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View Full Version : possible to overwater 100% perlite growing medium?


k1ng87
09-09-2008, 05:12 AM
I planted my germinated seeds(roots sticking out about 1/2inch) 5 days ago in my drip hydro system. I'm using a 100% perlite growing medium and wanted to know if its possible to over water my seedlings in this?

Also, what should the flow rate be and does placement of the hose matter inside of the growing medium?

I've attached some pictures, hope it helps.

I think I've overwatered them and have shut the pump off and will probably keep it off for about 30-40min and then put it on a slow trickle.
soobie05
09-09-2008, 06:39 AM
im pretty sure you can over water with this stuff, being that its made to keep moist. Just dont water alot u should be fine. either way seedlings dont need any nuts! but OXYGEN!!!
k1ng87
09-09-2008, 10:39 AM
how often should I water?
soobie05
09-09-2008, 07:32 PM
what i think you should do is get some peat moss and just mix half and half. thats the safest way cause i never tried to use just perlite. and as for watering i say you stick either your pinky finger or ever a toothpick about 2 inches down and if its completely dry then go head and water. Also when u water try not to just dump water in there grab like a ketchup bottle or something that squirts slowly so you have more control over what your doing.
SpaceNeedle
09-12-2008, 07:21 PM
how often should I water?

you can water all you want.... via drip that is. that means they will thrive as long as they stay wet (suggest 24/7), as long as they are not drowning. In other words they need oxygen and there should be plenty of that as long as the 'drip' is not like a running tap. But even then as long as they have oxygen they will be fine.

sn
stinkyattic
09-12-2008, 07:56 PM
Peat moss + perlite = a soilless mix with a pH in the 4.5-5.5 range... why ever would you want that?!

That's a setup that needs a drip system; get yourself a bunch of emitter stakes which are quite cheap and stick them onthe end of the tubes for a more controllable flow.

Unless you are using tap water, add calmag.

It's hard to start in JUST perlite- I would have sprouted in a rapidrooter and then placed in the system when roots became visible, but that's just me.