Question about growing autos in FFOF: red stems and leaf veins

@Budzbuddha Wish I seen your "FFOF made simple" thread before starting my grow....

I grew in soil 20+ years ago, but I'm on my first run since. Growing 2 Roc Bud Inc. freebies, unknown strains. I planted the seeds in 3 gal fabric pots with FFOF, but I scooped out the top center (around the size of a softball) and filled that with seed starter mix. Growers Choice e-680 LED currently dimmed to 60%. I'm using RO water (but may switch to tap) to which I add 5ml per gallon each of CalMag and Silica Blast, ph'd to 6.5. My 2 plants are 11 days old since the sprouts broke the surface.

This morning, before the lights went out, I noticed for the first time that leaf stems are turning purple. And this afternoon, when the lights came back on, I could tell the purple color has started progressing up into the main leaf vein. So my question: is this problematic, and if so, what am I doing wrong? I'm not seeing any curling, drooping, spotting, etc. Pic from 20 minutes ago. I commented you in because in your thread you mentioned you aren't getting purple stems anymore, so would appreciate knowing the cause, if it isn't just genetics.

First post here I believe, so thank you!

It can be caused by magnesium but I doubt it is in your case. Cold temps can also cause it, and it's also natural in some strains. Your plant looks healthy, I wouldn't worry about it.

I highly recommend tap water in FFOF. Just mind the PH. And LED's tend to grow red or purple stems. If not genetic. It should diminish as the plant acclimatizes to them.

Thank you both, and Michi-Can, interesting note about the impact from LEDs and the purple color diminishing over time. I was actually going to note an observation, that being that earlier in their life the plants' main stems turned purple, but I just checked and they have both turned back to green.

Given the amount of time since my last grow, and the different setup, I consider myself to be a newbie again and I'm working through the newbie butterflies. Thanks!

BoCoGrow said:

Thank you both, and Michi-Can, interesting note about the impact from LEDs and the purple color diminishing over time. I was actually going to note an observation, that being that earlier in their life the plants' main stems turned purple, but I just checked and they have both turned back to green.

Given the amount of time since my last grow, and the different setup, I consider myself to be a newbie again and I'm working through the newbie butterflies. Thanks!

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Only my opinions. Hope they help. FFOF will no longer be permitted on my property. And lights back to whale blubber. LMAO. But primitive to Quantum.

YW to my opinion if I can give one.

Best wishes.