First Timer w/ a question

Hello all,
I'm a first time poster on this site and also a first time grower. I have a small grow going on with two plants from seed, and they are a day shy of being 3 weeks old. So far both have looked very healthy for the most part...nice stem, solid green color and having a little stank to them. One plant has gotten very red/purple-ish color stems, and the plant is beginning to droop quite a bit. I have read that this could be over watering or nute issues. The only nutes i am using is foxfarm grow big, but in a smaller dosage then required. The leaves look very healthy and dont have any of the leaf burn that people mention when it comes to nute damage. Since i've noticed the droopage and colored stem i also realized that it doesn't seem to be getting taller like the other plant is.I will attach a couple pictures in hopes maybe a veteran of this issue can lend a rookie some advice.

The first two pics are the drooping and red stem one(kinda blurry), and the third will be of the healthier one. (sorry for the sideways pic..didn't realize i can't rotate pics off the iphone)

Thanks is advance
J

Your drooping is really nothing, possibly overwatering or maybe even underwatering, but it looks very healthy. As far as stem color, about half of mine seem to get reddish/purplish stems but no ill effects from it. Most people seem to think it could be from temperatures fluctuating too much, or just cooler than optimum temps and it's just a reaction the plant has to cooler temps. I honestly pay little to no attention to the stem/stalk color, as long as the plant(s) are healthy and vibrant. As far as the drooping on the one plant, it doesn't look bad at all, not like they're just hanging straight down. Keep them sufficiently, but not overly, watered, let them get a bit dry to the point where they actually need it. Stick your finger a few inches down in the soil and you'll know if they need watering. Overall, whatever you're doing seems to be working so far, they look like nice little plants, congrats.

Thanks. Yeah, i mean it looks healthy from looking at the leaves but the difference between the two plants made me curious if something might be wrong. I try not to water too often, but i have done the finger trick you mentioned and water it when its dry an inch down or so. Thanks again for the input. much appreciated

if u can afford it get a moisture meter. just because the first couple of inches r dry does not mean there is not a wet rootball. i think this is the biggest problem i see around here. when u water do not saturate the soil. i think its overwatered especially if u watered and it did not perk up. u would be surprised how long u can go between waterings especially when the roots are not established in a bigger pot. i can go a week or better between waterings when roots r not established. also i would not use clay pots. i can not remember why clay pots r bad but if u search there will be some answers. i think clay pots do not allow air to the roots as well.

also how much perlite do u have in that soil. perlite is very important, it allows air to the roots and helps soil dry much faster. i would put a 50/50 perlite/potting soil mix ratio.

Bobman- thanks for the input. I was wondering the same about the clay pots. It makes sense that it might not allow air to get into the soil. Next time around I will be sure to find a better solution. About the perlite...I used miracle grow soil and that is all I have used. Can I buy that stuff seperate by itself? Also bobman, do u have any thoughts on the drooping or redish stems? Thanks much

yes, u can buy perlite separate. its usually in 8 quart bags. its available at any hardware store, just ask if u do not see it. i still think the drooping is over watering. i do not worry about stem color in my experience leafs are what will tell u everything u will need. also potting soil like mg will say it contains perlite but its not enough. plants look great overall but i think u may be heading for trouble with a heavy soil.

Looks like under watering to me, see a bit of stem droop

Clay pots are bad because they evaporate water faster (they are porous)

meaning you have to water more and air pockets in soil are more likely

there is a nute that is locked out or lacking in your fert. dont worry almost everybody gets purp stems sometimes it goes away sometimes it doesnt wont hurt your plants at all.