First pots to use for seedlings

[thermite]

I've read up quite a lot now on potting/transplanting so I've got a pretty good idea of size of pots required and when I should transplanting. I was thinking about moving my seedlings into small white plastic drinking cups once they've developed their roots a little more, quite simply because I have them available and I thought it may be possible to see the root development through the sides and bottom of the cups making it easier to determine when to transplant again. Would this be ok to do or should I really use proper light proof plant pots as I understand roots don't like the light??

thermite Reviewed by thermite on 02-02-2012. First pots to use for seedlings I've read up quite a lot now on potting/transplanting so I've got a pretty good idea of size of pots required and when I should transplanting. I was thinking about moving my seedlings into small white plastic drinking cups once they've developed their roots a little more, quite simply because I have them available and I thought it may be possible to see the root development through the sides and bottom of the cups making it easier to determine when to transplant again. Would this be ok to do Rating: 5

[Minnesnowta]

I'm sure others may disagree with me, but I clone in the bottoms of water bottles. I cut the bottom 1/3 or so off and poke holes in them. I do this so I can see the roots as well, makes it easier to identify any potentially under developed or damaged clones. Also because I've been trying to pin point the timing for when they've developed enough roots to initiate flowering as I am testing different strains for a SOG grow. Recently I got a cutting to root in just a cup of water with a custom nutrient solution for rooting that I mixed up and tried out. Took 8 days to get little roots to start coming out and by the end of the day they were about a half an inch long.

Anyways I'll get to the point, I haven't experienced any negative side effects from using clear pots VS. light proof pots, everythings been the same to me so far, at least for youngin's and clones. Never tried anything clear for a plant that wasn't a seedling or fresh clone though. So I'd say go for it and use the clear pots all you want. Though I would recommend that you continue to try to learn more about your plants and develope the ability to notice when they need to be transplanted by finding clues other than just being able to see the roots through your container. Good luck brahh!

Remember.. I say this from my own personal experience, and am not saying that clear containers are the correct thing to do. I can show you pictures of some healthy plants in clear containers if you'd like. I have a whole cluster of them right now, at least for a couple more days. Then its off to a new home for them!

[thermite]

Thanks for the advice. I'll go ahead and use them.

[PhatJay]

I disagree with Minnesnowta, roots grow better in the dark. My evidence for this is that on one of my early grows (1st grow log) I made some pot covers to stop mould forming on the soil, which meant the surface of the soil was dark. Look what the roots did. http://i.imgur.com/XOTHf.jpg

[thermite]

That's interesting. They obviously like the dark. I wonder if those roots making an effort to grow up through the surface held the plant back at all?

[PhatJay]

I wonder if those roots making an effort to grow up through the surface held the plant back at all?

I got the highest yield per plant I have ever got. There is a reason why all plant pots are opaque.

[thermite]

Nice!

[bigsby]

Roots grow better in the dark. You don't want see-through or white cups. I use peat pots one clones or seeds take root. Peat pots make the first transplant painless. It doesn't stress the plant and there is no danger of damaging the roots. Just pop the peat pot into your next container and your done. Plus the seedling has to work to get through the peat which forces a phase of above ground growth while the roots are restricted which in turn supports increased root development...

[thermite]

Ok thanks. I'll scrap the white cups