Rapid Rooter seedlings wilting

Farmette · March 23, 2012

I've started some tomatoes in the Rapid Rooter plugs and tray. Have kept them bottom watered according to directions. They are now up and under lights 2" from the source, but are flopping over. Has anyone had this problem...not sure what this could be.

RebelRidin · March 23, 2012

Things to try...

If you have them on a heat pad turn it off.

You didn't say what kind of light it was.... Could they be too hot. Back it off to 4 inches and see how they respond. It won't hurt to back it off for a bit anyway....

You say you are bottom watering.... Not sure how "up" these guys are or how deep may be ... But is the top of the media moist where their new little feet are? Bottom watering is great for encouraging root growth but when they first emerge you want to make sure they are not thirsty and that you have moisture available to them. They don't have the stamina yet to go "hunting" for moisture yet.

Just some thoughts... I am assuming that starter is not too high in N and pH is not an issue... Are those good assumptions?

March 23, 2012	#1
Farmette Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 985	Rapid Rooter seedlings wilting I've started some tomatoes in the Rapid Rooter plugs and tray. Have kept them bottom watered according to directions. They are now up and under lights 2" from the source, but are flopping over. Has anyone had this problem...not sure what this could be.

March 23, 2012	#2
RebelRidin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Maryland's Eastern Shore Posts: 993	Things to try... If you have them on a heat pad turn it off. You didn't say what kind of light it was.... Could they be too hot. Back it off to 4 inches and see how they respond. It won't hurt to back it off for a bit anyway.... You say you are bottom watering.... Not sure how "up" these guys are or how deep may be ... But is the top of the media moist where their new little feet are? Bottom watering is great for encouraging root growth but when they first emerge you want to make sure they are not thirsty and that you have moisture available to them. They don't have the stamina yet to go "hunting" for moisture yet. Just some thoughts... I am assuming that starter is not too high in N and pH is not an issue... Are those good assumptions? __________________ George _____________________________ "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure." Thomas Jefferson, 1787