Where's my roots????

[baddude]

Hey all!

After taking a nice 10 year hiatus from growing, I am realizing that I have forgotten way more that I realized (wonder how that happened?).

Long story, short. I have planted seeds into rockwool cubes exactly 16 days ago. I have nice little sprouts, but there isn't any sign of roots starting to protrude from the rockwool.

The cubes have been kept moist, but not wet with 1/3 strength solution and are in a dome to keep the humidity up. The spouts look great, but no roots. I never remember it taking this long. Am I just being impatient, or am I missing the boat on something.

Thanks!

Cheers!

baddude Reviewed by baddude on 07-07-2008. Where's my roots???? Hey all! After taking a nice 10 year hiatus from growing, I am realizing that I have forgotten way more that I realized (wonder how that happened?). Long story, short. I have planted seeds into rockwool cubes exactly 16 days ago. I have nice little sprouts, but there isn't any sign of roots starting to protrude from the rockwool. The cubes have been kept moist, but not wet with 1/3 strength solution and are in a dome to keep the humidity up. The spouts look great, but no roots. Rating: 5

[stinkyattic]

-No ferts at all to start
-Unless you are going into hydro, and even then, rockwool may not be the best choice for seeds. I find it difficult to work with, and prefer unferted soilless mix or rapidrooters for seedlings.

How large are the cubes? If you started in the little plugs or 1 1/2" cubes (coorect size for seeds), you should definitely see roots by now.

[baddude]

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, these are going into a dwc system. I used the A-OK plugs (1"x1") with a very light solution of Hormex. The seedlings look good, but just no roots.

I've also noticed that the A-OK plugs are drying out quite a bit over a 24 hour period. I am re-watering them when they are about 80% dry. Could this be causing my problem?

Thanks again!

[stinkyattic]

80% dry is a good time to water.
What is your temperature? There's a sweet spot between too cold to grow and so warm that they rot. Try for 78'F, and start taking the dome off for half an hour a couple times a day to get fresh air in there. Lose the dome entirely as soon as the little plants can take it, because you want to avoid rot.

[baddude]

They are sitting at about 75-78F. I have a dome that has little built in vents and I've been slowly opening them up. Its really dry where I'm at so I've been trying to use the dome to keep some humidity in there.

[stinkyattic]

Oh good, that's the way to use it. Sounds like you are in good shape.

[baddude]

Thanks stinky!!! I guess its back to being patient.......not one of my best attributes!!