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My Plants Have Spindly Stems?

I have a FL grow light 2" from the tops. and foil surrounding the area dull side out to deflect it. I have also (since they are no more than an inch or 2 below soil) have dug arround the seedling and lowered it into the the soil and coverd the stem 1" from the bottom of the first foliage, hopefully aerating the soil (may have been too compacted not allowing for O2 flow) and lowering the sprout deeper into the soil. If this IS a light problem is it because I have the WRONG light?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    Sounds like a light problem, maybe too much. If you have had similar plants before and they didn't do this, well, maybe that's your problem.

    Here in the north plants get tall and spindly from a lack of sunshine in the winter months in a windowsill.

    My gut feeling is it is still a lighting issue. Do you leave it on 24/7?

    Most plants need a period of darkness as well. Sounds like you need to do further research on plant lights and lighting and all the do's and don'ts. You might find good books on this subject at your local library, or at Borders, or Barnes and Noble Bookstores. Try on-line as well at some of the agricultural colleges websites. Theres A LOT of good information out there on plants and growing, seek and you will find.

    Source(s): Myself, an ol' farm boy.
  • 1 decade ago

    To answer this question would take more info. All plant have different requirements. It could be a pH problem. Could be a nutrient problem. Could be a lighting problem. Its hard to tell. In your earlier question you said they were dying off after a week or two, that usually means nutrients or pH. Try adding a little lime to the soil. You can get it at most garden centers or farm supply stores. Make sure you are using a fertilizer but it has to be a very weak solution. You're seedlings are very delicate and can't handle much. If these things don't work then try changing your lighting. You should raise the light to about six to eight inches above the tops of the plants.

  • 1 decade ago

    Are you sure the plants aren't suppose to have spindly stems. Some of them do.

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