Hello Grim Hmmmm I've read about gradually reducing the length of light down to the 12/12 cycle. I can see the reasoning behind it, it gives the plants a more natural reduction in light rather than a sudden change.

However I've never bothered, I just run them on 18/6 and then drop them to 12/12 and I've never really noticed any adverse effects.
Although if you wish to try it then try it and see how it goes


Red stems, I think it will be just the variety, I've never had any but I have heard of red stemed plants before, if there healthy I wouldn't worry


love mand xxx