Is it OK to go from a 4 inch pot directly to the 5 gallon pot?

I know, this is one of those questions for most of you. I'm worried it might be wasteful to some degree as I'm using Fox Farm's Ocean Forest Mix. In other words, is it really essential to move to a 1 or 3 gallon pot first? Part of me thinks it makes sense, but it's a hassle and more money.

Also, anyone ever have really subtle over exposure symptoms on their plants? I don't have any pictures, but I have a 400watt MH and a couple CFLs with supplementary light to fulfill a full spectrum. I'm worried 14-16 inches might be a little too close. Heat doesn't seem to be a problem as the leaves aren't falling off or anything drastic, but I'm not exactly sure what to look for as it might be subtle sun burn so to speak.

Anyone have any pictures of what a plant should look like after about 2 weeks or so growing? (From seed in soil.)

Thanks all.

4" to 5 gallon is just fine. Put your hand over the top of the 4" with the plant between your fingers, turn upside down, and then pull the old pot off. You may have to squeeze it a bit. You may see anything from just a few roots, to a root bound mess that is wall to wall roots. If this is the case, gently try and pull the roots apart a bit before transplanting. It will help the roots expand and enjoy their new space faster. Once in the new pot, give it a good watering and you should be good to go. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

dankasaurusrex said:

4" to 5 gallon is just fine. Put your hand over the top of the 4" with the plant between your fingers, turn upside down, and then pull the old pot off. You may have to squeeze it a bit. You may see anything from just a few roots, to a root bound mess that is wall to wall roots. If this is the case, gently try and pull the roots apart a bit before transplanting. It will help the roots expand and enjoy their new space faster. Once in the new pot, give it a good watering and you should be good to go. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

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Ehh I don't think its such a good idea. This coming from personal experience.

I think its better to use 3 pot sizes, small, med, and large. When you put a small plant in a large pot, the water goes all the way to the bottom of the pot, the roots don't. Water collects at the bottom and doesn't get used up, and the light isn't going to dry it out down there. This either encourages roots to stretch to the bottom and then fill out and create circles in the bottom of the pot. It doesn't use the middle soil thoroughly and creates poor uptake of nutrients. If you let a rootball fill the pot, then transplant one size up, it gives the roots a chance to fully develop into every bit of soil and allows for maximum nutrient uptake.

I'd say its fine do it and just go light on the nitrogen until the plant looks like it really took to the bigger pot

youll be fine man

If your worried about the money part you'll be fine with just moving strait to the 5 gallon pot.

you'll be fine bro, the root's will fill in quick.

dan2581 said:

Ehh I don't think its such a good idea. This coming from personal experience.

I think its better to use 3 pot sizes, small, med, and large. When you put a small plant in a large pot, the water goes all the way to the bottom of the pot, the roots don't. Water collects at the bottom and doesn't get used up, and the light isn't going to dry it out down there. This either encourages roots to stretch to the bottom and then fill out and create circles in the bottom of the pot. It doesn't use the middle soil thoroughly and creates poor uptake of nutrients. If you let a rootball fill the pot, then transplant one size up, it gives the roots a chance to fully develop into every bit of soil and allows for maximum nutrient uptake.

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That was my concern too, but others here seem to think it won't be a huge deal. I might consider getting some 1 gallon pots and then going to the 5 gallon, but we'll see. It's scary how expensive nice, reusable pots are. Part of me wishes I'd done hydroponically again, but I was tempted into trying soil out. The growth rates seem so slow to me in comparison; I keep thinking I'm doing something wrong, but I think patience is key with soil. I assumed soil growing would be easier, but I dunno - it seems more complicated and sensitive in a way. I can't just dump a reservoir and reboot as easily.

Also, with the light issue, I backed my MH light back a little bit and the plants seem a little happier today, growing faster. Might be coincidence as I just watered them yesterday, but maybe younger plants like to work up to the full intensity of the light. In other words, less is more even with light in the early stages in some cases.

Thanks a lot for the responses guys - I know these questions are posted biweekly, so it's cool you guys care to help others.