Preventing mold in cabinet.

[laphter]

In my past grows I never would have thought that keeping my plants too short would be a problem, however I have a question on how to keep my leaves from contacting the soil and causing mold. As my seedlings branch out, the first leaves are folding down to allow for the branches. As they do this their tips are dragging on the soil. I thought the goal was to keep them short and bushy in a cabinet, and this is what I did, but I don't believe that leaves contacting the soil can be good for the plant. Should I just ignore it and wait for them to eventually fall, or is trimming these leaves at the tip a considerable option? I'm concerned that trimming them this young may cause stress and stunt the growth, but lack of airflow between the leaves and the soil could potentially cause a mold problem that I don't want to battle in such a confined space. I have really good airflow, and the soil does crust over before the lights kick off. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

laphter Reviewed by laphter on 01-15-2011. Preventing mold in cabinet. In my past grows I never would have thought that keeping my plants too short would be a problem, however I have a question on how to keep my leaves from contacting the soil and causing mold. As my seedlings branch out, the first leaves are folding down to allow for the branches. As they do this their tips are dragging on the soil. I thought the goal was to keep them short and bushy in a cabinet, and this is what I did, but I don't believe that leaves contacting the soil can be good for the Rating: 5

[CanGroIt]

Mold is created with a combination of factors, moisture, temperature and air flow. Do you run your exhaust fans when lights are out? Does new air vent into your grow space or do you have it circulating? What's the temp and humidity of your grow space when lights are out? You said yourself that you have a lack of airflow to the bottom branches. A $10 fan may solve your prob.

Trimming just the tips of your fan leaves that are touching the soil will not stress or stunt your plant. Only when you trim too much of the plant at one time will the plant growth be effected.