I've Got Plant Problems - Need An Experienced Grower's Opinion

Well it's been three days, counting today, that my eight plants have all begun having issues. Specifically the lower newest growth has been light green, generally weaker/thinner, all with the recent occurance of growth naturally falling off only toward the bottom halves of the plants. The leaves/affected lower branches themselves went from a vibrant health green, slowly into lighter green, edges browning and curling, then leaves that sometimes fall off still alive and sometimes wilted/dead. I have read several RIU posts/stickys and believe the issue to be both a nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency. I am scubbing the water reservoirs for plants to rule out build up within them and have used filtered ph correct water for watering the entire time since seedlings. Soil is Fox Farms Ocean Forest with only perlite mixed in for increased drainage. Additionally I have utilized the FIM method several weeks ago but am certain that isn't the issue. Any advice to confirm the issue with my plants would be of a great help. I hope for the best for my 1st Op. See the attached pictures for reference.
 

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Siddhartha2

Active Member
I am thinking overwatering as well. Also probably time to start using a bit of fertilizer. How often are you watering? and do you water until you have run through? If so do you drain the drip trays after watering?
Sidd
 
I only fill the plant water reservoir every 3-4 days just to top it off and to make sure water is always availible. I'm worried over watering may be the cause and might purchase a moisture meter eventually; but am still on the fence about it... could it be Either a watering issue or nute deficiency or both. Just so you know my setup, originally I had to transplant the plants and moved them into a double 5-gal bucket design similar to global buckets. Still unsure how to proceed here, either cut back on water for a while and hope for the best or supplement the soil to feed the roots if there is a true nute issue. When researching N,P,Ca, and B deficiencies they all seemed close to what I have to deal with.

BTW-Thanks for the imgs.
 

imchucky666

Well-Known Member
No problem.
Glad to help, but I don't understand what you mean 'reservoirs'.
Got pics? Or a link where I can peek at where you bought your thing you're talking about?
If it's just an auto watering thing, get it out of there, and do your own watering by hand.
They like to dry out inbetween waterings, and if you're using an auto water deal, it's trying to constantly keep the soil moist.
Remember.......
"WEED" is a "WEED".
Be kind to it, but don't mother it.
 
I am thinking overwatering as well. Also probably time to start using a bit of fertilizer. How often are you watering? and do you water until you have run through? If so do you drain the drip trays after watering?
Sidd
I want to get a good flowering fert. to use real soon since I'll be starting 12/12 once I fix this issue. Any recommendations? I do water until I get run-through and no I haven't drained the drip buckets until here recently while also scrubbing any possible buildup off of them as well. The design for my plant buckets can be seen on the Global Buckets site. How often should I do a complete water reservior dump/clean?

View attachment 2425794
 

Siddhartha2

Active Member
the bucket sytem is your problem. Cannibis needs to have a wet/dry cycle. Really dislikes soggy roots. Just use the top bucket with a drip tray, and top water until you have run through. then drain the drip trays so you don't have them in standing water. lift the plants in between waterings to feel the weight of a wet vs dry soil. you want the soil to become dry, but not have the plant wilt between watering.
Sidd
 
I will keep my current global bucket setup, however with the major adjustment being that I empty the entire water reservior after run-through watering has been completed every couple of days. This in turn would allow greater air availablity to the roots and soil as a plus right? Would you say that should address the issue, along with a good fert. eventually?

Thanks for all the good information, especially the WEED reminder! Sometimes the simplest things are the easiest to make complicated.

Please let me know how my plants look for a 1st grow op, plant yeild estimates etc.

:blsmoke:
 

Siddhartha2

Active Member
Yes that should fix the problem. Make sure the soil is dry between waterings. That is a large contanier for those size plants. I would expect it to take 4 days or so between waterings if your temps are in the high 70 low 80s. dont put them into flower until you see good new growth, If you still have problems in three or four days PM me and we will see what is going on.
Sidd
 
No new plastics. Buckets are FDA food grade and I'm a huge sterilization advocate.

Appreciate the help, and will contact you if needed.

What do you think my yeild may be from the pics? (I'm patient to care for the plants and see...it's my partner who's wanting an idea lol.)

Take care man.
 

imchucky666

Well-Known Member
If you get rid of those buckets, and do your own hand watering ONLY after letting them dry out in between, you should have no problem getting an oz if not more per plant (DISCLAIMER***Just a guess) LOL
 

Siddhartha2

Active Member
Sorry yield is impossible to guess. What strain? also since your plants are pretty large you will want to prune some of the lower branches off. Good luck, hope that got everything sorted.
Sidd
 
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