Week 4 Flower Diary: The Generative Pivot & Structural Reinforcement
Phase: Mid-Flower / "The Bulking Engine"
Light Intensity: 950 µmol/m²/s
Environment: 28°C / 52% RH (1.56 kPa VPD)
1. Environmental Governance: Chasing the VPD
The primary focus this week has been the pursuit of the "Perfect VPD". As the Invisible Sun intensity was pushed to 950 µmols, the atmospheric pressure was increased to match the metabolic demand.
The 1.56 kPa Target: Raising the VPD at this stage is a form of Generative Steering. By increasing the "atmospheric pull," we maximize transpiration velocity, ensuring the raw materials from the Biotabs and Bactrex are pulled efficiently into the developing flower sites.
Heating Optimization: Introduced a Vivosun W70 heater to replace the bar radiator. This provides a more distributed thermal lift, eliminating the risk of localized root zone damage on inner-facing pots while maintaining the 21.2°C root-floor temperature needed for microbial stability.
2. Nutrient Strategy: Structural Reinforcement
With the PK Tea currently on a 36-hour bubble, the substrate was buffered today to support the high light load.
Silicium Flash Top-Dress: Applied a top-dress of Silicium Flash to provide a slow-release mineral foundation. The added Silicon is critical at 950 µmols; it reinforces cell walls and helps the plant regulate its stomatal aperture under high-intensity stress.
Top-Watering Protocol: Established a weekly 500ml top-watering routine. This serves two clinical purposes: it washes the Silicium Flash into the rhizosphere and prevents the accumulation of salts in the top inch of the media—a common issue in bottom-fed Autopot systems.
Microbial Maintenance: Integrated a monthly Bactrex recharge into this top-watering schedule to maintain the microbial density required to process organic inputs.
3. Photobiological Log: Spectral Steering
The 13/11 photoperiod continues to drive high efficiency via the "Sleep Hack".
Emerson Effect Efficiency: Running the Deep Red (680nm) and Far-Red (730nm) channels mid-day allows both photosystems (PSII and PSI) to operate in a synergistic series. This prevents the metabolic "bottleneck" that occurs when plants are pushed near their saturation point of 1000 µmols.
UV Status: While the Solacure Flower Power arrival was delayed, the room is being coaxed into high gear at 1.56 kPa in preparation. Once the bar is deployed, we will initiate the UVR8 process, where the plant perceives 280nm radiation and responds by increasing glandular trichome density as a biological defense.its some interesting science goes on when you blast 280nm photons at a plant. Proteins do mad stuff which I look forward to going on about once the damn light arrives..
4. Observations & Baseline
New flower site photos taken today establish the Pre-UV baseline. Stacking is dense due to the high Phytochrome Photostationary State (PSS) maintained by tmynlighting rig and the plants are currently praying to the light gods, indicating they have fully acclimated to the current 950 µmol load.
Weekly Tasking:
In 36hr Check PK Tea oxygenation and apply at the end of the brew cycle.
UV Arrival: Inspect Solacure bulbs and program the 15-minute "Acclimation Pulses" for the mid-day peak.
VPD Check: Ensure RH doesn't climb above 55% during the dark transition.
Thanks for looking.
Grow well.🌿💚🇬🇧