Babies can't stand up...

Two of my three 3 week olds can't hold themselves up straight. Does this strictly have to do with lighting or does it have to do with watering, nutrients etc. Thanks!

 

They are stretching towards the light. If youre using floros then lower the light as far above the seedlings as you can. Also, you can cut straws into various sizes, then slash them down the middle. Put this little brace around the plants, itll keep them straight until they can support themselves.

 

ahh thanks Lune. Lowered the light and im cutting the srtaws as we speak

 

yep, definately sounds like they are stretching for the light....follow lunes advice and you should be good to grow

 

You can also take a few of those really long twist ties (or joing the short ones together and prop them up. Stick one end in the soil and bend a lil hook to hold the stem up. Later on, when you repot you, can bury the stem (make sure it is past the seedling stage - the stem gets a little "woody").

 

Depending on the size... toothpics, chopsticks, twisties, skewers will all act as a brace. Sometimes when we're pushing a plant it may get a little spindly, usually with no long term damage if you prop it up. Think Forrest Gump.

 

So thanks everyone for the help the babes look great...I have another question though, I just got some houseplant food and I was wondering how much is safe giving to the baby plants. They recomend 10-20 drops? Its 8% nitrogen 7& phosphate 6% iron.