Seedlings top-heavy and toppling

[Agaricus]

It's not damping off.

It's all my fault. I should know better. Through numbness I left my Mandala #1 babies too far from the light for too long and they got really leggy. Then when I raised them up closer to the lights the the leaves got so big so fast that the little stems won't hold them up.

Wish I could get some pics but my daughter's borrowed the camera and it won't be be back for another couple of weeks.

I'm going to try to support them with little stakes. The question is, do you think they'll stiffen up sufficiently to have a normal life? Should I crush up some Viagra in their water?

Yeah, yeah, I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill but I've had too much coffee this morning and these are selection batch for the summer run. I'd really appreciate some reassurance and tips, especially from those who have been there.

 

[wildgrow]

Your plan to support them is all you can do. A piece of wire with a loop will work best. Try to get the support as close to the leaves as possible. Blowing air gently over them will stiffen the stems. Not too much though... you just want to see them wiggle a bit.

 

[Agaricus]

The piece of wire with a loop's a great idea, lots better than a stick and a bread bag tie. Thanks!

 

[SpicySativa]

I would support them just enough that the stems won't bend/kink, but NOT holding them completely stable. I also use thin wire with a loop (bent down 90 degrees, LOOSELY cradling the stem a little below the bottom leaves). As long as they can still sway and jiggle in the breeze, your stems will stiffen up quick. Next transplant, just bury them a little deeper. New roots will grow from the stem where it's covered.

 

[Granger2]

Stake them, yes. When you transplant them, plant the stem deeply. Good luck. -granger

 

[Guest]

probably just some air movement gently across the babies will do the trick. Shouldn't need support but just a day or two. Those M1's are some great plants and will recover quickly. If you haven't grown/smoked this strain, you are going to be pleased.

KS

 

[wildgrow]

I wish I could take credit for it. Just seen done a ton and it works.

 

[Agaricus]

I was wondering about transplanting with the stem deeper. It always works with my tomatoes so why not weed? Generally I'm more watchful but I was using the same light for the taller blue widow clones.

And yes, I'll make the loop about 3/4" diameter, with a gap so I can take it off later.

Thanks all, I'm feeling better now, good advice and receding caffeine buzz.

Kief, nice to hear another good report about the M1 smoke. I'm stoked, looking forward to a nice harvest in a few months.

 

[Bluewidow]

Yes, transplanting to deeper pots and burying the stem is just fine, although I wouldn't want to risk stressing seedlings out if they haven't formed a nice root ball. If they haven't just support them as others said.

 

[Agaricus]

All good now. Potted up, looking good, growing like weeds.

 

[wildgrow]

Good to hear!