What causes flimsy stems?

[Gixxerman420]

AAAGGGGHHH!!! I went to check on the ladies this evening and my Northern Light Blue has flimsy stems from about halfway up to tip. Anyone have an idea what causes this? I just recently added an air conditioner to the room because temps were nearing 90... I've got them around 70-78 Fahrenheit now, but this plant was sitting closest to the window with the AC unit in it; could this have anything to do with flimsy stems? Also, the stems in question, only where it's flimsy, are turning deep purple in color! First picture is to show color, Second picture is to show the flimsiness of the stems (NLB is the front right plant)... I've got a fan directed at her hoping to strengthen her up a bit... Did I over-water? Under-water? Allow too cool air flow? AAAGGGHHHH!!! HELP ME PLEASE GUYS!!!
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[v35b]

ostpicsworthless:

 

[Roddy]

Hey man, it's been raining in your room! I can't see a problem from these pics, can you get closer ups?

 

[Gixxerman420]

ostpicsworthless:

Click and open the attachments then!

 

[Gixxerman420]

Hey man, it's been raining in your room! I can't see a problem from these pics, can you get closer ups?

In the second photo, front right plant, near the back, you can see the stem bent out from the plant! The others are being pushed back up by a fan... Any ideas what causes flimsy limbs in general guys!?

 

[Gixxerman420]

rot will cause a weak stem---still can't see the weak part---the water on the leaves may be too heavy:48:

RIGHT side guys! Not the one with water on it! :rofl: :stoned: are we? What causes rot? And with the growing conditions the same for all the others and no signs? Is it possible that stretch from the recent change in lighting regimen caused it!? I've read that stretch can cause a stem to get weak or flimsy...

 

[Jericho]

A deficiency can cause purple stems, So can cold and new formation as well though.

Do you have a fan blowing on the plants? That helps allot with strong stems, want to see the leaves moving in the fan = good air circulation = stronger stems.

What are you feeding?

 

[SensiStarFan]

"What causes flimsy stems"?
Answer: Lots of things....older age, too much alcohol, less attractive women, running out of Viagra, cold water, and marriage

-SSF-

 

[BBFan]

In my experience, 3 things have caused weak stems in my grows. Over watering once gave me a problem (it was actually a flush), not enough air blowing on the plants; but I think the most common cause of weak stems is insufficient lighting.

My first indoor grow, I used one 400w unit in a 2.5' x 4' space- I had to tie up my buds to support them. I added a second 400w after that grow and haven't tied up a bud since.

Off topic- are you misting your plants to correct a deficiency (foilar feeding)? Is it a humidity issue? I've noticed you mist your plants in some pics in your journal also.

 

[niteshft]

What are you using for lighting, looks like a light issue to me that is causing stretch.

 

[Roddy]

If the overhead light is all you're using, it could be a light issue, other than that, she's a wuss?

 

[PencilHead]

Lack of silica can cause flimsy, spindly main limbs and stems. Does your medium have rice husks or whatever in it?

If you add a supplemental silica, don't overreact to the pH jump--add your other nutes and let the mix sit for an hour or two and the pH should have leveled back out.

Luck, peace.

 

[Wetdog]

I use Pro-Tekt from Dyna-Gro for a silica supplement. Works good and is inexpensive. Just apply on the light side.

Wet

 

[Gixxerman420]

In my experience, 3 things have caused weak stems in my grows. Over watering once gave me a problem (it was actually a flush), not enough air blowing on the plants; but I think the most common cause of weak stems is insufficient lighting.

My first indoor grow, I used one 400w unit in a 2.5' x 4' space- I had to tie up my buds to support them. I added a second 400w after that grow and haven't tied up a bud since.

Off topic- are you misting your plants to correct a deficiency (foilar feeding)? Is it a humidity issue? I've noticed you mist your plants in some pics in your journal also.

this was just blow back from the misting of the soil... Dirt gets everywhere if I don't keep the topsoil moist... Not actually spraying the plants... The one in the photo was just a flop kind of deal... Didn't really do it for any reason other than seeing her with water droplets all over her! Not a regular thing though... I'm pretty sure it was too far from the light and wasn't getting good wind stimulation as it was sitting in the back of the garden for a few days... I also recently added four hours of darkness a day and think this accounts for some stretch which is also attributing to the weakness... I'm hoping she perks up in the next week; I'll be switching to 12/12 next Thursday!

 

[Gixxerman420]

What are you using for lighting, looks like a light issue to me that is causing stretch.

I'm using a 6 bulb T5 set up that's 4' long... All 6500k bulbs at 5,000 lumens per bulb (30,000 total). It was a bit further from this plant than the others for a few days, I have a fan directly on this plant and have lowered the light slightly to hopefully regain some strength...

 

[Gixxerman420]

If the overhead light is all you're using, it could be a light issue, other than that, she's a wuss?

Should I apply a cfl for side lighting then?

 

[Gixxerman420]

Lack of silica can cause flimsy, spindly main limbs and stems. Does your medium have rice husks or whatever in it?

If you add a supplemental silica, don't overreact to the pH jump--add your other nutes and let the mix sit for an hour or two and the pH should have leveled back out.

Luck, peace.

Silica just sounds chemical! I don't know how I feel about putting breast implants on my pot plants!:rofl:

 

[Roddy]

Should I apply a cfl for side lighting then?

More overhead, as much as you can handle! Side lighting in veg, probably not a good thing as it would likely cause competitive stretch...

 

[Roddy]

I'm using a 6 bulb T5 set up that's 4' long... All 6500k bulbs at 5,000 lumens per bulb (30,000 total). It was a bit further from this plant than the others for a few days, I have a fan directly on this plant and have lowered the light slightly to hopefully regain some strength...

OOOPS, I see you'e using more lighting LMAO....this is what I am using!

 

[Roddy]

Silica just sounds chemical! I don't know how I feel about putting breast implants on my pot plants!:rofl:

:hubba: :hubba: :hubba: