Rockwool Issues?!?

jonnyboy025

New Member
Hey I'm really new to this and I need some help. I'm running a hydro DWC setup but my problem is sprouting with rockwool. I've had a fully germinated seed(paper towel method) in a cube for 5 days now. I finally got so impatient I opened the top gently and I'm looking at a seed with a healthy tap root that's growing downward but the seed itself doesn't look like it's sprouting any type of stem whatsoever. I just don't get it. I tried a humidity dome, put it under some CFLs, no results. Any ideas??
 

Hydrotech364

Well-Known Member
Rockwool Sux....Those first few hour's of a seed's life are very crucial,only enough energy in the little babies to set the root and expose leaves.I wouldn't give up because every time I do my GF will sprout the bitches...Good Luck...
 

spek9

Well-Known Member
It is very important to soak your rockwool in pH'd water for an hour or more at room temperature prior to using, then rinse it out.

After that, lightly shake out excess water, and never squeeze it.

Did you pre-soak the rockwool prior to use?

-spek
 

spek9

Well-Known Member
Also, what's the temperature around the cube? It needs to be fairly warm. Try a heat mat.

-spek
 

jonnyboy025

New Member
Yeah I rinsed, pre-soaked, tried warming using residual heat from my stove which have good humidity and warmth but still nothing. Also warmed with 2 CFLs at about 8 inches it was nice and warm in the space but no results. I'm just over here scratching my head lol....
 

Mr John

Active Member
I've had better sprouting luck using rapid rooting plugs. PH neutral from the bag. I use the paper towel method and gently transplant to the plugs. I do soak the plugs in a very weak solution of superthrive and rooting/cloning gel. About 50 ppm or so using RO water PH to 6 or so.
 

waterdawg

Well-Known Member
So after you germed it you buried it in the rockwool? I leave the top above the rockwool and have never had an issue. Perhaps its stuck??? As stated RW is a bitch to start seeds, i have done it since the start of hydro but have now switched to jiffy pods, seems to produce better results. I used them exclusively in my soil grows for clones as well.
 
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