wow, i just reread your post. patients is the most important thing you need to grow pot. i can't believe you killed a plant to see if it was alive! i guess it's not that big a deal. just remember, if you try to rush things you're not gonna get the results you want. i know how hard it is to wait for the little guys to brake the surface but waiting is what it's all about if you wanna grow mj. just sit back and let the plants grow. they will let you know if something is wrong. good luck.