Overwatering??

[Gundari]

so one of my plants leaves are a bit droopy, but not curled under in that traditional ph problem / over watering claw. However, I can't think of anything else that this problem would be and I don't think its over watering because I only water them once every 3 days or so. It seems to be growing just fine, takes nutes w/o burning (although it was recently a bit N deficient). I did think it could possibly be that the leaves are just a bit to heavy for it to support (the leaves on that thing seem massive for its size...at least to me).

Anyways a bit of input would be awesome! Ty guys and gals!

(just so I don't get lectured, I know roots hate light, there is a opaque piece of plastic wrapped around the cup below the lip. I like to use the clear cups so I can peel back the plastic on occasion and check up on root development.)

[stinkyattic]

What about UNDER watering? And how is the drainage in those cups? How many holes are in them and how did you make the holes?

[Gundari]

Under watering could be a possibility, especially with the way this specific plant seems to eat up all the love I can give it...never thought about that, my mind always seems to stick on over loving my plants (as I did that quite a bit on my first grow.

The drainage is pretty good imo, probably about 10 or so holes poked into the side of of the cup around the sides (bottom half) and 5 in a + pattern across the bottom. Soil mix has about 25% perlite in it to promote drainage (I usually see water forming a weak jet coming out of the holes after every watering). However, I usually check the root structure / growth every watering and theres usually some water droplets clinging to the inside of the cup around the bottom 60% of the cup. (edit: Before the watering)

I made the holes by heating up a nail and just pushing the heated metal point through the plastic (sheet and cup) prior to transplanting out of the baby dixie cups into those cups. (also did it away from the plants so they wouldn't be exposed to any of those nasty plastic fumes).

[stinkyattic]

Sounds like drainage should not be a problem. Try giving slightly more frequent watering, and get ready to re-pot into about a quart sized pot soon. Use good potting soil, preferably not with added ferts, and the same amount of perlite you have now. 25% is fine.
Also, if you have never tested the pH of your tap water and runoff water, it is a good time to get that information.

[grey1223]

Definately thirsty to me. That cup is small to go 3 days between waterings IMHO.

[Gundari]

Would the hummus and manure + perlite mix you suggest in your guide be fine at this point stinky?

Also tyvm for the info / help! never would have though of underwatering.

[Gundari]

Hrm....so I watered them yesterday and went back expecting to see a bit of change in turgidness (or would that be turgidity?) and he still seems sad face to me. Not quite as much so but still a little sad. The soils still even moist.

I'm sorry to seem like such a bother. This is just the strong plant of the most recent germination and I'd really like to see it succeed / go female as i think it'd make a great momma plant.

[stinkyattic]

The compost mix you might want to wait on until you sort out your watering schedule, because it holds water a bit differently and you still have to get a feel for that by the looks of things. If you use it now, make sure there is plenty of perlite- like 1/3 of the total mix. On the other hand, the plant looks hungry, and the light nutes in compost would be appropriate for a plant of that age. Your call.
And untie that poor thing; it's too young to be into bondage- wait until it is healthy before messing with it. There is a chance that you can block water flow in the tissues with too tight a string. Health first, training after.
It looks a hair better. What is your max/min temperature and what are you using for ventilation?

[Gundari]

the ties even a problem if not actually tied around the plant? (the hemp is tied like a U, both knots being on the cup) I just have it acting as kind of a guide rather than a force at the moment (several of the LST guides I read suggestd started when the plant had about 5 different leaf sets on it and this ones starting its 6th set)(I'm gonna remove them anyways, just thought I'd ask)

The temp stays between 68 and 72 usually.

And the ventilation is an 8 inch fan above lights on low (just a regular house fan, its pretty damned powerful though) and a 4 inch passive intake just below the top of the cups on the side of the box.(edit: It should easily be hitting the mark of changing all the air in the box every 5 minutes)

[stinkyattic]

Okay, I thought you had the string tied around the stem- just trying to eliminate possible stressors, lol!
You're running on the cool side you know... you can actually bump your temps up to the high 70s and the plants will be delighted.
Keep checking to see when the pots feel 'light' and need to be watered, give it another day or two,and see if they perk up. They may be using water faster because your ventilation is stripping out the moist air, and I suspect the low temps are also contributing to the general dolorous air they have ;)

[Gundari]

Awesome, the advice is must appreciated! thanks much stinky!

[stinkyattic]

Any time, homeslice. ;)