It sounds like you're experiencing both light stress and potentially a nutrient deficiency. Light stress can cause burning and curling, while deficiencies can lead to yellowing and stunted growth. Here's a breakdown to help you diagnose and fix the issue:
1. Light Stress:
Signs:
Yellowing or bleaching of leaves, especially older ones, curled or bent leaves, and brown or burned tips.
Cause:
Too much light intensity, especially if the plants are not acclimated to it.
Solution:
Lower the light intensity to around 60-70% or consider a lower wattage bulb.
If possible, increase the distance between the plants and the lights.
Ensure the plants are getting adequate water to help them handle the stress of light.
2. Nutrient Deficiency:
Signs:
Yellowing of leaves, particularly older leaves, stunted growth, and curled or bent leaves.
Cause:
Inadequate supply of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen or magnesium, says the RHS.
Solution:
Check your nutrient solution: Ensure you are using the correct amounts and ratios for your plants' needs.
Adjust nutrient levels: If you suspect a deficiency, you can try adding a small amount of the missing nutrient, or use a balanced nutrient solution with a higher percentage of nitrogen if needed, says RHS.
Monitor pH: The pH of your nutrient solution should be within the optimal range for your plants (usually around 5.5-6.5) to ensure nutrients are available.
3. Troubleshooting:
Watering:
Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your plants are not being overwatered and that they are getting adequate drainage.
Pot size:
If your plants are pot-bound, they may not have enough room for their roots to grow and absorb nutrients properly.
Consult a specialist:
If you're unsure about your specific issue, you can always consult with a gardening expert or your local nursery for more personalized advice.
In your case:
Light Stress:
You've raised the lights to the maximum, so you might need to lower them or consider a lower wattage bulb.
Nutrient Deficiency:
Your current nutrient solution might not be sufficient, especially if the yellowing is widespread. You might need to adjust the nutrient levels or consider a more balanced solution, according to RHS.
By carefully monitoring your plants and adjusting your lighting and nutrient solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your plants back to thriving.