Troubleshooting Guide for Growing

Even the best growers run into problems - lets help you troubleshoot common issues!

 This guide helps you quickly diagnose common symptoms, identify the likely cause, and take the right first actions – with further steps if the issue continues.

Lights

• My light hasn’t come on?
  • Check connections and equipment. Correct obvious faults like loose plugs.
  • How old is your lighting system – you may need to replace ballast, lamp, or reflector.
  • Check lamp fitting and visible damage – replace lamps if needed.
  • Check 13A plugs and fuses – replace if blown.
  • Try another lamp – if that works, replace the faulty one.
  • If under warranty, call 0333 003 2295 for exchange or repair.
• My light has stayed on?
  • Timer may be fused in the “on” position.
  • Use a relay or contactor with high-output MH & sodium lights (400–1000W). More modern LED lights don't need a contactor due to 'soft-start' and other features, but we would always recommend one for safety and peace of mind.
  • Upgrade to light switching timer contactors.

Propagation

• Cuttings wilt
  • Too hot – turn heated propagators down, or use timers or temperature controllers.
  • Move propagator further from light, or open vents more.
  • Monitor with a thermometer.
• Damping / rooting issues
  • Too wet – spray less often, ensure media isn’t saturated.
  • Remove standing water in propagator.
  • First action: adjust watering. Further action: add oxygen with Silver Bullet Roots.
• Cuttings slow to root
  • Too wet – make sure clones aren’t waterlogged.
  • Too cold – use heated room or Hi-Top Propagator.
  • Old rooting hormone – replace every 3 months.
  • Cuttings too small/thin – take thicker cuttings.
  • Old tired stock – introduce new mother plants.

Leaves

• Droopy leaves
  • Hot grow room – move lights away or increase airflow. Consider extra extraction.
  • Lack of oxygen in root zone – keep tanks cool, use air stones or Silver Bullet Roots.
• Edges curling / hooking down
  • Overfeeding – flush systems or pots, then feed with a stress reliever like SuperThrive.
  • If persistent, use a cleaning solution to reset system.
• Colour lightening
  • Underfeeding – increase feed strength and check improvements.
• Edges curling up
  • Wind burn – turn oscillating fans down or reposition.
  • Lights too close – move lights a few inches away.
    
• Tip burn
  • Close to overfeeding – weaken feed slightly.
  • If also upward leaves – too hot or windburn. Lower light, adjust fans, add circulators.
  • SuperThrive can destress affected plants.
• White dots on leaves
  • Caused by spider mites, leaf miners, or thrips.
  • Manually remove badly infected leaves. Spray plants every 5 days.
  • Pyrethrum 5 EC treats most pests.

Plant Growth

• Stretched growth
  • Normal – may just need new stock.
  • Too hot – slightly move light back or cool the grow room.
  • Not enough light – move light closer, or invest in more lighting.
    

Roots

• Mushy brown roots
  • Pythium root disease – keep grow room clean with Silver Bullet Roots & Mist.
  • Control water and root zone temps.
  • Treat with Pythoff where necessary.