Hey, this is my first grow I've ever done but I have done hours on hours of research. I placed my germinated seeds into rockwool cubes on the night of March 3rd (11 days ago). Rockwool cubes were put into cups of coco on March 11th (day 8) when roots were coming out of the bottom of the cubes. It's currently day 11 and they've been in coco for 3 days. I have been watering less since my plants were over watered at first which I'm hoping will promote root growth since I am letting the medium dry out. Any Idea as to when my plants will have a nice root ball in the bottom of the cups and be ready to be transplanted into my 4x4 tent with 5 gallon pots? The cubes were placed about half way down because the plants were stretching and I wanted to shorten the stem length. Just wondering if this would cause a root ball to form faster at the bottom of the cups. I know that transplanting from solo cups to 5 gallons might be a stretch but I have a bucket system to water the plants that only connects to 5 gallon pots so that's what I was planning on. Any thoughts on when to transplant? I really need them to be in the tent on day 14 connected to the bucket system since I'm going on a trip and having someone else look after them for me that doesn't know too much about growing.
Strain is Super Silver Haze by ILGM
What are you using for lighting? The stretching indicates the plant is looking for more light. I personally wouldn't transplant yet. I'd say give it another 5-7 days and then might be a good time (depending on growth). How long is your trip? You could potentially postpone the transplanting until after your trip? Not sure if you've seen this but here's my latest video on transplanting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_RB32k2Ayk You can see plants that are ready for transplant out of cups like yours.
Leaving next Thursday for 8 days. Won’t be back until the 29th which is day 27. I really don’t think I have time to postpone the transplant for that long. I also want to have my bucket system running for a few days before hand to test it out to make sure all runs smoothly since this is my first time using a bucket system and even first grow for that matter. I’m using a T5 light that came with a propagation kit. I think it’s just under 20 watts. Not home right now so I can’t check to confir. Also would placing the rockwool cubes deep in the cups make the root ball form faster since there’s less room at the bottom of the cup?
@Dominick DeVarti if you have to transplant them i would right before you leave. Use a little microrizea*sp on the roots. I would also invest in a better light, or move your T5 about 10-20 inches from top of plant. It will reduce stretch. Also make sure you have proper air flow as well. I would also have a TRUSTWORTHY friend help you when you are gone to minimize any potential loss or damage to plants.
@Elliot I have a fluence spyder x plus in the tent
Well, since lighting is taken care of and on point. Wait just before your trip to transplant into final pots. Just be super careful on the roots and tell buddy to watch temp and humidity and watering when dry. You should be good to roll. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice!
Would you recommend I put them into the tent right now under the light on top of a plant saucer just not transplanted into the pots?
@Dominick DeVarti Does the SPYDR X have a dimmer? Having it on full output for a small seedling is an overkill.
I had my lec 315 about 24 to 36" from the tops of my plants they did great not to much stretch. T5's are not as hot. So keeping them a little closer is better and enpugh light the first few weeks, till your ready to transplant. I would stick around 8 to 15 inches for that T5.