Why did my cuttings die?

I recently got 4 cuttings of blue cheese that were already rooted and planted in little pots, they seemed perfectly healthy, about 7cm high. I put them in natural light for the first week, during which one of them just failed to grow, shrivelled up and died. Transferred the remaining cuttings to under a 400w bulb with 18/6 light, well ventilated, watered, etc. and occasionally given baby bio. Not too near the bulb. 2 of them thrived during the next 2 weeks or so and grew loads but 1 of them just didn't really grow much and eventually died.
A couple of days ago I noticed spider mites on the 2 remaining plants and then last night the biggest one just wilted and died, not sure why although I did leave the light on for an extra hour by accident. Do you think this is why it died, as it previously showed lots of growth, and looked healthy. Any suggestions appreciated and tips for growth of last surviving plant. Is it true that young plants should be free from growth supplements, etc?

the extra hour of light didn't kill your plant. you can veg a plant with 24 hours of light and no darkness to no ill effects.

the spider mites are your culprit. they just moved from plant to plant to plant. they are leeching it for all it's goodness and then going right on down the buffet.

to help against mites you can use pyrethrins/permethrins (synthteic version of pyrethrins). they are made from the chyrsanthemum plant. they quickly dissepate in bright light, although permethrins not as quickly. you can even spray it on your plants. just make sure to mist them for a couple of days after to help wash any residue away.

as always, don't use at least a week before harvest.

don't just spray on plants, but all infected areas. don't breathe in the fumes.

good luck!


-shake