First time, having problems

Started to wilt before my transplant, so I figured it (dunno yet on that one, so far 2 for 2 on the ones that are showing) was rootbound. Its slowly got worse looking.

I havent used anything on these plants except good old H2O. I want to have a base knowledge of whats going to happen with the plant before I go adding to them. I know its not the best way to get the best stuff for this one, but seeing it grow naturally will help me learn.

Next grow, ill do everything to the "best idea" which will more than likely be what you (weedhound) and Stinky tell me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddxsinxcosxdx

Runoff water came in at 6.8

I would guess that means the PH of my soil is in like the 5.2 range.... way to low.... how do I get it up?

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Isn't THAT the perennial question!
You'll want to start watering with nute solution that is slightly elevated. I would not go above about 7.2, and definitely check your runoff numbers again in a couple waterings.
Most people growing plants will never have to woory about chloramine/chlorine; use it right out of the tap and it is fine. If you are concerned, google 'chloramine removal'. It requires activated charcoal, and can actually be done using a largish fish tank filter of the sort that you pack yourself with carbon and polyfill, and hang over the edge of your tank (bucket in this case) and run for a couple days to remove contaminants.

For pH up, use ONLY pH up designed for plants! The pool type is NOT safe for your green friends! Potassium hydroxide works; you don't need much at all.

Thanks stinky. Are you thinking the PH level is whats making my plants wilt and discolor? (pictures on previous page)

I just saw that you are watering at pH 8+. If the runoff os 6.8, your problem may be something else, because that runoff number is correct.
I think your soil is not drying enough, and it's 'top soil' not 'potting soil'. That means it is heavy, and the roots are not getting enough oxygen. You can re-pot, using potting soil that has lots of perlite in it. Try gently chipping a bit of the old soil out- not much, just a bit- before re-planting, and set the root ball in a pot that has potting soil with at least 30% perlite in it to improve drainage. If you put the plants back in the same pots (looks like they are too deep in the pot now so you can do that), knock out the pots really well, and if they have drain trays built in, remove the trays. Get all the old crud out of there.

Just looked at the bag that I used for soil. Its Sta-green potting soil, so I think i'm good there. (I used top soil when I started in cups but got potting soil when I transplanted) It does have fertilizer, .14-.09-.05.

I thought drainage might be a problem, so last night I took the drain pans off and drilled holes in the pots. I drilled holes where the drain pain were and about 1/4 inch above that. I have the plants sitting in collapsible baking pans now, and about a half hour after I watered last night I went and emptied those so there was no extra water sitting around.

Im getting some bricks for the pots to sit on so they dont sit in their run off water anymore (and so I dont have to keep emptying the baking pans)

Any thoughts?

Mine are to wait a longer before watering again, and maybe get an air pump to get the oxygen level of the water up.

Thank you for your wisdom and experience Stinky.

Btw, is there a donation part for this site? I feel like I should contribute back to the community for all the help and knowledge I have gained here. I would offer to send to you and WeedHound directly, but from what I have read, I have a feeling you wouldnt want me to. (let alone giving up your personal information)

Donate your own wisdom when the time comes. It's a never-ending chain of helping!

I think an air pump may be overkill, but if you let your water sit out anyway, and airstone isn't all that bad an idea. MAke sure you check the pH after adding your nutes and before use, and never pre-mix fert solutions.
Good, stagnant water is bad bad bad and the source of a gazillion problems that plague growers.

Got a shopping list of nutes I should have on hand?

Also, is my logic below right....


Right now my water PH is 8.4 and my soil PH is probably somewhere in the low 5 range. The combination of the two is resulting in run off water of 6.8.

As I add more water at 8.4 it will leave some of its alkali properties in the soil, resulting in a higher PH of the soil. The higher soil PH will result in a higher runoff PH.


As this happens, should I be lowering the PH of my water so that I continue to get 6.8 on the runoff?

Oh good Stinskter found this.......I'll follow along just to pick up any info I can myself. SOIL!!!! AGGGGGGG!!! :eek:

New issue..... Fungus... Mushrooms to be specific, not growing on cow poo either :( .

Growing from soil, near the plant but not on it or touching it.

I pulled them, and just threw them away..... Any advise? Are they even a real problem? Is there a chemical to use to get rid of them?

Growing in a basement bathroom. House AC is set at 75 have the bathroom fan on all the time and a fan blowing just above the plants (just so the tops move a little) to circulate air. Bathroom cleaned before starting in there. Cleaned very well.

Likely there's mushroom compost in your soil. I get 'em once in a while, too. It's not unusual. Just pull 'em out, and toss. :thumbsup: