Watering issue - some leaves just won't perk up

I read the faq here (great stuff) and many related posts but i'm still not sure if i'm overwatering, or underwatering.

Some of the upper leaves on my ladies are limp. I am fairly sure that i was underwatering. After reading the faq, i bought a rapidtest (single prong). Did tests at diffrent points & levels. They were kinda dry so i watered well until i got the test results i wanted.

The problem is, the droopy leaves never perked up. All the healthy leaves (95%) look great. The limp leaves are the same color as the rest (no yellowing). Will they ever perk up or are they permenatly damaged?

How long has it been since you watered? Are they basking under a hot light as they try to recover?

just a coupla thoughts off the top of my pointed little head...

good luck

bt dt

You may want to look into using peroxide. At a low % mixed with water the h2o2 can allow the plant to take up nutes and water if the roots have become rootbound.
This may be your prob. You should check it out in growfaq and try it out.
I think it suggets 3% h2o2.

It's been a few days since last water. I do need to look into the whole rootbound possibility, but the plants have continued to grow rapidly (in height & width).

Chuck, we need more information and pics.

How big of a pot and plant?
What type of soil?
What type of lighting?
"They were kinda dry so i watered well until i got the test results i wanted." What does this mean? What test results did you want?

You will very seldom underwater in soil. 99% of the time if there is a watering issue someone has overwatered. In fact, I would say most of the time there is a problem with a plant someone has over watered. When they are dry they will let you know. When they are too wet, by the time they let you know your too late.

-ngtybear

ngtybear said:

Chuck, we need more information and pics.

How big of a pot and plant?
What type of soil?
What type of lighting?
"They were kinda dry so i watered well until i got the test results i wanted." What does this mean? What test results did you want?

You will very seldom underwater in soil. 99% of the time if there is a watering issue someone has overwatered. In fact, I would say most of the time there is a problem with a plant someone has over watered. When they are dry they will let you know. When they are too wet, by the time they let you know your too late.

-ngtybear

Click to expand...

Pics i can't do cuz i'm cameraless atm. Info, no prob.
Lets see, plants are about 2ft. in 5gl pots, 3 wks into flowering.
Fox farms soil & all organic ferts.
Got 2 600 watt hps

The moisture meter goes from 1 (dry) to 4 (wet). I wanted it to read between 3-4 @ the bottom of pots, about 2-3 in the middle, and 1-2 near the surface. Or something like that,

Well pot size is there and concern over the other items. Sounds like you did your research. You have perlite mixed in with you Fox Farm, right? Should be at least 30% perlite.

I suspect I have the same tester. I go by wieght now though and do not use it as often. I water when they are completely dry. When the meter does not move at all. Then I water until it is flowing out the bottom. In fact, I will let them stand for about 5 minutes in the run off before letting them drain. I don't water again until they are dry. For me, I have found this the bast way to make sure I do not overwater. My plats love it... and yes I learned it here.

In short, you are most likely overwatering....

-ngtybear

-ngtybear

I'll try watering like that. It makes alot of sense (as not to overwater).

Bummer, i guess i didn't do enough research because i don't even know what perlite is.

Am i in trouble? (is perlite a necessity or a luxury?)

chuck4bud said:

(is perlite a necessity or a luxury?)

Click to expand...

You can get away without it, but rely on your water meter.

I got a question, you mentioned....
"Lets see, plants are about 2ft. in 5gl pots, 3 wks into flowering."
Did you put plenty of holes into the bottom of those buckets for proper drainage?
Peace
(I bet you didn't)

If you didn't drill them in the sides around the bottom now. VV

Perlite is not a must, but I will never grow without it. It allows a lot more oxygen to your roots and protects against over watering. In the future you want add 30% by volume of perlite to your Fox Farm mix.

Thank you all for the replys. Damn i wish i used perlite, i've been watering twice a week. No wonder i'm having water issues.

For the most part they seem great (just a few droopy leaves, mabye 5% but the rest look great). Regardless, i think i have been overwatering so from now on i'm only going to water when the soil gets good and dry. When the water meter says 1 of 4 at the bottom of the pot, then i'll give'em a good soaking. Next time i'll add 30% perlite to the new soil also.

To answer Videoman's question, luckily the pots have plenty of drainage holes.

Thanks again guys