Quote Originally Posted by Faddenator
Jake, you sure a flush is the best idea? I know you're usually right, but I thought deep purple stems was a phosphorus deficiency, so Im not sureflushing is the best idea. I believe phosphorus is easy to lock out as well, so maybe you want to bump that ph up to 6.5.

It could also be your temperature. too low and theyll go purp.
Well, from what I understand, if the salts are built up to the point that the plants roots are not able to get what they need from the soil you would have all sorts of deficiencies. I usually recommend starting with a flush because it's the least likely thing to add to the problem. Most people who use nutrients in soil don't flush adequately fearing overwatering. I think a problem with soil and nutrients is that the PH swings too far. I know you are told that a target PH of 6.8 is best but that really means that from wet to dry your PH is swinging around that number. When you have excessive salts your electrical potential in the soil swings too wildly from your watering to dry out. So it will spend less time at the neutral range giving the plant time to absorb what it needs. If you flush out the salts to some degree you neutralize the swing range. Most people try to just look up the plant symptom and add what it needs but things are rarely that simple. A good flush and some time to dry out will tell you a lot about what the plant wants. Of course seeing the roots is also an important tool.

Just my take, I am probably going to be corrected by someone and I look forward to it.:thumbsup: I am here to learn.