First time grower, questions...

alright so, the seed has sprouted since 1/1/08, and the two little leaves started to bend towards the light. normally they should be spread out sideways, no? why has it suddenly changed. those two leaves haven't really grown in the past few days either since the sprout. i only have one daylight cfl on it right now, running a fan. temperature is steady 75-80, humidity unknown. soil is kept moist, checked daily, lightly sprayed with water. i thought that you shouldn't be watering a lot for new sprouts, so i've been spraying. should i be watering to the point that i see 10% water seepage? what are some signs of overwatering vs. underwatering. i'm sure it's not underwatering, so i suspect overwatering but at the same time, it's never a lot.

sorry i don't have pictures, don't have the camera with me atm. if anyone can just explain whaat would happen to a new sprout in the case of overwatering that'd be great. it's been doing well too up to this point, it was growing very fast till this happened. also, i have not been giving it any nutes, and though there is some light burn (went from 2 cfl to just one now), i raised it a bit higher and added the fan.

i forgot to add that the light is suspending 1.5 inches away from the top of the plant. i thought that it was because the light was too far, so it was reaching for it, but it was also burning the side 'round' leaves, so i had to raise it a bit.

it would be better with a camera, but are you talking about the seed leaves?

Those little round leaves turn brown and fall off anyway, don't worry about them.

Light for your seedlings shouldnt be close enough to burn the leaves; put your hand where the leaves are, and if you feel your hand get warm then the lights to close.

But don't more it more than 5-7 inches away or the plant streatches for the light.

New plants don't need that much water, if the soil is moist you're fine. Get a soil moisture meeter from a garden store for $10. It tells your moisture on a 1-4 scale.

Get a cheap digital camera, you're going to need it one day.

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thanks for your quick replies.

i do know that those seed leaves fall off, so i'm not too worried about them turning brown. at the same time, those two leaves in the middle are tiny, and they are very dark green right now; both pointing up to the light. i'm more worried because it looks like it's 'curling' but since it's so tiny, i can't be certain. if i mist it, it'll flatten out a bit and look 'normal'. i figured it was reaching up for the light but it's burning the other seed leaves. i just got a fan on it too, so that should take care of some heating problems, though temp has never gone above 80. soil is moist, i should get a meter, but just haven't had the time.

about the camera, i do have, just it's not with me. i will take pictures to show you guys in a day or two. hopefully it'll get better by then.

alright, i sat down infront of my pot and studied my seedling today. the true leaves have now spanned horizontally but they are still really dark green and really small. am i expecting too much at this stage? again hasn't been week but i noted the leaves on 1/1/08 when they first sprouted. back then, they were light green in color. do leaves usually darken, then grow? i've never grown plants before so i know i'm worrying a lot right now. i don't think it's dying seeing how the true leaves have a dark green color; but there are some white 'fluffs' (pretty sure those aren't bug related though). ill get a picture asap and update, hopefully someone can explain to me if they are on the right track.

each new set of leaves will be bigger then the last set, if the plant has everything it needs, i think you're being a little bit impatient, just give it some time and take pics when you get a chance so we could help you out better

for sure. i tend to be impatient, but it was making speedy progress up to this point. even i was surprised. lol.

thanks.

Yeah Patients Is The Most Important Thing... Yeah, Don't Spray Your Plants Either Untill You Flower, And Even Then Only Flower When The Lights Are Off (12/12)

ok, so i think it's dying. i haven't even seen the leaves grow, it's truely a sad day. i don't have my camera to show everyone so if it lives till tomorrow, ill get a picture of it. i want to transplant it w/ new soil but i dont know if that'll do anything. the true leaves are only about 3-4mm and they are turning brown now. the stalk is also showing signs of brownage, and i can only suspect there's rot in the root. should i transplant and see? it seems too early.

what kind of light are you using? what kind of soil? any nutes?

premium potting soil, no nutes yet.

i think i found out the problem. i've been using spray bottle but only been spraying at most 5 sprays a day. i finally measured out how much water is in 5 sprays and it's VERY little. too little imo. with about 25 sprays, it fills up half a shot glass... so my guess is underwatering!!! hopefully this is it... but i figure better underwatering then overwater. the stem is still green and looks alive, so i think i'm okay. that brown stem ended up just a change in color (dark red/purple). ill get pics tomorrow.