Day 71: First bit of Adversity
I've been working hard spending several hours a day in the lab and trying to get everything dialed in perfectly. However, for the last 14 to 20 days or so, I've been experiencing slow growth and most of the tops just don't look right. They look weak and frail and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure it out.
I got lucky and happened to do the right google search today:
mangled, deformed and twisted leaves
The 1st few posts I read suggested that I might have an insect issue. FUCK.
I take out my loupe and sure enough....russet mites. I'm kind of freaking out and I spent an hour or so reading as much as I could. Jumped in the car and bought some Neem Oil and Captain Jack's. I gave her an aggressive spray down with the Jack's. All over the outside, the underside...did the best I could. I turned off the top feed pump and wrapped the net pot with paper towels to try and prevent any of this spray from getting into the rez.
It's really weird - I first noticed the tops of each branch being sub-par at least 2 weeks ago. But the plant is still pretty healthy, overall. Maybe she is pest resistant. Maybe I've got everything else dialed in well and she was able to hang tough. I don't know.
Does anyone have experience with Captain Jack's deadbug? I would love to get your opinion/feedback/suggestions.
I'm hoping to see some improvement within 24 hours.
Here are some pics of random tops - from the top of the plant as well as the middle and bottom.