How long has the medium been saturated like that? A larger pot than necessary holds moisture too long for the immature rootball. But since you're there already, be careful not to water them the day before feeding them. Keeping the soil saturated can cause many problems, like root rot, stunting, ph swings...Looks like you've overwatered 'em for too long.

You mentioned that your friend started the clone in MG, and it was fine. If it was doing fine with MG, why did you switch...? And are you certain you didn't give any additives, or sprayed 'em with anything?

In attempting to flush the nutrients (time release pellets) likely you've flushed some of the ph buffers as well. Just something to ponder down the line...

MG is fine, and likely you should have stayed with it. Unless you added something else, it takes a week or so for healthy plants to acclimate. If you did add something else like B-1 (thiamine) for "transplant shock", or superthrive, (for what...? Actually, nobody is really sure why they use it) it can and will add-to the already maximized Miracle Grow.

I'd let 'em dry before adding ANY more moisture. MG nutrients usually last a month and a half or longer, depending on size of plant and watering schedule, (or overwatering schedule) but since you are in 1/2 and 1/2, no telling when they'll need more. Likely in a few weeks or so they'll be wanting something extra. Half doses of whatever flowering nutrients you'll be using, and watch for results.