Help...what's worng with my plant???

Hi all...newbie grower here. We have some odd discoloration on our lower leaves, we've lost two leaves so far and will be losing at least 3-4 more soon if this problem persists. We have tried to self diagnose, but by all the reading we've done we still can't figure it out. This plant is 4 weeks old, has grown very healthy so far. They are on full 24 hour light, CFLs 23w and 46w. We thought it could be pH, nutrient burn or light burn, but we really have no idea...please help!! :) Please ignore the tiny black specks in the photo, they are not on the plant, they are from my crappy smartphone :)1120131237.jpg1120131238.jpg1120131238a.jpg1120131239.jpg
 

Cascadian

Well-Known Member
Hard to say but it looks like it could be nute burn based on the leaf tips. Also, they are in very large containers for 4 weeks old and only 69 true watts of light. Are you keeping the soil relatively dry? If not try letting them dry out and stop feeding them anything but water for a while and see how they respond.

If you told us what kind of soil, what the temps are etc you would probably get some more detailed recommendations. Good Luck
 

Flaming Pie

Well-Known Member
First off, your plant looks great for a newbie. Congrats on getting this far. I am not sure what your problem is, (besides some light nute burn) the bumps kinda make me think bugs maybe?

Since you are growing with CFLs I HIGHLY recommend topping at the second node.

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They are in miracle grow moisture control. We are currently not feeding her because of the fear of nute burn. There are 6 23w bulbs and 6 46w bulbs. Temp remains between 75-80. We only water when top of soil is dry. Thanks to all who reply
 

Cascadian

Well-Known Member
I agree they are looking great for a first grow and it doesn't look like you have a major problem, just some fine tuning to do. The MG moisture control is going to hold a lot of water. I would water when the bucket starts to feel noticeably lighter and not when just the top dries out. The more oxygen the roots get the higher the metabolism of the plant, they can handle relatively dry conditions very well.

Edit: I don't know what kind of drain holes you put in the bucket but you might want to consider putting more in it. The last thing you want is any stagnant standing water in the bottom of the container.
 

dimebong

Well-Known Member
Looks like you're over watering which is leading to the soil over feeding the plant. Water less heavily, and don't let it sit soaking wet, you should have started in a smaller pot, i've heard micricle grow has poor drainage.
 

AimAim

Well-Known Member
I agree those burned tips look like slight nute burn, although slightly high temps can do the same thing. If the color is actually as dark as it appears in the pics, I would guess you are pushing the envelope on nutes. Might dial it back in a tad for a couple waterings

The spots on leaves I have no idea, I get similar spots from time to time and it never amounts to anything. Yet, knock on wood.

Looks good. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
 
Thank you all for the responses, its much appreciated. As for drain holes, there are (16 )1/2cm holes in the bucket, do we need more? Not sure what to do about the soil releasing too much food.

How much water should i be adding when i do water? It never pools up on the surface, the soil absorbs it immediately
 

Cascadian

Well-Known Member
I would put some extra 1cm drain holes in it. Make sure you have some drain holes on the side of the bucket 1-2" above the bottom of the bucket as well.

Assuming you are going to let it dry out before watering, just water until you see some running out any of the drain holes. Add the water slowly with a container that size.
 
Thanks so much. I am not sure how to get more holes in my bucket now that its planted lol

So the plant looks healthy aside from the nutrient burn? This is all so new, i was worried she was dying. Would pearlite in the bottom of the container help airflow/drainage?
 
First off, your plant looks great for a newbie. Congrats on getting this far. I am not sure what your problem is, (besides some light nute burn) the bumps kinda make me think bugs maybe?

Since you are growing with CFLs I HIGHLY recommend topping at the second node.

View attachment 2902500View attachment 2902499
Can you point me in the right direction on what the best way to do that is? Is it the second node from the top or from the bottom. If it the second from the bottom I will lose most of my plant....:-(

I have two smaller plants growing in the exact same conditions except their pots are smaller, should I top those as well, if so when? Sorry for all the questions but this is my 'baby' and I'm scared of killing her.

Also what about lighting, do you think I have enough for those three plants? I have 6 each of 23w and 6 46w CFLs lighting my grow room (which is actually a bedroom closet approx 4' wide x 3' deep by 8' tall.) My lights are kept about a foot away.

Thanks for any responses!!!!!

:leaf::leaf:
 

spliffbuddy

Active Member
Do not water as much and maybe your soil is a bit rich, check your soil PH to be sure, possibly some heat stress, how close were your lights?
 

Flaming Pie

Well-Known Member
Topping

With CFLS you don't get much penetration, so having only one main cola is not ideal.

You could still top if you wanted to. Or you could grow this one out as is and top the other two plants so you can see the difference in outcome.
 

Flaming Pie

Well-Known Member
Btw topping will not kill your plant. It will recover and continue to grow a day or two after being topped.

Try to make sure you have a CFL within six inches of every leaf.
 

Flaming Pie

Well-Known Member
Shit, sorry for all the posts.

Keep CFLs 2 inches from tops and add more CFLs when there isnt a CFL within 6 inches of parts of the plant.
 
Topping

With CFLS you don't get much penetration, so having only one main cola is not ideal.

You could still top if you wanted to. Or you could grow this one out as is and top the other two plants so you can see the difference in outcome.
Thanks so much!! I think we will leave her be and top the little ones. If I post pics of the smaller two will you let me know for sure where and when to top them? Sorry for being a pain, just wanna make sure my babies do well :)
 

Cascadian

Well-Known Member
I would just drill some holes with a power drill if it were me, the plant is not big enough to have a well established root system at the bottom of the bucket at this point. It should not go into shock at all. You can also heat up a large nail and melt it into the plastic as an alternative.

The second node would be the second set of true leaves up from the bottom. I think the advice you got to top the smaller ones is solid. You should also look up fimming as a possible technique for the larger one. Or just top it near the very top to force it into more of a compact bush.
 
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