Seedling grew no top?!?

Hi Buddy this is actually pretty cool 😄 And yes, it happens, more often than people think. From the pics and your description: • Germinated directly in the medium (good) • No transplant shock • Appears to have multiple nodes developing at once • Looks like it “topped itself” This is not user error. ⸻ What’s likely going on There are a few normal (and harmless) explanations: 🌱 1. Natural genetic quirk (most likely) Some seeds, especially autos, show: • Early apical split • Compressed internodes • Multiple growth tips at once It can look like topping, but it’s really just how the meristem expressed itself. 🌱 2. Mild early fasciation / meristem anomaly Sounds scary, but it’s not. This can cause: • “4 nodes at once” look • Bushy structure early • More branches without training Most of the time, the plant self-corrects as it grows. ⸻ What it is not • ❌ Not stress from transplant (you didn’t transplant) • ❌ Not light damage • ❌ Not something you caused • ❌ Not a problem with autos specifically Autos don’t mind this at all, sometimes they actually benefit from it. ⸻ What to do now (this part is important) 👉 Do nothing special. Seriously. • Don’t top • Don’t prune • Don’t “fix” it • Just let her grow Watch how she structures herself over the next 1–2 weeks. You’ll often end up with a naturally bushy auto without touching her. ⸻ Toddler analogy = spot on 😄 That comparison is perfect. Sometimes they: “just decide to do everything at once” Plants do the same thing. ⸻ Bottom line Yes, others have seen this. Yes, it’s normal. No, it’s not a problem. If anything, you might end up with: • More branches • Less need for training • A fun little genetic expression to observe Let her show you who she wants to be 🌿 Great question, growers love and great instincts asking early.