original BubbleFunk from Amsterdam. Was using organics with no problems in stretching, now using chemicals and they stretch about 4-5" between nodes. This is a friends grow without internet, so I'm just trying to help out. He has aircooled 1000w lights. Doesn't matter if it's HPS or MH, they both do it. Light is about 24" away from top of plant. Any closer and he says that they burn. Any other ideas, such as specific nute defincencies(sp)? Thanks for any help. pp69
yeh, sounds like you shouldn't be having any sort of stretch if it's 1000 watts, and two feet away is perfect for them with that kind of power. How old are they? Are they in veg or flower? There will always be quite a bit of stretch during flower. The switch of nutes could cause some sort of unfavorable conditions I suppose, but as long as the NPK proportions stay around the same without a HUGE increase in one or the other, I'd say no truly bad side effects would become apparent.
Ideally bro you would use three different types of lighting during the lifecycle of a cannabis plant. A.) CFL (Compact Fluorescent) or just standard fluorescent lighting during germination in the first few weeks of growth. I would encourage your friend to buy a flouro that's in the "cool" or "blue" spectrum as they encourage a shorter distance between the internodes. (18/6 lighting cycle) = 18 light 6 dark B.) MH (Metal Halide) This type of light is the most intense "blue" spectrum light you can get, and like the fluorescent encourages very short internodes. This is the best light you can get for a vegetating plant as they will stay short and squat and do not stretch. Your vegetative phase under these lights should be at least 30 days with a (18/6 lighting cycle) C.) HPS (High Pressure Sodium) this type of light is to be used during the flowering phase and is the best for that stage because it simulates the light during the fall months when cannabis is ready to begin its reproductive phase. Indoors for an indica variety this lasts for about 60 days or eight weeks while for a sativa this lasts for around 11 – 13 weeks. (12/12 lighting cycle) = 12 light 12 dark The reason your plants are stretching is because you're using this type of light which simulates the fall "red" spectrum. Truthfully you can grow cannabis with any of these lights from seed to harvest but if you want the very best results remember when growing indoors you're trying to mimic Mother Nature so provide the type of lighting that is conducive to the plant. Stay green.
Some strains just love to stretch, like White Pearl, you coudl have the light right on it and it will still want to go. But these do this for good reason, their nugs are usually very long and thick and fill in the spaces very nicely.
Thanks Warlock, Being legally blind I have a hard time seeing what I type. It's fixed now though! pp69