First Grow

Hey 👋 I had a look at your diary and the seedling, you’re actually doing more things right than wrong, so first: don’t stress. A few key points to understand what’s happening: ⸻ 🌱 Early seedling behavior (totally normal) At this stage, growth happens below the surface first. Before you see fast top growth, the plant is: • Building a taproot • Developing early root hairs • Anchoring itself So seeing slow above-ground progress at day 3–5 is completely normal, especially in cooler conditions. ⸻ 🌡️ Temperature & heat mat Your temps are on the warm side but acceptable: • 28–29°C in the seed tray is fine • Just make sure the heat mat isn’t overheating the root zone Tip: • Heat mats are best under the tray, not constantly maxed • If possible, cycle it or lift the tray slightly so roots stay warm, not hot Roots like warmth, but they also need oxygen. ⸻ 💧 Moisture & humidity dome From the photo, this is the one thing to watch closely. • The dome is very humid (which is fine early) • But the medium looks very wet • Rockwool / plugs + constant moisture can slow oxygen availability What I’d suggest: • Let the plug dry just slightly between misting • You don’t want dripping wet — you want moist + airy • Remove the dome for a short time once or twice a day to exchange air Seedlings love humidity, but roots still need oxygen. ⸻ 🌿 Light & expectations At this size: • The plant doesn’t need strong light yet • Gentle light above is perfect • No stretching = good sign Once the first true leaves start to expand, you’ll see growth speed up noticeably. ⸻ 🧠 Big picture (important) Nothing here looks wrong or stalled. You’re in the patience phase, not the problem phase. Right now: Stem visible Cotyledons healthy First true leaves forming No discoloration or collapse That’s success. ⸻ ✅ What I’d do next (simple steps) • Keep temps stable • Ease back slightly on moisture • Vent the dome daily • Don’t feed yet (EC 0.23 is fine right now) • Let the seedling do its thing Within a few days, once roots establish, growth will become much more obvious. ⸻ You’re doing fine, early seedlings just test everyone’s patience 😄 Keep updating the diary, and feel free to ask questions along the way. That’s how everyone learns 🌱 Growers Love and Keep us posted 💚💚💚

Hey Buddy. sorry just now and lets breathe, nothing here screams “failure” From what you wrote and the photos: • Roots are white ✅ (huge positive) • Leaves are green ✅ • Plant is alive and upright ✅ • It’s only been ~4 days in DWC ⏱️ Early DWC often looks like “nothing is happening”… until suddenly everything happens. ⸻ What likely happened You did this sequence: 1. Rapid rooter stayed very wet 2. Roots didn’t rush downward yet 3. You checked (good instinct) 4. You lowered water level (also good instinct) 👉 The issue wasn’t “no root growth” it was too much moisture + low oxygen early on. DWC roots don’t want to swim yet. They want air + humidity, not saturation. ⸻ Water level, this is key Your correction is basically right, just refine it: ✅ Correct early DWC setup • Water level: 1–2 inches BELOW the net pot • Do not submerge the rapid rooter • Let bubbles + humidity do the work • Hydroton should be damp, not soaked Roots will reach for the water once oxygen is correct. ⸻ About the lack of visible root growth Totally normal at this stage. In early DWC: • Roots often pause while adapting • Once they “decide,” growth is explosive • You can go from 0 → spaghetti roots in 48 hours White roots = alive roots. Alive roots = patience wins. ⸻ What NOT to do right now 🚫 Don’t keep lifting the plant to check 🚫 Don’t raise water again 🚫 Don’t add boosters or strong nutrients 🚫 Don’t chase problems that aren’t there Early hydro problems usually come from too much love, not neglect. ⸻ What to do now (simple checklist) • Keep water below net pot • Make sure air stone is bubbling hard • Water temp ideally 18–21°C • Light not too intense yet • Walk away for 24–48h That’s it. ⸻ One gentle tip (optional but helpful) If the rapid rooter still feels too wet: • Gently squeeze excess water out (just once) • Then leave it alone After that, hands off. ⸻ Bottom line You: • Caught the issue early • Made the correct adjustment • Have healthy roots and leaves This is not a rescue situation — it’s a settling-in phase. DWC teaches patience in the first week… then rewards you fast. You’re doing fine. Growers Love and Keep going