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I started about 20 babies inside, when they sprouted I put them all in pots and sat them in my windows. They get a lot of sun, but the windows are closed so its not exactly direct sunlight. I have 7 that are really stretching, the stem is like 3 or 4 inches long on some of 'em, making the stem bend over. What is the problem? I plan on putting them in the ground next week. What can I do, before then, to stop them from stretching so much. Thanks.
The windows being closed or open makes very little difference unless they are treated with some sort of reflective coating.
A shop light with tube flourescents in it, placed VERY close to the tops of the plants, will solve your problems.
Thanks. So I guess the ones that are already stretched should be planted deeper in the ground when they go out. Will that help? One more thing, at first I thought they were just males when I first saw them, because they were a lot taller. Was I wrong?
There's really no way to sex them this young.
When you plant them in the new location, you can bury ONLY the part of the stem below the node where the cotyledons first formed (round leaves). The stem below the first node can easily grow roots!
I just transplanted one of my babies, and when I was finished, I found a little piece of root left in the cup. Will it be o.k if I missed a small amount of root? I scooped it the best I could.
Should be fine. But when you say 'scooped', I worry. Correct transplanting involves waiting until the root ball is healthy, then letting the soil get a bit dry and compact, upending the whole pot using your other hand to support the soil and stem, and smacking it hard on the bottom so the whole thing slides out. There should never be scooping... hm...
yeah scoop? the scoop is poop, dont do it.
i learned the hard way also so dont feel dumb.
you can get a few compact flourescent lights and put the plants real close and they will do just fine.
I had 4 or 5 seedling in 1 big ass pot. So I scooped each one out and replanted it in the ground. They were on the 2nd set of leaves. I just used a big spoon. I heard that was o.k., Is it not?
In the ground outside? I don't know where you live, but around here it's about two months too early.
Atlanta, Ga. I always start in early March, and they usually show sex prematurally in early April. That way I can cut the males. Has something to do with the long nights in March and April or something like that. It was 70 deg f today, by the way.
Hey man as stated above the problem is clearly too little light. You can get a cheap FL light and hang it right above them. I mean right above like 1-2 centimeters.
Or, if the weather is like above 60 F during the day, you can put them out on a porch or deck for just like a few hours each day in the direct sun.
good luck
Personally I try to avoid putting indoor plants outdoors unless I plan to leave them there permanently, because of the risk of brining bugs back into my house. But if you have a cold-frame, you can stick a no-pest strip in there and avoid a lot of potential bug issues.
Stretching is caused by not enough light, the plant feels it must reach for the sky. You can pick up a small floro light and it'll recover. If you are going outside don't worry the sun should suffice and nature will take over. the bottom prolly going to be a little stretchy but the top should fluff out nice.
As far as the missing root piece don't worry. I found a root stimulater *Green Light, Root Stimulater & Starter Solution.** at my local Lowe's, use that once a week for about the first 4 to 5 weeks. Follow the instrurcitons and your baby should easily recover from the shock of transplant. Also, try not to scoop, if you are starting them inside then use small cups or something. I've found the small plastic cups work great, once they sprout up and get going, i just let it dry out, flip the cup and tap tap. If the dirt is right it should slide right out and be ready.
Another tid bit of info. The males I've had tended to be more stretchy and lanky lookin, allthough that is not a100% sign it's a male. My females were more bushy, like i said though this is not a 100% sign of sex. You have to wait until it actually show balls or hair.