🌱 Seedling Care: Nurturing New Life
The seedling stage (first 1-3 weeks) is critical. Plants are fragile and susceptible to overwatering and nutrient burn.
💡 Light Requirements
- Provide gentle light (T5 fluorescents or dimmed LEDs)
- Maintain proper distance to prevent stretching but avoid burning
- Use 18/6 or 20/4 light cycle
💧 Watering Guidelines
- Water sparingly around the base of the plant
- Allow top inch of coco to dry out between waterings
- Avoid overwatering - it suffocates young roots
🍼 Nutrient Approach
- Start with very dilute nutrients (1/4 strength) or pH-adjusted water for first week
- Coco is inert, so light feeding is necessary early
- Monitor for signs of nutrient burn (dark green, burnt tips)
🌡️ Environmental Conditions
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Humidity: 60-70% RH for strong initial growth
- Airflow: Gentle air circulation to strengthen stems
👀 Vigilance: Monitor seedlings daily for signs of stress and adjust conditions immediately. Early intervention prevents long-term issues.