Grow Mediums stem problem w/ pics -need advice

[Nowitzki44]

Hello AF growers I am looking for some help here. Below I have pictures of my first grow ever(I have a journal of it as well). The reason I am posting here is that the bottom of my stem had gotten a "woody" type texture/look at the base of it. It didn't seem to hurt my first grow at all, but my friend that had a lot more plants actually lost 2-3 plants because of snappage from the stem problem(same situation as mine). Now, onto my 2nd grow ever. I'm about in 2 weeks on the system and now my new plant is starting to get white spots on the bottom of the stem--that I can rub off--and now the stem is starting to look a bit woody again and looks thinner than the rest of the plant which actually looks thick now(no pictures sorry just from the first grow but i can take one later). Here's the pictures from the first grow stem problem: Please, if you guys have any thoughts give me some insight.

 

[blue]

Hi Nowitz

The bark on the bottom is normal - As your plant grows stronger the stem will grow bark. Nothing to worry about
I wouldnt fiddle with any white spots - just presume it's growing bark.


Edit: (lol .. how many time did i say bark? .... bark!)

:thedogsbollocks: woof

 

[Nowitzki44]

It just seems weird because I never see that on any other strain of any other plant on any other grow lol


Plus idk why his plants would of just snapped if it wasn't a possible problem you know what I mean?

I'll update with a newer picture when I get out of work.

 

[blue]

This is about the worst picture i've ever taken, but the only one i can find of the bottom of one of my plants

Woof! It's barky! ^_^

Not sure how your mate snapped his plant though? :no:

 

[Nowitzki44]

hmm interesting. Thank you for your input. I still want to post a picture of the newer plant anyways to show you so I can reassure myself haha


Thanks blue for the info!

 

[lykaboss]

Are you using silica in your nutrient lineup?

Silica helps strengthen the plants stocks and branches, making them more durable it also helps fight any diseases that might occur, Silica is a must have IMO for any grow

 

[Nowitzki44]

I am only using the General Hydroponics(micro and bloom). I'm doing the lucas formula of 0-8-16 the whole grow.

I wouldn't mind throwing other things in to help the plant though, i'm just still a noobie

 

[lykaboss]

Get you some Silica Blast from Botanticare, you will see a HUGE difference in growth, this will strengthen the cell walls of your plant, and strengthens the plant overall, Its a MUST HAVE! In my opinion. I went for along time without using a silica, now i could never see growing without it. I start adding silica to my plants at about 2 weeks into veg, and continue to use it until about 2 weeks before they are finished. THe last two weeks of the plants life i only use plain RO water to flush out all the left over nutrients.

 

[az2000]

looks thinner than the rest of the plant which actually looks thick now

Are you using a fan to blow on the plants, to circulate air and help strengthen stems? I see the area just above the stones where the stem looks narrower. To me, it looks like a fan was blowing too harshly when the plant was younger, causing the stem to rub against the stones. Is that possible?

 

[DABaracuss]

BARK is good ..looks fine to me.:Sharing One:NORMAL