The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
Likes
Comments
Share
@ibbzy
Follow
Flowers don’t look healthy…but we are getting there. 2nd tent has been bought and half way setup for next grow. Will have 2 tents going for next run. Im addicted to this grow stuff! So I didn't listen to advice of not removing leaves at Week 5 and went and removed and stripped....I regret it now. Bud development definitely slowed down and plants concentrated on growing out more leaves as it seems. Megacrop has been removed from feeding and just Myco Chun as a tea and Plagron 4-in-1 Green Sensation. Giving me an NPK ration of 1-9-11 Hopefully feed this for a week and then follow up with molasses feedings till harvest We shall see if that makes the buds develop a bit more. Buds getting denser and bigger by the day, had to purchase these bud hangers. So nifty. Just auto mode from now I guess
Likes
8
Share
@Enochian
Follow
Quiet week in the flower tent this week. Got couple new additions in the form of a humidifier for lights out and a Vivosun Aerolab THB. Both are welcome tools. The Aerolab seems accurate on temp and humidity but is consistently a couple of points off on VPD, which means I just deduct .2 off the value shown to give me a closer value to the true VPD. Useful even though inaccurate. Otherwise nothing to tell. The buds are getting bigger and swelling but I do believe she is giving her all. Here's to next week. :-)
Likes
23
Share
Week 5 of flower! Did some defoliation and some more supercropping to bring the height down, as I measured 70k lux at the canopy (a little too much). Buds are stacking nicely now, it's on cruise control from here on out. Just gonna let the plant do its thing.
Likes
39
Share
Hello Growmies! This week most of the pistils have turned amber, branches have started flopping over and the trichomes are beginning to appear milky, I think the harvest window has opened. I have had to put up a couple of plant-yoyos, every time i touch this plants my hands are mad sticky. the tips of some fan leaves are burned, I think I need to lower my Green sensation dose a tiny tad, I have rising EC issues even after lowering overall EC, which tells me that my plant isn't using all the PK, I guess this pheno is a little sensitive to nutes. next reservoir change I will be dropping green sensation to 0.5-0.7 ml/l. Or it might just be that the plant is getting to the end of its life span. Either way, I woulnd't be surprised if next weeks ends up being the last, I might attempt to flush her, I have never done that. Thanks for checking out week 15, stay safe and keep growing
Likes
4
Share
@CalGonJim
Follow
7/21 330am MONDAY everyone is looking good. I gave a little bit of nitrogen from a germination grow yesterday gorilla gas F1 has little white bugs in the soil, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting anything too bad. I don’t want to spray anything. It will affect the outcome and make everything taste gross. I learned that the hard way☠️ flushing matters because even though the flowers process & convert, there is still water being delivered up through the root system that carries up things that taste bad and your BONG WATER will look the same color as your runoff SHOULD HAVE after the first hit. DONT DO THAT, DONT BE LIKE ME!👍👍 7/22 3:22 AM I got five Mike Tyson clones. They are not autos, but I think they are gelato. They are great. I put some extra dirt and one of the Mike Tyson plants yesterday so I have to put in some new nutrients on the nitrogen deficiency, everything‘s looking good. 👍👍. 7/22 1030pm......WELL WE KNOW WHAT DOESNT WORK...... I SCREWED UP WITH RAPID START. IT WILL CAUSE VERY SPECIFIC BURNS TO THE LEAF TIPS AND SIDES WHEN USED. I MAY BE USING TOO MUCH, 0.5ML SHOULD USE .25ML, WONT USE AGAIN UNTIL I FIGURE OUT WHATS INTERACTING AND CAUSING THIS. The clones are looking great, they will go back from flower to veg this week then a month of slow germination and kept low and slow so I can keep them. 7/23 4 AM adding TMG powder to the mix 👍👍 7/24 111am TMG did not harm the plants. The clones are progressing nicely. There may be some problems mixing methylene blue with nitrous oxide but it’s maybe different. There’s a combination of amino acids. I’m still trying to work out. Proline arginine citrulline are the main ones right now that have pretty good results. Methylene blue works really good during veg not so sure during flower I tend to accumulate in the chloroplast and on the in the leaves you can see it. It doesn’t affect the flavor or the taste. I’ve smoked some critical Kush shake on some pretty heavy methylene blue is an experiment and I’m not dead yet so dammit here we are.👍👍👍🎉🎉. My personal results using this combination on myself has been phenomenal. The change after using the system on myself is nothing I’ve experienced before I feel ripped off by about 40 years of garbage medicine when I created something that actually worked for the first time, I wouldn’t put too much faith in any more PhD lab coats. They are all failures and I found a system that works.👍. 845am PROP WALL UPDATE, I GET DISTRACTE....OH LOOK AT THAT... I DONT KNOW WHERE I SAID DISNEY WHILE SHE WAS LISTING BUT IT SCREWED UP OR MADE INCREDIBLY BETTER THE INFO YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ!!!!!!! IM PRETTY SURE I SAID DIXIE VIBE...BUT OK 7/24 315pm Got it, so anyway, we were talking about adjusting the dosage for your mix on flowering cannabis, and you’re saying to skip the methylene blue. Let’s pivot and finalize the analysis without methylene blue, focusing on 10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg) in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage (4–8 mL/L). I’ll wrap up the effects on bud quality, cannabinoids, and terpenes during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12), and give you practical tips to optimize your cannabis grow. ### Effects During Flowering Stage (Without Methylene Blue) 1. Amino Acid Quick-Sorb (10 drops, ~100 mg in 2 L, ~50 mg/L): - Bud Impact: At 50 mg/L, amino acids (glycine, L-arginine, L-proline, etc.) act as biostimulants, boosting terpene production but potentially reducing cannabinoid content. They increase nitrogen and sulfur uptake, supporting trichome development but may lower calcium and iron, risking deficiencies that affect bud density. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Cannabinoids: Reduces CBDA by up to 44% and THCA by up to 196% (especially in drain-to-waste systems), lowering potency. Recirculation systems mitigate this loss slightly. (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full) - Terpenes: Boosts limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), creating aromatic buds like a burst of citrusy magic from a Disney parade. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Flowering Note: The low dose minimizes nitrogen overload, but excess could delay bud ripening, making buds leafy like overgrowth in Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Monitor for yellowing leaves (calcium/iron deficiency). 2. Trimethylglycine (TMG) Powder (1/4 teaspoon, ~1250 mg in 2 L, ~625 mg/L): - Bud Impact: TMG acts as an osmoprotectant, enhancing stress tolerance (e.g., high light, humidity swings), which is key for robust bud development in flowering. It supports methylation, potentially upregulating terpene or flavonoid genes, but doesn’t directly boost cannabinoids. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimethylglycine) - Cannabinoids: May indirectly support THCA/CBDA synthase via methylation, but evidence is speculative. No significant direct impact. - Terpenes: Likely amplifies amino acid-driven terpene boosts, enhancing aroma like a floral float at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. - Flowering Note: At 625 mg/L, TMG helps plants thrive under stress but may increase nitrogen levels, risking delayed flowering if overdone. Watch EC to avoid burn. 3. Nitric Boost Capsule (1 capsule, 1400 mg total NO precursors in 2 L, ~700 mg/L): - Ingredients Recap: L-arginine (400 Great! So, let’s finalize the flowering cannabis analysis, focusing on your mix—10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (with L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg), and 1 drop 5% methylene blue in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage. I’ll finish the terpene effects, summarize the overall impact, and give you actionable tips to optimize bud quality, cannabinoid, and terpene production during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12 for most cannabis cultivars). Then, I’ll tie in any Disney vibe you’re feeling, maybe with a sprinkle of fun! — ### **Completion of Effects During Flowering Stage** We were discussing the **terpene profile** and how the mix impacts bud quality. To recap: amino acids (Quick-Sorb) reduce cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) by up to 44–196% but boost monoterpenes like limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), TMG enhances stress tolerance, Nitric Boost increases NO for nutrient uptake and terpenes, and methylene blue’s low dose (1.25 mg/L) may slightly counteract NO effects or provide antimicrobial benefits. Let’s finish the terpene section and synthesize the rest. - **Terpene Profile (Continued)**: - **Amino Acid Quick-Sorb**: The significant increase in limonene and β-myrcene enhances bud aroma and therapeutic value (e.g., anti-inflammatory, sedative effects). These terpenes are concentrated in trichomes, improving market appeal, especially for strains prized for scent (e.g., OG Kush, Blue Dream). Other amino acids like glycine and serine may support terpene synthase enzymes indirectly via protein synthesis. - **TMG**: By aiding methylation, TMG could upregulate terpene biosynthesis genes, amplifying the amino acid effect, though direct evidence is limited. - **Nitric Boost**: The NO precursors (L-arginine, L-citrulline, totaling 1400 mg per capsule, or ~700 mg/L in 2 L) boost NO signaling, which upregulates terpene pathways, synergizing with amino acids for a stronger aroma profile. - **Methylene Blue**: Its NO inhibition might slightly dampen terpene enhancement from Nitric Boost, but at 1.25 mg/L, the effect is negligible. Its antimicrobial properties could protect trichomes from fungal issues (e.g., bud rot), preserving terpene quality. - **Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur**: Its humic acids and organic inputs enhance terpene production, complementing the amino acid and NO effects for a robust flavor profile. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full, https://www.advancednutrients.com/products/) — ### **Overall Impact on Flowering Cannabis** - **Bud Quality and Yield**: - **Positives**: The mix enhances terpene production (limonene, β-myrcene), improving bud aroma and appeal, ideal for premium markets. TMG and proline (from Quick-Sorb) boost stress tolerance, supporting bud development under high light, heat, or humidity stress, common in flowering. Connoisseur’s optimized NPK (e.g., ~194 mg/L N, 59 mg/L P) ensures dense, resinous buds. Nitric Boost’s NO precursors may increase nutrient delivery, potentially increasing bud size in early flowering (weeks 4–6). - **Negatives**: Amino acids risk reducing THCA and CBDA by 44–196%, especially in drain-to-waste systems, lowering potency. Excess nitrogen from Quick-Sorb and TMG could delay flowering or produce leafy buds, reducing density. Methylene blue’s NO inhibition may counteract Nitric Boost’s benefits, potentially limiting nutrient uptake or terpene gains. High EC (estimated 1.8–2.8 mS/cm with additives) risks nutrient burn, visible as brown leaf tips or stunted buds. 7/25 9am Water today no MB, all aminos tho. 217pm GOATS sustained minor damage from Rapid Start product experiment at the wrong time. It's ok on its own in the beginning with clones too but never with flowering nutrients. G Gas f1 and GC Auto have more damage because I did not start Amino and Methelyene Blue treatment, so it does work in Veg. and creates a protective environment that carries through till the end. No more MB or Aminos, I WILL keep using small amounts of TMG Powder. and I will get all the other stress amino acids separately , just AN and ATAMI at .5ml per TWO liter, I do EVERYTHING in 2 liter now, just easier and more accurate. NEVER FUCKING SLEEP...FUCK 745PM.... AMINO'S HAVE BETRAYED ME!!!!!! FARGING BASTAGES!!!! I think I will get all the stress aminos separately from BulkSupplements they have small bags of each one but its 18 of them and about 12 to 17 each.....BulkSupplements. 137am. Something smoking Purple Haze...puts me to sleep....nooooo. ZUP by Fastbuds smell like. garlic cheese muffin its just greatl. I got over nitrogen and Frost Banger was leafy, all were small and all turned out perfect smell and taste. 3am they all got pretty burned by the rapid start and it also could’ve been. I sprayed a little bit of Nemo on the dart when I saw the bugs they bad idea, but I had to do it. 7/27 1233am. IVE SEEN RE-VEGES YOU PEOPLE WOULDN'T BELIVE ... UNTIL NOW LOSERS.. the Tyson plants are re-vegging perfectly!!!! in a couple months they will be strong and small. The G Gas F1 clones are ready but I think im going to try and bonsai tree them sounds like a fun project. OR EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING AND I THROW MOST OF IT AGANST THE WALL AND THEN BREAK STUFF. NOT SURE ITS WORTH IT. 7/27 230pm Adding proline to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL), Atami Bloombastic (1 mL), and betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) for autoflowering cannabis plants could potentially enhance stress tolerance and growth, as proline is another well-documented osmoprotectant and stress-mitigating compound in plants. However, its effects on autoflowers, which are sensitive to nutrient overload, must be carefully considered to avoid imbalances. Since no cannabis-specific studies exist for proline or its combination with betaine, the following analysis extrapolates from research on other plants (e.g., alfalfa, peppers, maize) and accounts for autoflowers’ unique characteristics (short life cycle, low nutrient tolerance). Background on Proline • What is Proline?: Proline is an amino acid that accumulates naturally in plants under stress (e.g., drought, salinity, temperature extremes) to act as an osmoprotectant, stabilize proteins and membranes, and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). It complements betaine’s role as an osmolyte and stress mitigator. • Role in Plants: Exogenous proline application (via nutrient solution or foliar spray) can enhance stress tolerance, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and support growth under adverse conditions. It also regulates gene expression related to stress response and nutrient uptake. • Relevance to Autoflowers: Autoflowers, with their compact size and 6–12-week life cycle, are hardy but sensitive to overfeeding. Proline could enhance resilience in stressful environments (e.g., high EC, temperature swings, or inconsistent watering), but excessive doses risk nutrient burn or metabolic disruption. Potential Effects of Adding Proline to the Nutrient Solution Based on studies of proline’s effects on other plants and the context of your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1 Enhanced Stress Tolerance: ◦ Osmotic Regulation: Like betaine, proline maintains cellular water balance under stress (e.g., drought, salinity). In maize, exogenous proline (1–10 mM) increased leaf water content and reduced wilting under drought stress. For autoflowers, proline could complement betaine’s osmotic protection, particularly in hydroponic systems or outdoor grows with variable conditions. ◦ Antioxidant Defense: Proline reduces oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and upregulating antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD]). In alfalfa under salt stress, proline accumulation (alongside betaine) decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating less cell damage. This could protect autoflower leaves and buds from stress-induced damage, especially under high-intensity lighting or heat. 2 Synergistic Effects with Betaine: ◦ Complementary Osmolytes: Proline and betaine both act as compatible solutes, stabilizing proteins and membranes. In Suaeda salsa, combined accumulation of proline and betaine under salinity improved growth and ion homeostasis (Na+/K+ balance). For autoflowers, adding proline to betaine could enhance stress resilience, particularly if grown in challenging conditions (e.g., high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic, low humidity, or temperature fluctuations). ◦ Potential Redundancy: Since betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) already provides osmoprotection, additional proline may offer diminishing returns in optimal conditions (e.g., controlled indoor grows with 18–20 hours light, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity). However, under stress, their combined effects could be additive, improving root activity and biomass. 3 Improved Growth and Photosynthesis: ◦ Growth Enhancement: In peppers, 5 mM proline increased plant height and fresh weight under salinity stress. For autoflowers, proline could support vegetative growth (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6), potentially increasing bud sites or yield, though effects may be limited by their short cycle. ◦ Photosynthetic Efficiency: Proline protects photosystem II and increases chlorophyll content. In wheat, 10 mM proline improved Fv/Fm (photochemical efficiency) under drought. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (e.g., LED, HPS), proline could stabilize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s effects on chlorophyll gene expression (e.g., Capsb genes in peppers). 4 Nutrient Uptake and Metabolism: ◦ Ion Homeostasis: Proline enhances K+ uptake and reduces Na+ toxicity under salinity, as seen in Suaeda salsa. This could improve nutrient absorption in autoflowers, which rely on efficient uptake due to smaller root systems, especially in hydroponics with Advanced Nutrients Bloom (high N-P-K) and Bloombastic (high P-K). ◦ Metabolic Support: Proline supports protein synthesis and enzyme stability, potentially enhancing metabolic efficiency during the rapid autoflower life cycle. However, excessive proline could disrupt nitrogen metabolism, as it’s an amino acid competing with other nitrogen sources in the nutrient solution. 5 Potential Impact on Yield and Quality: ◦ Yield: Proline’s stress-mitigating effects could indirectly increase bud weight by reducing environmental setbacks, similar to betaine’s potential to enhance biomass. Autoflowers yield 28–112 g/plant indoors, and proline might support larger buds if stress is a limiting factor. ◦ Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile: No data exists on proline’s effect on THC, CBD, or terpenes. It’s unlikely to directly alter cannabinoid synthesis but could improve plant vigor, potentially leading to denser buds or enhanced resin production. Overapplication risks altering flavor if not flushed properly. Recommended Proline Dosage • Optimal Concentration: 1–2 mM (230–460 mg per 2 L). ◦ Calculation: Proline molecular weight: 115.13 g/mol. 1 mM = 0.001 mol/L × 115.13 g/mol = 0.11513 g/L = 115.13 mg/L. For 2 L at 1 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 L = 230.26 mg (rounded to 230 mg). For 2 L at 2 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 × 2 L = 460.52 mg (rounded to 460 mg). ◦ Rationale: Studies (e.g., maize, peppers) show 1–10 mM proline is effective for stress tolerance, with 1–5 mM optimal for root application to avoid toxicity. For autoflowers, 1–2 mM aligns with betaine’s 1–2 mM (250–500 mg), ensuring compatibility and minimizing nutrient overload. Start with 230 mg (1 mM) to test plant response, increasing to 460 mg (2 mM) if no stress signs (e.g., leaf burn, stunted growth) appear after 1–2 applications. • Comparison with Betaine: Proline and betaine have similar molar masses (115.13 vs. 117.15 g/mol), so 1–2 mM of each results in comparable mass (230–460 mg for proline, 250–500 mg for betaine). Their combined effect should stay within autoflower EC limits (1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering). Application Guidelines • Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L): ◦ Water: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). ◦ Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). ◦ Atami Bloombastic: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering autoflowers). ◦ Betaine Anhydrous: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). ◦ Proline: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). ◦ Mixing: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, and proline, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). • Timing: Apply during vegetative (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6) to support stress tolerance and growth. Stop both betaine and proline 2 weeks before harvest to allow flushing for optimal bud flavor. • Frequency: Use with each nutrient feeding (e.g., every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). Alternate or reduce frequency if EC approaches 1.8 mS/cm. • Source: Use L-proline (plant-grade, 99%+ purity) from a reputable supplier (e.g., agricultural or lab-grade sources). Avoid impure or non-plant-specific products. Potential Risks and Considerations • Nutrient Overload: Combining betaine (250–500 mg) and proline (230–460 mg) with Bloom and Bloombastic increases EC and nitrogen load (proline is an amino acid). Monitor for nutrient burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce both to 0.5 mM (125 mg betaine, 115 mg proline per 2 L) or skip a feeding. • EC Impact: Betaine and proline each add ~0.1–0.2 mS/cm at 1–2 mM. With Bloom (1–2 mL/L) and Bloombastic (0.5 mL/L) at ~1.0–1.5 mS/cm, the total EC should stay below 1.8 mS/cm. Measure after mixing. • Redundancy: Betaine and proline have overlapping roles (osmolytes, antioxidants). In optimal conditions, adding proline may offer minimal additional benefits over betaine alone, but under stress (e.g., high heat, low humidity), their synergy could enhance resilience. • Cost vs. Benefit: Proline is more expensive than betaine and may not justify the cost in well-managed grows. Test its impact on a small scale first. • Flushing: Cease both betaine and proline in the final 1–2 weeks to avoid residual taste in buds, using plain water or a flushing agent (e.g., Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish). • Unknown Cannabinoid Effects: No evidence suggests proline or betaine alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but overapplication could affect flavor if not flushed. Summary of Effects Adding proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM) to a 2-liter solution with betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM), Advanced Nutrients Bloom (2–4 mL), and Atami Bloombastic (1 mL) could enhance autoflower stress tolerance by: • Improving osmotic regulation and antioxidant defenses, complementing betaine’s effects. • Supporting photosynthesis and growth under stress (e.g., salinity, heat, low light), potentially increasing biomass or bud yield. • Enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency, critical for autoflowers’ small root systems. Start with 230 mg proline (1 mM) and 250 mg betaine (1 mM), increasing to 460 mg proline (2 mM) and 500 mg betaine (2 mM) if plants tolerate well. Apply during vegetative or early flowering, monitor EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm), and stop 2 weeks before harvest. Risks include nutrient burn and redundancy, so test cautiously and ensure proper flushing. If you provide your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine the dosing or application method. Let me know if you need sourcing tips for proline or further guidance!”” 7/27 3PM. Adding **0.5 mL of Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin (potassium silicate)** to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Atami Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM)**, and **proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM)** for autoflowering cannabis plants could provide additional benefits, particularly in strengthening plant structure and enhancing stress tolerance. However, the effects must be evaluated carefully given autoflowers’ sensitivity to nutrient overload and the complex nutrient mix already in use. Below, I analyze the potential effects of adding 0.5 mL of Rhino Skin, based on the role of silica in plant physiology, studies on cannabis and other crops, and the specific context of your nutrient solution. ### **Background on Silica (Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin)** - **What is Rhino Skin?**: Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin is a potassium silicate supplement (typically 0-0-0.4 N-P-K, with ~4–7% silica as SiO₂). Silica strengthens plant cell walls, improves stress resistance, and enhances nutrient uptake. The recommended dosage is 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L) due to their sensitivity. - **Silica in Plants**: Silicon (Si), absorbed as silicic acid, deposits in cell walls as silica gel, increasing structural rigidity. It also mitigates abiotic (e.g., drought, heat) and biotic (e.g., pests, fungi) stresses and can improve photosynthesis and yield. In cannabis, silica is not essential but is considered a beneficial element. - **Autoflower Context**: Autoflowers have a short 6–12-week life cycle and smaller root systems, making them prone to nutrient burn if EC (electrical conductivity) exceeds 1.2–1.8 mS/cm during flowering. Rhino Skin’s low dosage (0.5 mL per 2 L, or 0.25 mL/L) minimizes this risk while complementing betaine and proline’s stress-mitigating roles. ### **Potential Effects of Adding 0.5 mL Rhino Skin** Based on silica’s effects in cannabis and other plants (e.g., rice, tomatoes, hemp), and considering your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1. **Strengthened Plant Structure**: - **Cell Wall Reinforcement**: Silica deposits in cell walls, increasing stem and leaf rigidity. In hemp (*Cannabis sativa*), silica supplementation (e.g., 1–2 mM Si) thickened stems and improved mechanical strength. For autoflowers, which are compact (1–3 feet tall), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could strengthen branches, supporting heavier buds during flowering (weeks 4–10), reducing the risk of snapping under weight or wind (outdoor grows). - **Benefit in Your Mix**: Betaine and proline enhance osmotic and metabolic resilience, but they don’t directly strengthen cell walls. Silica complements their effects by providing structural support, potentially allowing autoflowers to allocate more energy to bud development. 2. **Enhanced Stress Tolerance**: - **Abiotic Stress**: Silica mitigates drought, heat, and salinity stress by reducing transpiration and stabilizing cell membranes. In tomatoes, 1 mM silica improved water retention under drought. For autoflowers, 0.5 mL Rhino Skin (~0.1–0.2 mM Si, based on typical 4–7% SiO₂ content) could enhance resilience in challenging conditions (e.g., low humidity, high temperatures, or high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic). - **Biotic Stress**: Silica forms a physical barrier in cell walls, deterring pests (e.g., spider mites) and pathogens (e.g., powdery mildew). In cannabis, silica reduced fungal infections in controlled studies. This could protect autoflowers, especially in humid indoor grows or outdoor settings prone to pests. - **Synergy with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine and proline reduce oxidative stress (via antioxidant enzymes like SOD, POD) and maintain osmotic balance. Silica adds a physical and physiological layer of protection, creating a robust stress-response system. For example, in *Suaeda salsa*, betaine and proline improved ion homeostasis under salinity, while silica in rice enhanced K+ uptake, suggesting complementary effects. 3. **Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency**: - **Leaf Support and Light Capture**: Silica strengthens leaf tissues, keeping them erect for better light exposure. In rice, 1.5 mM silica increased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (18–24 hours), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could optimize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s role in protecting photosystem II (e.g., upregulation of Capsb genes in peppers). - **Relevance to Your Mix**: Advanced Nutrients Bloom supports flowering with N-P-K, and Bloombastic boosts bud density with high P-K. Silica could enhance energy allocation to buds by improving leaf health, especially if plants face light stress (e.g., inconsistent outdoor light). 4. **Nutrient Uptake and Compatibility**: - **Enhanced Nutrient Absorption**: Silica improves root uptake of nutrients like potassium and calcium. In maize, 1 mM silica increased K+ and Ca²⁺ levels. For autoflowers, this could optimize absorption of Bloom’s macronutrients and Bloombastic’s P-K, critical for flowering. - **pH and EC Impact**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate can raise pH slightly, but Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL) stabilizes pH at 5.5–6.5 (hydro) or 6.0–6.5 (soil). At 0.5 mL per 2 L (0.25 mL/L), Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), keeping the total EC (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering autoflowers. - **Compatibility with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine (1–2 mM) and proline (1–2 mM) are neutral organic compounds that don’t chemically interact with silica (an inorganic compound). Their combined use should be synergistic, as they target different stress-response pathways (osmotic vs. structural). 5. **Potential Impact on Yield and Quality**: - **Yield**: Silica’s structural and stress-mitigating benefits could increase bud weight by supporting healthier plants. In hemp, 1 mM silica increased biomass by 10–15%. For autoflowers (28–112 g/plant indoors), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin might modestly boost yield, especially in stressful conditions, by complementing betaine and proline’s growth-enhancing effects. - **Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile**: No direct evidence links silica to THC, CBD, or terpene changes in cannabis, but stronger plants may produce denser buds or more resin. Silica’s pest resistance could reduce the need for chemical treatments, preserving terpene quality. Proper flushing remains critical to avoid flavor impacts. ### **Recommended Dosage and Application** - **Dosage**: **0.5 mL Rhino Skin per 2 L (0.25 mL/L)** is optimal. - **Rationale**: Advanced Nutrients recommends 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L). At 0.5 mL per 2 L, Rhino Skin provides ~0.1–0.2 mM silica (assuming 4–7% SiO₂), aligning with effective doses in plant studies (0.5–2 mM) while minimizing EC and pH impacts. - **Confirmation**: Your specified 0.5 mL is appropriate for autoflowers, ensuring safety with the nutrient-rich mix (Bloom, Bloombastic, betaine, proline). - **Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L)**: - **Water**: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). - **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom**: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). - **Atami Bloombastic**: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering). - **Betaine Anhydrous**: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). - **Proline**: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). - **Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin**: 0.5 mL (0.25 mL/L). - **Mixing**: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, proline, and finally Rhino Skin, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Timing**: Apply from vegetative (weeks 2–4) through mid-flowering (weeks 4–8) to support structure and stress resistance. Stop silica, betaine, and proline 1–2 weeks before harvest (weeks 8–10) for flushing to ensure bud flavor. - **Frequency**: Use with each nutrient feeding (every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). If EC nears 1.8 mS/cm, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or alternate silica applications. ### **Potential Risks and Considerations** - **Nutrient Overload**: The mix (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) is nutrient-dense. At 0.5 mL, Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), but the total EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm) must be monitored to avoid burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or skip silica for one feeding. - **pH Stability**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate may slightly raise pH, but pH Perfect Bloom should counteract this. Verify pH after mixing (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Redundancy**: Betaine, proline, and silica all enhance stress tolerance (osmotic, metabolic, structural). In optimal conditions (e.g., indoor, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity), silica’s benefits may be marginal, but under stress (e.g., heat, pests), it adds a complementary layer of protection. - **Flushing**: Stop all additives (silica, betaine, proline) 1–2 weeks before harvest, using plain water or Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish to avoid residual taste in buds. - **Cost vs. Benefit**: Rhino Skin is relatively affordable, but its benefits may be less pronounced in well-managed grows. Test on a few plants to assess impact. - **Cannabinoid Effects**: No evidence suggests silica alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but improved plant health could enhance resin production. Overuse risks silica deposits affecting flavor if not flushed. ### **Summary of Effects** Adding **0.5 mL Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin** to a 2-liter solution with **Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine (250–500 mg)**, and **proline (230–460 mg)** could: - Strengthen stems and leaves, supporting heavier buds. - Enhance resistance to abiotic (drought, heat) and biotic (pests, fungi) stresses. - Improve photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake, complementing betaine and proline’s osmotic and metabolic benefits. - Potentially increase yield (28–112 g/plant) by reducing stress setbacks. The 0.5 mL dose (0.25 mL/L) is safe for autoflowers, keeping EC within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm. Apply during vegetative to mid-flowering, stop 1–2 weeks before harvest, and monitor for nutrient burn. The synergy of silica (structural), betaine (osmotic), and proline (metabolic) could optimize autoflower health, especially under stress. If you share your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine dosing or application further. Let me know if you need sourcing tips or additional guidance!
Likes
58
Share
@AsNoriu
Follow
Day 40. Was away for 2 weeks and girls missed me a lot !!! No TLC - NO RESULT !!! Worst grow I think, girls are small or weak and stretched .... Gave first feed ... SuperCroped highest girls ... Sad harvest upfront ... Think auto way is not for me ... Happy Growing !!!
Likes
101
Share
💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊 Welcome to week 10, dear friends!! 😘 ❤️ 💜 She has a few problems to manage, but the buds look frosty af!! 😍 The pot is rather small and they dry out from time to time.. 😇 Going to chop her soon!! 😋 DAY 64 Watered with 2ml A+B + 2,5ml PK 💧 DAY 66 Watered with Clean Fruits 💧 DAY 68 Watered with Clean Fruits 💧 No nutes from now on! 💀 Thanks, everybody for visiting!! 💚 💚 💚 Grower love!!! 😘🙏 🌱 _________________________________________________________________________________ Strain Description: This is a giant autoflower that reaches 150cm and produces massive yields of up to 600gr/m2, a modern Cali strain that offers what a top-quality Indica-dominant hybrid should; nugs capped in resin with the density you would expect from Indica-dominant strains and that bag appeal that will surprise even the most experienced growers. Expect beautiful purple and magenta hues that come along with a sweet almost pastry-like taste and, thanks to the 24% THC, a very pleasant and potent effect that surprisingly starts as a motivating high and in no time relaxes you completely, taking a bit of the energetic edge off. Bud description Purple Punch Auto develops rounded compact buds with fat calyxes and bright orange or sometimes bright yellow hairs, with copious amounts of trichomes that give the buds that beautiful frosty look that all growers seek for. The light-green buds can exhibit subtle purple or lime-green tones that give them a charming and attractive look and complement them magnificently, while the mouth-watering mix of earthy cherries and blueberry muffins with a spicy touch will win you over even before you can see the buds. Smoke report Due to the high THC levels, you’ll experience a powerful effect that will completely relax your whole body and gradually start feeling like all your muscles are melting before you can count to three. Despite the strong Indica effect, you won’t be couch-locked thanks to the slight Sativa genes that incorporate a pleasant creative head-buzz and leaves you mellow and clear-headed in a peaceful state of mind. The perfect effect to go through a busy day stress-free, alleviating sore muscles after a long workout routine or just chill and have fun on a night out with friends. Plant appearance Due to the Indica dominancy, this strain remains relatively compact despite its height and grows wide and thick fan leaves typical of Indica-dominant varieties. You can expect a thick tall main cola and a few shorter side branches with spaced-out internodes where the incredibly frostbitten flowers develop and end up looking like buds on steroids by the end of the flowering stage. Grow tips This strain offers unique flavors and charming colors so we recommend flushing thoroughly to allow it to show its full potential and end up with the beautiful reddish-purple and/or lime-green hues on the buds and surrounding foliage. Due to the Indica genes, the buds grow denser than usual so it’s essential you tie the branches slightly so there is enough airflow in between the buds to prevent mold and bugs. This variety doesn’t require a lot of maintenance or anything extra but remember to feed her properly and with good-quality nutrients, this way you guarantee the buds fatten up properly and that your plant doesn’t suffer any kind of nutrient deficiencies. Flavor Thanks to the high-quality genetics, this strain offers a distinguishable taste of fresh blueberries and earthy cherries with spicy undertones and a pinch of sugary tart. The sweet smoke overpowers your throat with a sweet blueberry muffin-like taste as you inhale and, as you exhale, leaves a delicious coat of sweetness in your mouth that leaves you feeling like you’ve just eaten a dessert. ______________________________________________________________________ SETUP: 80x80x180 cm Zelsius 240W Full Spectrum LED IR UV dimmable DW240H-A6-HS Heatsink color red LED Chips: 512pcs SAMSUNG LM301H + 24pcs Osram 660nm + 8pcs Osram IR 730nm + 8pcs UV 385nm Color mix: 2700K + 4000K 2,8umol/J Driver HLG-240H-C2100B Coverage: veg 5x3ft / flower 4x2ft Product size: 628x205x68mm ° 2x 5W Fans ° custom 320/270 cm³/h exhaust fan & Carbon Active Granulate 240cm³/h ° Mills Nutrients, Green Buzz Nutrients Shouts go out to my sponsors @GreenBuzzNutrients, thanks so much for your support! ❤️ If anyone would like to try their amazing organic products, use code GD42025 for generous 25% discount (for orders of minimum 75€) ✨ https://greenbuzznutrients.com/ ° tap water EC 0,26uS upgraded to EC 0,5 with PlantMagic MagneCal - pH 8, nutrient solution downgraded to pH 6,5 with Advanced Hydroponics Minus Bloom ° from week 4 in the same container Aptus Enzym+ once a week ° Biobizz Lightmix 💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊💜 🌧️ 👊
Likes
7
Share
Oh man I messed up by not cutting candy kush #3 before the rain last week and lost a little less than half to botrytis 😓😓😞 but can only be mad at myself for not chopping her down sooner and I will still end up with a few ozs from CKE #3. Candy kush #2 just exploded with trichomes and orange pistils over the last 8 days so I'm very glad I left #1 & #2 out,going to chop #2 today or maybe tomorrow if it stays warm and sunny!!! Candy kush #1 is the biggest of the 3(makes sense since I put her in a full 15 gallon grow bag). When I chopped #3 last week cke #1 was no where near done but now almost all her pistils have turned brown and she has milky trichomes all over!! Im the most excited for CKE #2 ,she smells like the old school west coast og kush with a hint of chem to her it's amazing!! Candy kush #1 got more of the sweet special traits in the nose smells very sweet and earthy but im sure both will be amazing smoke no doubt in my mind!! ✌️ ☮️
Likes
12
Share
@VeeDro203
Follow
Another new ac infinity t3 cloud forge came in!! Loving down humidity levels. Added with the rest of the ACI system in running.
Likes
21
Share
Flowering day 76 since time switch to 12/12 h. Hey guys :-) Finally the time has come . The lady was harvested and hung upside down in the dry tent 😍. Before that, she stood in the drying tent in complete darkness for 2 days and the large leaves were removed. The small leaves stay attached during the drying process so that they protect the buds and allow them to dry more slowly and evenly :-) . In the dry tent, the temperature is 18-19.5 degrees and the humidity is 54-58% 👍. In this environment they are now allowed to hang for 10-14 days before they are fine-tuned and trimmed clean by hand. then after trimming they come to ferment for 6-12 weeks in dark jars with bobeda packs 62% to keep the perfect humidity. After a few weeks, the Boveda packs 58% are used so that they can slowly dry out :-) . Of course there is one last update after trimming. Until then, I wish you a lot of fun with the update. Stay healthy and let it grow 💚🙏🏻 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 You can buy this Nutrients at : https://greenbuzzliquids.com/en/shop/ With the discount code: Made_in_Germany you get a discount of 15% on all products from an order value of 100 euros. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 You can buy this strain at : Clearwater Seeds Water 💧 💧💧 Osmosis water mixed with normal water (24 hours stale that the chlorine evaporates) to 0.2 EC. Add Cal / Mag to 0.4 Ec Ph with Organic Ph - to 5.8 - 6.5 MadeInGermany
Likes
7
Share
Day 52____________________________ - Not much has changed from last week. Just fighting with the trellis net keeping everyone held down. - pH has been strange recently. I’ve been used to the pH raising as the week goes by, but in the past week or so, pH has dropped. Used to try to keep it at 5.6 and it would slowly turn to 6.0, but a few mornings I’ve checked it, it’s been at 5.4 or 5.3, so I’ve adjusted pH to 5.8, and am just monitoring it closely. - Checking root health has been a struggle as the trellis net kinda keeps everything held down. Removed the net to make sure nothing was getting caught in the drain tubes and make sure no root rot is happening and re-installed. - Starting to get super stinky when the stems are touched Day 55____________________________ - Plants were in desperate need of some under canopy clean up. Removed lots of fans shadowing and lower, weaker branches. Noticed a few leaves not looking so hot that we’re laying on top of net pot. Assuming it’s just from being neglected. Keeping an eye on nute levels and pH just in case. Day 56____________________________ - Removed a few other fan leaves once plant repositioned itself after messing with ScrOG. - Installed small fan blowing through newly opened up under canopy to help plant breath. - Will need a bigger Dehumidifier if opening up the under canopy doesn’t help bring down moisture. Set to 45%, expecting to get closer to 55%, but still seeing times with 75% or higher. It’s averaging out to 63%, which isn’t terrible, but I know I’ll need more juice soon anyway Day 56____________________________ - First pistils are showing!!! Day 57____________________________ - Decided to throw my Amazon.com dehumidifier in the dumpster. It would run all day and only pull a few teaspoons of water from the air. Got a hold of a nice GE unit that can handle 70 pints per day of dehumidification. I have literally zero clue if that’s a lot or not, but it’s 6 times the size of my old one, so I’m sure it’ll do fine.
Likes
17
Share
Hello Diary. The second week of flowering is behind us and the plants are progressing nicely. Purple Punch has reached 66 cm, which means it hasn’t grown anything since last week, all the plants are now about the same height which is great considering the light setting. It is nicely branched and wide, it is full of leaves so I will need to do a little cleaning soon. The flowers develop beautifully and take on a round shape. All in all, there is already a real jungle on the "Farm", two Purple Punch, there is also one Watermelon Auto, so each of them is fighting for as much light as possible. The humidity in the Box is still lower than I would like, the temperature is good. Let's see what the week looked like: 24/02/2021 - Day 29. Watering. I regulated, that is, lowered the p.H. at 6.4 and put 1 Easy Bloom Tablet, on 7 liters of water. Temp / Humidity on the farm - 24.8 degrees and 42% humidity. 27/02/2021 - Day 32. Watering. I adjusted the p.H to 6.4 and added BioBizz as scheduled for the second week of flowering. Temp / Humidity on the farm - 24.9 degrees and 35% humidity. 02/03/2021 - Day 35. Watering and height measurement. This time I did not add any nutrients but only regulated p.H at 6.3. Temp / Humidity on the farm - 25.2 degrees and 39% humidity. Purple Punch Auto # 1 - 66 cm. Purple Punch Auto # 2 - 62 cm. That’s it for this week, thanks to everyone who follows the diary, the support and advice I get means a lot to me. See you soon.
Likes
29
Share
Ya visteis , cultivo fácil, de principio a fin, pocos errores una pérdida tan solo de 4 ejemplares y por dejadez. Pero enserio si todo se hace correctamente vais a flipar lo rápido que van y después lo buenas que están. Humedad en el secado por debajo de 45% y temperatura media de 23 grados. Hasta aquí es todo fumetillas, que paséis un final de año de lujo entre buenos humos.
Likes
8
Share
@Piro420
Follow
Finishing up, would be a lot nicer if they didn't crash the lights. But all and all looking real good and stink AF.
Likes
14
Share
@rinnr
Follow
Day 82. Sprayed Monterey BT as a precaution, I'll keep that up weekly or so. I've sprayed neem oil a handful of times over the grow. No pest issues aside from the cat.The bigger the plant gets the harder it is to keep it in this cage so the cat has taken more chunks out of it...including one of the budsites. Lost my TDS meter the last couple months but got it back. Probably gonna go thru and cut the really yellow leaves. I need more bulk on the buds!!
Processing
Likes
7
Share
Sorry for the late video post.. I was assaulted and 2 of my 23 year old cats passed away 2 days ago.. So it's been a rough few weeks... Couple of yellow leaves.. Never had that problem using just RO water... Can't go to the grow store to get RO water right now. Transplanted 6-18-2020 switched to 12/12 🕒