetrically - **Protected greenhouse environment** showing in pristine leaf condition - **17-day age disadvantage** becoming irrelevant - growth rates now equal! ## Environmental Conditions - **Location:** Protected greenhouse environment - **Temperature range:** 15-29°C (optimal for vegetative growth) - **Relative humidity:** Average 83% (excellent for vigorous development) - **Lighting:** Natural daylight + SF-1000 LED supplement ## Key Insights This Week - **Growth rate equalization:** Both systems achieving identical **19cm weekly growth** - **Feeding minimalism confirmed:** Team Earth thriving on water + trace Fulvital only - **Pon vs Soil efficiency:** 7L Pon matching 12.5L soil performance - **Age gap irrelevant:** Younger plant now matching older plant's growth rate - **Natural vs Manual topping:** Both strategies proving equally effective - **System maturity:** Both setups now running at optimal efficiency ## Current Status & Next Phase Both plants entering **pre-flowering preparation phase** with natural photoperiod transition expected within **1-2 weeks** (NRW latitude). **Stretch phase incoming** - this will be the decisive battle phase where final size differences will be determined! ## Growth Rate Analysis - **Team Earth:** 25% increase in height (excellent for mature system) - **Team Lechuza:** 32% increase in height (exceptional for younger/smaller system) - **Efficiency winner:** Lechuza showing superior growth per liter of medium **The battle intensifies as both systems hit their stride!** 🌱⚔️ --- *Experiment Status: Both systems performing optimally - natural flowering transition imminent*

Sejanus21 I was on holiday in the last two weeks. My neighbor did a tremendous job, watering the ladies with a simpliefied nutrition. The Airpot lady is still larger (124cm vs 107cm), but both look very vital. Flowering is imminent.

Sejanus21 # Post-Vacation Update - Chocolate Wafflez Battle 🌱⚔️ **Date: August 24, 2025** ## The Plants After Summer Break **Team Earth (Airpot System)** - 107 days old, 134cm tall **Team Lechuza (Pon System)** - 90 days old, 115cm tall ## Current Stats & Performance ### Team Earth - Natural Topping Champion - **Height:** 134cm (impressive natural structure) - **Feeding:** Minimal approach - groundwater + occasional 4ml/L Plagron Bloom - **Water consumption:** 2L/day - **Multicote 6M:** Still providing baseline nutrition after 4+ months - **Natural topping genetics:** Showing perfect dual main stem development ### Team Lechuza - Mineral Precision System - **Height:** 115cm (remarkable catch-up growth) - **Feeding:** Full mineral program (EC 1.8) - Hakaphos Red, Hakaphos Base 3, Calcinit, Haifa SOP, Fulvital Plus - **Water consumption:** 2L/day (empties reservoir daily!) - **Age disadvantage:** 17-day gap nearly eliminated through superior growth rate - **Pon efficiency:** Matching large-pot performance with just 7L medium ## Key Insights 🔥 **Equal water consumption (2L/day)** = identical metabolic activity 🔥 **Lechuza daily reservoir management** now essential 🔥 **Minimal vs intensive feeding** - both strategies working perfectly 🔥 **Pre-flower development** visible in both plants 🔥 **Size gap closing:** 19cm difference from 17-day age gap + system efficiency ## The Battle Status **Team Earth:** Leading in pure size but with minimal intervention **Team Lechuza:** Incredible efficiency and rapid catch-up growth Both plants entering **flowering transition** - the stretch phase will determine the final winner! **Organic-minimal vs Hydro-precision** - two completely different philosophies, both succeeding! *Next update: Flower initiation and stretch comparison*

Sejanus21 Flowering Phase Update - Chocolate Wafflez Battle Date: August 31, 2025 Current Status - Full Bloom Mode Activated Team Earth (Airpot) - Day 114, Height 140cm (+6cm stretch) Team Lechuza (Pon) - Day 97, Height 121cm (+6cm stretch) Feeding Programs - Both Systems Intensified Team Earth - Bio-Mineral Transition Base: Plagron Alga Bloom 4ml/L (organic foundation) Booster: Vitaphos K 0.5g/L (mineral phosphorus boost) Philosophy: Finally bridging organic base with mineral precision Water consumption: 2L/day Team Lechuza - Full Mineral Arsenal Primary: Hakaphos Red 0.6g/L (NPK base) Secondary: Hakaphos Basis 3 0.4g/L (PK enhancement) Finishing: Haifa SOP 0.2g/L (potassium/sulfur) Support: Calcinit 0.5g/L + Fulvital Plus 0.5ml/L pH correction: 2ml 8.5% phosphoric acid Water consumption: 2L/day Development Analysis 🔥 Stretch phase complete - both gained identical 6cm 🔥 Bud site formation visible throughout both canopies 🔥 Equal water demand confirms matched metabolic activity 🔥 Age gap irrelevant - performance now virtually identical 🔥 Feeding intensification - both systems using PK boosters Battle Status Team Earth: Organic elegance meets mineral precision - natural topping advantage holding Team Lechuza: Mineral efficiency maximized - compact powerhouse performing Size differential stabilized at 19cm - likely permanent advantage to Team Earth through natural genetics and age Both plants now entering the critical 4-6 week flowering period where final quality and yield will be determined. The Royal Runtz formula (alternating system + mineral boosters) now active in both systems. Bio-Mineral Hybrid vs Pure Mineral Precision - final phase initiated!

Sejanus21 Both plants are progressing well into flowering with visible bud development. Team Earth (Airpot):Day 121, 149cm height (+9cm from previous week) Natural-topping structure clearly visible with multiple main stems Dense canopy development, good bud site formation Maintaining size advantage consistently Team Lechuza: Day 104, 125cm height (+4cm from previous week) Wind damage visible - smaller plants are more susceptible to environmental stress Slower growth rate this week compared to Team Earth Still showing healthy bud development despite weather challenges The size gap has actually increased slightly to 24cm, suggesting Team Earth's larger root system and natural genetics are providing better resilience during the flowering stretch. Your strategy of using rainwater during sunny periods makes sense to prevent nutrient burn. Team Lechuza's "zerzaust" appearance from wind exposure highlights one advantage of the larger, more established Team Earth plant - better structural stability. The 17-day age difference plus the natural topping genetics are creating a cumulative advantage that's becoming more pronounced as flowering progresses. Both systems are performing well within their respective capacities. Team Earth is maximizing its genetic and size advantages, while Team Lechuza continues to demonstrate impressive efficiency for its smaller volume.

Sejanus21 Chocolate Wafflez Battle of Systems - 3 Week Update Current Status (3 weeks since August 31st) Team Earth (Bio-Mineral Hybrid): 151cm (+11cm in 3 weeks) 12.5L Airpot + Aldi Bio substrate + Multicote 6M Natural-topping genetics showing dominance Feeding: Alternating system - nutrients every other watering, water-only in between Team Lechuza (Pure Mineral Hydro): 129cm (+8cm in 3 weeks) 7L Lechuza LS28 + Pon substrate Manual topped, 17 days younger Feeding: Daily nutrient solution (hydroponic requirement) Visibly behind in flower development but impressive for container size Growth Analysis (Last 2 weeks) Stretch Phase Completion: Team Earth: Only +2cm (growth virtually stopped) Team Lechuza: +4cm (still showing some stretch) Feeding Strategy Differences: Earth System: Alternating nutrients/water prevents salt buildup in soil Hydro System: Continuous nutrient feeding required for soilless medium Key Observations Age Gap Impact: The 17-day head start is proving decisive. Team Earth maintains its lead not just in height but also in flowering progression. Team Lechuza would have benefited from 2 additional weeks of vegetative growth. System Efficiency: Despite the size disadvantage, Team Lechuza's performance per liter of growing medium remains exceptional. At 129cm from 7L total volume, that's 18.4cm per liter vs Team Earth's 12.1cm per liter. Growth Phase Transition: Both plants have essentially completed vertical growth, with Team Earth showing earlier maturity (2cm vs 4cm recent growth). Full flowering phase now initiated. Preliminary Conclusions Volume matters for final yield potential Hydroponic efficiency can't fully compensate for container size limitations Genetics timing (natural vs manual topping) created compounding advantages 17-day age gap proving more significant than initially anticipated Feeding frequency differs by system: soil allows alternating, hydro requires consistency Final harvest expected mid/late October. The real test will be dry weight comparison adjusted for system efficiency. Current prediction: Team Earth for total yield, Team Lechuza for grams-per-liter efficiency.

Sejanus21 # **Chocolate Wafflez Battle of Systems - October 5th Update** ## **Current Status (7 weeks into flowering)** **Team Earth (Bio-Mineral Hybrid):** 151cm (no change in 2 weeks) - 12.5L Airpot + Aldi Bio substrate + Multicote 6M - Natural-topping genetics delivering beautiful, even structure - Day 149 from germination - **Feeding:** Alternating nutrients/water - Alga Bloom 4ml/L + Vitaphos K 0.5g/L + Fulvital 0.5ml/L **Team Lechuza (Pure Mineral Hydro):** 129cm (no change in 2 weeks) - 7L Lechuza LS28 + Pon substrate - Manual topped, 17 days younger (Day 132) - **Feeding:** Daily nutrient solution - Hakaphos Red 0.6g/L + Base 3 0.4g/L + SOP 0.2g/L + Calcinit 0.5g/L + Fulvital 0.5ml/L ## **Environmental Challenge: German Autumn** **Current conditions:** - Temperature: 7-17°C (45-63°F) - Location: Protected under covered porch (rain shelter) - Both plants showing excellent airflow through canopy structure - Botrytis resistance: Chocolate Wafflez genetics claim mold resistance - field test underway ## **Flower Development Progress** **Team Earth:** - Stunning symmetrical structure from natural-topping trait - Well-spaced bud sites with excellent air circulation - 17-day age advantage translating to more advanced flower maturity - Robust performance despite temperature drop **Team Lechuza:** - Compact, efficient structure from manual topping - Good spacing preventing moisture issues - Slightly behind Earth in development but progressing steadily - Impressive resilience in 7L container ## **Growth Completion Confirmed** Both plants have fully completed vertical growth: - Week 3-5: +11cm and +8cm respectively (stretch phase) - Week 5-7: +2cm and +4cm (stretch completion) - Week 7-9: 0cm growth (pure flowering phase) ## **System Performance Analysis** **Volume efficiency maintained:** - Team Earth: 12.1cm per liter of growing medium - Team Lechuza: 18.4cm per liter (exceptional efficiency) **Feeding strategy proving successful:** - Soil alternating system preventing salt buildup - Hydro continuous feeding maintaining optimal nutrition - Agricultural fertilizers performing excellently in autumn conditions ## **Harvest Window Projection** **Estimated timeline:** Late October 2025 - Both plants approximately 9-10 weeks into flowering - Temperature drop may slow final maturation slightly - Trichome inspection will determine final harvest timing - No artificial light cycle control - natural photoperiod completion ## **Battle Predictions** **Total yield:** Team Earth expected to win (larger volume + age advantage) **Efficiency:** Team Lechuza likely winner for grams-per-liter metric **Quality comparison:** Awaiting final Vapman blind taste test (bio vs. mineral) **Cold tolerance:** Both systems proving remarkably resilient **Mold resistance:** Genetic claims being tested in challenging conditions --- *Week 17-19 of growth | German autumn outdoor | Agricultural nutrients | Scientific documentation continues*