Update - Flower Day 10
The Plants are looking better today. Last night I did a flush on plant #4 . Why you ask! A couple things had concerned me since transplanting Fatleaf and plant #4 the other day. Yesterday I noticed that while Fatleaf had drained well and subsequently had gotten lighter, plant #4 was still very heavy with water. Figured the drainage holes maybe clogged up. I did some pushing and shoving of the rocks at the drainage holes with my fingers to open the holes more. Then I added a gallon of plain distilled water (slowly) and was rewarded with very good drainage.
The pH prior to the flush was right at 6.0 and I hoped the flush would raise the pH. After the watering I got a soil pH reading of 6.3, a slight improvement. I'd feel much better having the pH above 6.5. I've been thinking about using a little baking soda or Epsom salts in my next watering (these products are available to me). I know that I have to be careful with these because of the salinity, correct? If any of you have used either one, please fill me in on anything I should be concerned about. What should the correct measurement be, teaspoons per gal etc to raise it safely. By all means let me know if this is a bad idea.
Something that I hear about here a lot is hydrated lime, correct. This is added to the water to raise the pH?
Hopefully (one day) I will be able to get some of these products like the lime and a pH up and down Kit along with Mountains recommendation of at least a water pH test kit (drops). In the mean time I am pretty much at the mercy of my non existent budget.
All the plants are strapped down for now and have no choice but to deal with it. Many potential bud sites are breaking through the thick canopy now. But some of the lower foliage is showing signs of insufficient light penetration, I have removed some of the yellowed and dying leaves. Also some of the lower fan leaves are getting spotted and dry. Wondering if this is also because of low (or no) light penetration? Hopefully this is not another issue or connected to my rather low pH.
As always I am open and always looking forward to your suggestions and comments. I am limited in my resources and knowledge and value your input very much.
This is a great community. I am very grateful also that the vast wealth of knowledge that many of you possess is graciously made available to those of us in need!
Love this site!