Seedlings

[pfradonman]

What can I do to prevent my newly-sprouted plants from falling over? Once they break the surface, I have them close under a T-5 starter and a small fan to help strengthen the stalk. This morning I came down to find two sprouts laying over. I have them supported now. How soon can I put them under my 1000 watt HPS?
H E L P!

[DoctorJohnson]

Weak stalks often means the plants are stretching to get more light. Move the T5 much closer. (Fluorescents work best very close to seedlings--just inches away.) You can prop them up for now with toothpicks (make an X to support them) and many people just add another half an inch of soil or so to give the stalk more support. Good luck.

[Locrian99]

I’ve used both techniques doc mentioned with success. Toothpick and a little twist tie and shortened the stalk by burying in soil.

[Campesino]

I agree about getting the T5 as close as possible. There is no need for your 1000w HPS until they outgrow the T5.
I wonder if over or under watering could also be involved. Both of those could cause seedling fall-over.

[Trichomefarmer88]

If it's just sprouting take that fan out of there till it gets stronger! You don't want that till it's got a foundation first! I don't intro the fan until after first transplant about two to three weeks after true leaves.. also get some kinda silica to help strengthen it up!

Also you can use tooth picks are something to help support it up till it's strong enough... Get that light close as possible an put a clear cup or bag over it for humidity for few days, you also won't have to water all crazy when you do this, barely at all

[alltatup]

What he said!! No fan on seedlings.

[pfradonman]

Thx to all for your replies. I believe my girls got a little dry overnight - underwatered. The two that fel over have been supported. Will try the cup advice and lower the light.

[GreenhouseEffect]

Good advice posted above.
Also would be good to post some pics, can't hurt to get a visual on them by GWE folks. Def get that fan out for now, I hurt mine pretty bad right out of the gate this winter, from the same thing.
Tricky watering young seedling correctly, but it makes a big difference!