Seedling Problems

[JStryder249]

My first grow. I began germinating via paper towel method last Sunday. Moved them to rapid rooters the next day then they popped a day later. Thursday they broke ground. Friday they were fully sprouted. I had them in a seedling tray with a humidity dome on top of a heat mat. Friday I noticed some were getting a bit tall and lanky. Knew they needed light. Put them under a 100w 6500k CFL. Moved to the tent. Turned on my cob LEDs. They all were finally fully sprouted with the seeds shed off. I’m pretty sure the starters were much too moist. They just seem to be growing much too slowly and some don’t look very good. Is it just me? The temp is a steady 72° with humidity between 50-55%. Vents are opened. I just now turned my lights to 24 hours. This is what they look like right now. Am I doing anything wrong?

 

[Redwasp]

They stems are that long from having the lights to far away at first. They look fine. Just slowly Introduce more light and or slowly get the lights to the final veg distance for your light. They do not need much light at that age. I only use cfls at that stage of growth.

 

[JStryder249]

Yea I planned on using just CFLs at first. But I was kinda rushed so I only got one light and bulb. So I figured I’d turn on my main lights on just the veg lights and 36 inches of distance

 

[Redwasp]

Just keep an eye on them. Do not get the light closer until the plants have hardened up some or they keep stretching towards the light.

 

[JStryder249]

I shouldn’t have to worry about water or nutrients just yet right? Those starter cubes are still nice and moist. It’s just some of the true leaves look small and weird. The cotyledons look nice and fine on most of them. A couple look like they’re pointing upward or cupping. But I know it’s not too hot or that they’re getting too much. They’re autoflowers btw

 

[Redwasp]

I have my rapid rooters in upside down solo cups like this

I have to water these 3 times a day but the water can drain away from them. Make sure the plants stay moist at all times until they are potted. You want them to never dry completely out or the plants will not make it. So yes keep an eye on them and make sure they stay moist but not flooded.

 

[Redwasp]

Oh and no you do not have to worry about nutrients while in those cubes.

 

[PRIMO]

You need to get em into solo cups so the roots have room to develop. And real gently bury some of that long stem.

 

[Farmall]

Just for emotional support: I wish I had the advice redwasp had given you. My soil was started outdoors with sunlight and set their own pattern of growth which 4 month later turned out to be perfect. That light stretch problem you may be experiencing is exactly what happened to my indoor startup. I have 7" between nodes on those ladies...not pleased with that