I am 2 weeks into vegging 8 high quality plants. A bit less than a week ago, I saw some white powder/crystal-like stuff on the leaves, BUT NOT LIKE THE WHITE POWDER PICS/DESCRIPTIONS IVE SEEN ON THIS SITE. Most of the "white spots/powder" I see posted on this website are obvious white blotches visible to the naked eye with leave degradation. On my plants, these white spots are not visible with the naked eye, I need a magnifying glass and they are like TINY TINY salt crystals on the leaves. Since Ive spotted them, spots have NOT grown, increasd, etc. The growth, color, posture, and overall wellness of my plants have not been affected (yet). I thought this mysterious white stuff could be bugs. But I've thoroughly inpected the plants with the magnifyer, but I see no evidence of bugs. Sometimes I see a black spec here and there, but I'm pretty sure its just dirt because upon touching it with my finger, the spec just rubs off and shows no movement or life as you would see with a bug. Plus the specs look like dirt and doesn't remotely resemble a bug. So I thought maybe it is fungus or mold. But again, it has already been a week since I've noticed the tiny dots, and I figured mold/fungus would grow quick, but my plants have remained healthy, and the spots haven't impacted anything.
So the other day I bought a neem oil-based pesticide and fungicide. But does anyone know if there is any chance that these spots are naturally occuring and harmless? It doesn't seem to fit the vigorous descriptions of mold or bugs. Should I start spraying the neem oil regardless? WOuld it be harmful to spray down such young plants?? I put so much hope and effort into these plants, and I don't want them to die.

could be powdery mildew any organic rose or tomato funicide will work. should clear up fine

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Can't say 100% sure, but it does sound like powdery mildew. I had a bit of this at the start of my current project, the key is recognizing it quickly, and addressing the problem.

A few things you can do... SuperNatural makes a product that helps with mildew and bugs... all in one spray. However, be careful with foilar sprays b\c you are likely seeing the mold because there's too much water in the air. Spray the plants right before the lights go on (have lights raised) and never spray with the lights out... you're asking for a huge problem if ya do.

Secondly, do you have a dehumidifer in there? If not, get one... keep it at like 40% relative humidity. This should cut down on the mildew as well. I haven't seen any in my project for a week or so now, and I actually never used any sprays..I just lowered my r\h considerably. Best of luck keep us posted.

also have you got a fan on the go with good ventalation or the fungicides wont work as well or not at all.

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Thanks for a quick response, both of you.
Well for one thing, no I have no dehumidifier. The humidity level has been about a level 50%, or 60% on a rainy/cloudy day. I guess thats too high?
Yes, the one thing I can say is good is the ventilation. I see no issues with that.
But it seems like no one recommends the neem-oil stuff? It does have a fungicide included as well.... does it make a difference which brand I use? Also, is fungus/mold a one-time kill (if you're lucky) or is this likely to be a constant maintenance thing from here-on-in? Im only 2 weeks into vegging!! This could be a painful 3 months to come....

People say it's difficult to completely get rid of a mildew problem, but with quick action you can def. address the problem pretty well. Like I said, I haven't seen any of it pop back up at all... several weeks later. With reguards to the neem oil, I have not heard of people using that for mildew. The fans... while the plants are infected turn the fans off otherwise they will aid in the spreading of the mildew quicker. Hate to tell ya, but you are going to need a d\h in there and leave it on around 40-45

P.S Yes, 60% is too high... ESPECIALLY once you are flowering..... you aren't gonna wanna let your r\h go above 45 when they start packing on buds my friend! You should be able to get a d\h for a few hundred dollars.

I got a picture that shows the white spots I have. Someone suggested these could be early trichomes, which I am inclined to believe But on a 2 weeks old veg already?

Attached Images

herbb50x.jpg (34.2 KB, 107 views)

They look like the beginnings of trics to me
But if they are also on the bigger fan leaves it may be mould spores.

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is there a way to tell early mildew from early trichomes? i would assume in later stages its too late to act