Seedling Help - Dying

cship4885

So my giant sequioa seedlings aren't doing so well. One of the was snapped in half; I think the stem rotted. Now another was found lying on its side. Upon close inspection, the bases of the stems seem a bit discoloured. Is this "damping out." What can I do to resolve the problem?

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Chris

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waltr

Yes, that's damp-off and is caused by an over moist enviroment and fungus.

Lots of light and fresh air circulation is your only hope. Don't water until the soil's surface is dry.

cship4885

I felt the soil, and it felt at most slightly damp. Definitely not very wet. The seed tray is also under a plastic dome, is it time to remove the dome? This is all being done indoors as well in my apartment. I live in Pennsylvania (Zone 42?) and it is far too cold for these outdoors. Should I purchase in a fungicide

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Chris

waltr

Yes, take the dome off. It is keeping the moisture too high.
I'm not too far from State College so I know the weather there (went to school in Huntingdon). To get some air circulation place a fan to gently blow across the open tray.
I've never had success with fungicide but have heard others that have. If you try a fungicide look for one to prevent 'damp-off'. Fungicides are rather particular to specific a fungus.

Do you have additional lighting? This can also help.
Once the weather warms place them outside. I let started seedling grow for a year before transplanting.

Fletch

As Waltr says, take the dome off as it keeps the humidity high. I don't know I'd bother with the fungicide at this point (I usually use it to drench the seed bed before sowing) but the fan / air movement probably wouldn't hurt. Also, get them as much natural light as you can given the limitations of apartment life.

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Advice worth every penny you paid for it.

Regards
Fletch

cship4885

The one nice thing about my apartment is we have a nearly direct south facing window, so sunlight is ample throughout the day. I have the seed tray near the heater. Which is directly beside the window. I read t was best to keep the bottom of the tray warm to promote health. Shall I relocate the seed tray to the window sill for more light exposure?

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Chris