First grow, stem question

This is my first grow with just one plant, and about 4 days into it, the plant collapses under it's own weight. I guess the stem isn't strong enough. Can anything help keep it strong other than good ventilation? Right now I've been able to prop it up but I want it to be able to stand on it's own.

Any help?

I've used those plastic twist ties that come with grabage bags to act as a little crutch for the droopy ones. They don't need to be tight, make sure it's a loose twist.

also have a fan blow on it. that will cause little breaks in the stem, which the plant will fix and therefore be stronger. i suggest using phreaq's idea until it will stand on it's own. also, it may be stretching, move your lights closer.

Use a plastic fork. Put the handle in the soil and let the stem rest between the forks. Next time sprout more seeds, you might be growing a male.

Thanks. I did have the light (60 watt cfl) about 6 inches away for a day or two until I found out that it should be about an inch away. I hope it's just stretching then and not a male.

Is there any way to tell for sure what sex the plant is by now? I heard that having little prickles or hairs on the stem makes it a female (which mine has).

I guess it might be too early to tell.

XXVII said:

Thanks. I did have the light (60 watt cfl) about 6 inches away for a day or two until I found out that it should be about an inch away. I hope it's just stretching then and not a male.

Is there any way to tell for sure what sex the plant is by now? I heard that having little prickles or hairs on the stem makes it a female (which mine has).

I guess it might be too early to tell.

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Yep, too early.

get more light my friend, cfls are cheap, get a few, and you may wanna get another plant goin, if that one goes male u will be pissed

ery

Thanks to all, I'll get some more seeds sprouting.

One last thing: When is it Ok (if ever) to cut leaves off to save space?

ive heard of people pruning lower leaves and fan leaves to get better light penetration and better air movement. as far as i know you can pretty much prune the leaves, just dont go overboard. i am still a bit of a noob though

ery

I wouldn't suggest pruning the leaves unless you know they won't get any light. If they are green they can suck up light. Also the plant can draw on the leaves for nutrients later near harvest. Only prune if you have a good reason to do so (like a scrog setup).

Ok, Like the one guy said, you do not have enough light. Here is how to fix that droppy plant. Take a Straw cut it about the length of the plant and then split it end wise. Open it up and put the stem inside of the straw, then push the straw a little bit in the dirt. This is by far the best way to hold up a weak plant. Then put a fan blowing on it to help strengthen the stem.

Lord Dangly Bits said:

Ok, Like the one guy said, you do not have enough light. Here is how to fix that droppy plant. Take a Straw cut it about the length of the plant and then split it end wise. Open it up and put the stem inside of the straw, then push the straw a little bit in the dirt. This is by far the best way to hold up a weak plant. Then put a fan blowing on it to help strengthen the stem.

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Cool. This is exactly what I did the first time with the straw and all, but I eventually resorted to using the plastic fork method. Either way I went, it seems the plant is already standing up own it's own.

Lord Dangly Bits said:

Take a Straw cut it about the length of the plant and then split it end wise. Open it up and put the stem inside of the straw, then push the straw a little bit in the dirt. This is by far the best way to hold up a weak plant. Then put a fan blowing on it to help strengthen the stem.

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Not a good idea. When you push the straw down you could fuck up the roots. The inside of the straw is going to hold moisture, possibly causing mold. And blowing air on the outside of the straw isn't going to strengthen whats on the inside.

That's exactly what I thought. So I've used the fork and it's standing up now.

Here's what it looks like so far. Be nice, I need some constructive criticism. Why do the big leaves look like they are crumpling on the outside edges? Are they dry? Should I spray water on them or what? Also, today the plant is two weeks old. Should I be able to tell the sex?



Also, does anybody know what kind this is? Sorry for the crappy pictures.

Blunted1 said:

Not a good idea. When you push the straw down you could fuck up the roots. The inside of the straw is going to hold moisture, possibly causing mold. And blowing air on the outside of the straw isn't going to strengthen whats on the inside.

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WRONG BUCKAROO!!!! After hundreds of plants, not once has this caused MOLD. The straw is not tight enough to build up and entrap moisture, and you do not stuff it 12 inches down in the dirt, only a 1/4 inch is enough. If anything the fork is a Forking time bomb. But to each his own. But then again maybe I am wrong. But I got the Idea from Arjan of green house seeds. Maybe he does not know as much as people say he does.

if its small get a tooth pick and just like tie it to the stem and put it in the dirt should be fine =)

hey if you are doing a cfl it seems to be pretty popular to 12/12 from seed . i did have a grow but before my cab was built my mom found out
i had to throw them away last night

Ok...that sucks I guess...

But did anyone take a look at my pictures?? I want to know if it's female or male because I'm a newbie and I suck at these things!