Yellowing/browning/curling Seedling. Help!

[Regonold]

Hello all,

My seedling sprouted August 9th (2 weeks ago come Friday). My problems started pretty early on when the seedling began to lean as though it were very week (hence, the stick for support). In the past 5 days or so I've noticed some yellowing in the cotyledon as well as some discoloration of the fan leaves. I've also noticed what appears to be stretching on the stem about half a centimeter off the dirt (see third attached photo). I'm guessing the plant didn�t get enough light when it initially came up from the ground and kept going up in search for light and stretched in the process. The leaves have also begun to droop/ curve down. More recently, the edges of the leaves have started to go brown.

At first I thought it was a nitrogen deficiency and added less than 1/4th strength of liquid fish once 3 days ago on the 18th - that didn't help at all, obviously.

Some specifications on the environment it's in:
-pH has consistently been around 6.3~6.4.

-The current light setup is an 11v CFL kept less than an inch from the plant.

-16/8 light regime.

-Room temp is kept at 77 F.

-The soil is 10% zeolite (Molly Magic soil amendment), 50% organic miracle grow potting mix, 30% worm castings, and 10 % native sand from the area.

-The soil has only been watered when dry at least half an inch down, but I've repeatedly misted the top lair to keep it from caking up.

-I'm planning on transplanting to a 3 gallon pot outdoors on week 3 or 4.

Please let me know if there�s anything to be done ASAP. This is my first time growing so I'm hoping its just some silly noob shit that is easily repairable.

All help is much appreciated,

Reg

 

[GCase]

Do you think your soil might be too hot. Seedlings are hypersensitive the first couple of weeks. They get their sugar from the tiny cotyledons. The mods. will drop by to give you their opinion as to how to rehab.

Keep on growing.

 

[Duck Commander]

I agree the soil could be too :hot: for seedlings also try steer away from Miracle Grow it can play havoc with your PH and burn seedlings.. I would say if you can buy some light mix soil it makes thing so much easier and no risk of burning seedlings unless you do it. Also What lighting do you use? ive never heard of a 11v CFL. Do you know the spectrum and wattage Si

 

[Muddy]

Besides the issues with the Miracle Grow soil, you've also got what is called damping off. That's evident in the third picture where you can see the stem of the plant getting thin right above the soil level. Unfortunately, you are probably going to lose that plant. More information on damping off, how to treat and prevent it, here: https://www.autoflower.org/f73/damping-off-causes-treatments-1946.html

 

[Regonold]

Thanks everybody for the replies.

I've since upgraded to a 23 watt cfl. there was a typo in the original post, I meant 11 watt not 11v.

Thanks for the heads up on MG, Si. Any recommendations on light soils?

 

[seraphim19]

I have found that most if not all garden centres stock seedling soil which has little or no nutrients added. This soil is ideal for the first two weeks growth, especially if you are going to transplant in to a bigger pot or into the ground.

There is no need to go for a brand name just ensure the soil you buy is for seedlings and all should go well. the only amendment I would add is perlite and vermiculite.

Hope this helps