many thanks loc nar and weedhound for your excellent advice...much appreciated...i'm happy to say that, 24 hours after bumping up nutrients, the frazzled plant is not only looking better but - after just 6 days under 12/12 - has begun to show white hairs...i.e, i'm pretty sure it's a girl. i'll take pix tomorrow with an update, and certainly take out the water that's in there now and replace it with fresh...will also look into root product...

all best
--jash