HELP! Seedling cotyledons look unhealthy

[Bobster]

Does anyone know why the cotyledons look like this?

I’m growing in a cupboard using pre-mixed living soil: https://livingsoilsfertiliser.com/co...ucts/soil-auto in a 7 gallon Grassroots living soil pot. I started off by placing a coco plug in the middle of the soil and then planting the seed into that as directed by instructions on the soil packaging. I have an AC Infinity Ionboard S22 grow light on 40% strength about 40cm from the top of the pot. There is an air purifier next to the pot to provide a breeze. Temperature has been 21-26C and humidity 50-67%. I’ve been watering every few days, trying to keep the soil around the seedling damp but not watering the rest of the soil. I started watering more in the last few days because I was worried it wasn’t getting enough water. The cotyledons looked like this as soon as I could see them when they started unfolding. They basically look dead but it looks like there is stuff growing in the middle (although pretty slowly).

Any ideas why they look so unhealthy?

[golfnrl]

Hello Bobster I've attached a link that might help you, if you haven't already read it. Adjust your watering practices accordingly, it works. It looks like the seedling is a little over loved. It's hard to tell from the pics but it appears the new growth is burnt and stunted. That can mean a few things at this stage, most likely your soil is too hot. it's getting too much nutrients from the soil. Raise your light to a minimum of 45cm. It's too close. Try 45-60cm for a few days. Also turn down the power just a bit more. AC Infinity advises their light intensity and distance from the plants are only guidelines. It's the spectrum you want from the light, not necessarily the intensity.

[Bobster]

Hello Bobster I've attached a link that might help you, if you haven't already read it. Adjust your watering practices accordingly, it works. It looks like the seedling is a little over loved. It's hard to tell from the pics but it appears the new growth is burnt and stunted. That can mean a few things at this stage, most likely your soil is too hot. it's getting too much nutrients from the soil. Raise your light to a minimum of 45cm. It's too close. Try 45-60cm for a few days. Also turn down the power just a bit more. AC Infinity advises their light intensity and distance from the plants are only guidelines. It's the spectrum you want from the light, not necessarily the intensity.

Thanks, will do! I can’t see the link you mentioned - would you be able to send it again?

[golfnrl]

Ooops....try this

https://www.growweedeasy.com/seedling-problems

Also, there is a link at the top of this page called Plant Problems.

[crucialbunny]

I've been growing in living soil for a number of years and one thing I've learned is that seedlings do not do well in it at first. The past few years I've started my seeds in solo cups with a very benign compost and perlite mixture. I then transplant them into the living soil once they seem to be established.

[Bobster]

Good to know, thanks. I think I'll do that in future.