Brown spots on seedling?

Cwmoore577

Cwmoore577

Well-Known Member
04C28BC9-9A14-491F-ACE4-041E31447113.jpeg

First time attempting an autoflower as well as using coco coir.
This is Zkittlez strain from Seedsman. It’s in Royal Gold Tupur mix. 2 gal smart pot.
Currently on its 14th day from sprout. Originally started them on a 24-0 light cycle then was advised on here to allow a dark period so I switch to 20-4 about 4-5 days ago.

I use General Organics BioThrive Grow (4-3-3) and Emerald Harvest CalMag (2-0-0) mixed into RO water.

Prepped the medium the day before planting (Oct 6th) with 1/4 gal BioThrive Grow at 0.5tsp/gal and 1/4 gal CalMag at 2ml/gal both pH’ed between 5.8-6.2.
Then fed again on Oct 13th but accidentally gave BioThrive Bloom at same strength (0.5tsp/gal) after getting mixed up, realized after pouring a bit so it basically got 1/8 gal Grow (4-3-3) and 1/8 gal Bloom (2-4-4) that day.
Then I fed again yesterday (Oct 22nd) with BioGrow same dosage.

Just noticed these spots after the lights went off today.


Any recommendations?
 
C

CannaCountry

Well-Known Member
So, your coco isn't 100% coco...first issue (at least according to the Royal Gold website). It may be, because of this fact, that your medium is staying a bit too wet, for a plant your size, in a pot that large. A coco grow doesn't require a boat load of medium...small pots will work just fine. They will allow you to feed more often, which is the point. Also, your pH range, at least if you were in pure coco, is a bit too broad...5.7-5.9 is where you want to be, with 5.8 being ideal. Consider the weight of your pot and see if it's lightening up between feeds...if it feels about the same, maybe it wouldn't hurt to let them go a couple days more between feed. Of course, don't let the medium dry out...well, at least not if it's 100% coco. Hope some of this helps. Good luck.
 
Cwmoore577

Cwmoore577

Well-Known Member
CannaCountry said:
So, your coco isn't 100% coco...first issue (at least according to the Royal Gold website). It may be, because of this fact, that your medium is staying a bit too wet, for a plant your size, in a pot that large. A coco grow doesn't require a boat load of medium...small pots will work just fine. They will allow you to feed more often, which is the point. Also, your pH range, at least if you were in pure coco, is a bit too broad...5.7-5.9 is where you want to be, with 5.8 being ideal. Consider the weight of your pot and see if it's lightening up between feeds...if it feels about the same, maybe it wouldn't hurt to let them go a couple days more between feed. Of course, don't let the medium dry out...well, at least not if it's 100% coco. Hope some of this helps. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Yea it says it’s coco, aged forest material, basalt and 30% perlite. I’ll try to dial in the pH. I have noticed that it is taking quite a while to dry a bit which is why I went 8-9 days without watering as it was still pretty damp. I will try using only 1/8 gal and see how it does.

Is there any thing particular that would cause the spotting or could be any range of mishaps?
 
Nutty sKunK

Nutty sKunK

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
Yea it says it’s coco, aged forest material, basalt and 30% perlite. I’ll try to dial in the pH. I have noticed that it is taking quite a while to dry a bit which is why I went 8-9 days without watering as it was still pretty damp. I will try using only 1/8 gal and see how it does.

Is there any thing particular that would cause the spotting or could be any range of mishaps?
Click to expand...
The spotting is a result of PH fluctuations.

Get that dialled in and water less and she’ll pull through.
 
SheeshM

SheeshM

Well-Known Member
I'm thinking maybe need a bit more cal-mag. With RO water there are no minerals in the water to start and coco coir is an inert medium (no nutrients). If you're ph meter is calibrated and accurate, 5.8 to 6.2 is not a bad range for coco IME. But, coco coir is a know calcium hog. Search for coco coir CEC and you will see what I mean.
 
C

CannaCountry

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
Yea it says it’s coco, aged forest material, basalt and 30% perlite. I’ll try to dial in the pH. I have noticed that it is taking quite a while to dry a bit which is why I went 8-9 days without watering as it was still pretty damp. I will try using only 1/8 gal and see how it does.

Is there any thing particular that would cause the spotting or could be any range of mishaps?
Click to expand...
There are a myriad of things; too wet, pH issues, deficiencies, etc. Consider this: 30% of your mix is perlite, leaving 70% made up of the "coco, aged forest material, basalt"...how much of each is the question. I'm not sure I'd approach this as a 'coco' grow, per se and in that lies the real challenge. The basalt is high in iron and magnesium...it may also carry an alkali tendency. What does the 'aged forest material' lend, both in pH and in nutrients and how much is in your mix? Perhaps you can call the manufacturer and ask, but for sure knowing those answers will help. In the meantime I'd just manage my water and keep an eye out. Good luck.
 
Cwmoore577

Cwmoore577

Well-Known Member
Nutty sKunK said:
The spotting is a result of PH fluctuations.

Get that dialled in and water less and she’ll pull through.
Click to expand...
Water less? Everything I’ve read says once or twice daily and once for seedlings in larger pots and I’ve watered 3 times in 15 days. I have a big learning curve for coco it seems I’m thinking I should’ve just stuck with soil lol
SheeshM said:
I'm thinking maybe need a bit more cal-mag. With RO water there are no minerals in the water to start and coco coir is an inert medium (no nutrients). If you're ph meter is calibrated and accurate, 5.8 to 6.2 is not a bad range for coco IME. But, coco coir is a know calcium hog. Search for coco coir CEC and you will see what I mean.
Click to expand...
Yea I’ve read and taken notes quite a bit on coco. You think I should go higher than 2ml/gal ?
CannaCountry said:
There are a myriad of things; too wet, pH issues, deficiencies, etc. Consider this: 30% of your mix is perlite, leaving 70% made up of the "coco, aged forest material, basalt"...how much of each is the question. I'm not sure I'd approach this as a 'coco' grow, per se and in that lies the real challenge. The basalt is high in iron and magnesium...it may also carry an alkali tendency. What does the 'aged forest material' lend, both in pH and in nutrients and how much is in your mix? Perhaps you can call the manufacturer and ask, but for sure knowing those answers will help. In the meantime I'd just manage my water and keep an eye out. Good luck.
Click to expand...
That is true. If it fails I’m just gonna go back to soil. Probably a smart decision anyway seeing as I don’t have a drip system and I’m hand watering. After doing more reading, I’ll keep an eye on the EC of my nutrient solution and the runoff. Says it should stay i the 400 range for seedlings and raises while it evaporates in the pot so infrequent watering can lead to issues. Then again if I’m not in 100% coco/perlite I’m not sure how to approach. People here tell me less water and the info I’ve read say less at a time but more frequently.
 
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SheeshM

SheeshM

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
Water less? Everything I’ve read says once or twice daily and once for seedlings in larger pots and I’ve watered 3 times in 15 days. I have a big learning curve for coco it seems I’m thinking I should’ve just stuck with soil lol

Yea I’ve read and taken notes quite a bit on coco. You think I should go higher than 2ml/gal ?

That is true. If it fails I’m just gonna go back to soil. Probably a smart decision anyway seeing as I don’t have a drip system and I’m hand watering. After doing more reading, I’ll keep an eye on the EC of my nutrient solution and the runoff. Says it should stay i the 400 range for seedlings and raises while it evaporates in the pot so infrequent watering can lead to issues. Then again if I’m not in 100% coco/perlite I’m not sure how to approach. People here tell me less water and the info I’ve read say less at a time but more frequently.
Click to expand...
Cal-mag at 4-5 ml/gal works for me. I don't have lots of experience but lots of growers use about that with coco.
 
Nutty sKunK

Nutty sKunK

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
Water less? Everything I’ve read says once or twice daily and once for seedlings in larger pots and I’ve watered 3 times in 15 days. I have a big learning curve for coco it seems I’m thinking I should’ve just stuck with soil lol

Yea I’ve read and taken notes quite a bit on coco. You think I should go higher than 2ml/gal ?

That is true. If it fails I’m just gonna go back to soil. Probably a smart decision anyway seeing as I don’t have a drip system and I’m hand watering. After doing more reading, I’ll keep an eye on the EC of my nutrient solution and the runoff. Says it should stay i the 400 range for seedlings and raises while it evaporates in the pot so infrequent watering can lead to issues. Then again if I’m not in 100% coco/perlite I’m not sure how to approach. People here tell me less water and the info I’ve read say less at a time but more frequently.
Click to expand...
those seedlings could’ve probably gone a lot longer...

were they wilting?
 
Bernie420

Bernie420

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
View attachment 4411974

First time attempting an autoflower as well as using coco coir.
This is Zkittlez strain from Seedsman. It’s in Royal Gold Tupur mix. 2 gal smart pot.
Currently on its 14th day from sprout. Originally started them on a 24-0 light cycle then was advised on here to allow a dark period so I switch to 20-4 about 4-5 days ago.

I use General Organics BioThrive Grow (4-3-3) and Emerald Harvest CalMag (2-0-0) mixed into RO water.

Prepped the medium the day before planting (Oct 6th) with 1/4 gal BioThrive Grow at 0.5tsp/gal and 1/4 gal CalMag at 2ml/gal both pH’ed between 5.8-6.2.
Then fed again on Oct 13th but accidentally gave BioThrive Bloom at same strength (0.5tsp/gal) after getting mixed up, realized after pouring a bit so it basically got 1/8 gal Grow (4-3-3) and 1/8 gal Bloom (2-4-4) that day.
Then I fed again yesterday (Oct 22nd) with BioGrow same dosage.

Just noticed these spots after the lights went off today.


Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Looks like a phosphorous deficiency to me. I think you should add microbes to your soil dirt cocco whatever and let it be. Might have root issues being so small and all the watering idk microbes take care of that if you do. Microbes feed your plant. Go to the hydro store and ask if they have a mamamoth P sample you can try.
 
Cwmoore577

Cwmoore577

Well-Known Member
Nutty sKunK said:
those seedlings could’ve probably gone a lot longer...

were they wilting?
Click to expand...
Gone a lot longer? You mean without water?
Bernie420 said:
Looks like a phosphorous deficiency to me. I think you should add microbes to your soil dirt cocco whatever and let it be. Might have root issues being so small and all the watering idk microbes take care of that if you do. Microbes feed your plant. Go to the hydro store and ask if they have a mamamoth P sample you can try.
Click to expand...
Don't have anything on hand except molasses and some Mykos. Think either would help?
 
Bernie420

Bernie420

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
Gone a lot longer? You mean without water?

Don't have anything on hand except molasses and some Mykos. Think either would help?
Click to expand...
the mykos would help and its good to start that now as it takes a long time to really establish in the soil but that isnt the same as a microbe product. No on the mollasses.
 
C

CannaCountry

Well-Known Member
Cwmoore577 said:
I measured the runoff pH and Cond... EC was 580-600 and pH was 6.5. Is that high pH for coco?
Click to expand...
Yes it is...if we're just talking coco, you should be closer to 5.8. Don't give up on coco; I think it's a great medium. But perhaps give up on the 'hybrid' mix of coco and peat or aged forest products or whatever. Straight up coco is pretty easy to deal with, and you can definitely water them by hand and have great success...you don't have to be automated, though it makes feeding easier if you're not always around your grow.
 
C

CannaCountry

Well-Known Member
Oh, and if you're going to measure something, measure what you're putting into the plant...not what comes out of it. Good luck friend.
 
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