avoid stem rot rockwool

12 years ago

i am designing an nft system using rockwool cubes that fit into holes in a pbc pipe angled slightly with the end of the pipe pouring into the reservoir with a pump

ive seen so many videos of people getting stem rot using rockwool

how do i avoid this?

i may or may not use a timer to turn flow on and off

i dont know the ideal time intervals of flow on and flow off if i were to use a timer

i am very worried about getting stem rot even while i am developing the root system before i place the rockwool with plant into the pbc pipe

maybe i can avoid stem rot by having only the roots dangling out of the rockwool in the nutrient stream, instead of having the rockwool touching the stream like i originally planned. but this would require development of a very good root system before placing the plant in the pbc pipe, increasing the chances of getting stem rot at this point

any tips would be greatly appreciated
tyvm

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Comments (3)

Rio_Grande
12 years ago
I think the chances of stem rot are a bigger problem indoors, and when the cube is constantly saturated. We have our lettuce outdoors constantly flooded and but for a few instances have no rot issues.
cole_robbie
12 years ago
If you keep light from hitting the top of the rockwool, you won't grow the green slime algae that everyone seems to get. That might help.

Stem rot is caused by the pythium bacteria. It is also called "damping off" or falling over disease. The stem will appear pinched at the very top of the cube. The plant will look healthy, until you touch or the wind hits it, and it then breaks in half. I have had my worst problems with damping off in cool, wet weather. I think organic nutrients tend to cause it worse for me, too. If you get organic matter buildup in the cube, bacteria will start growing on it.
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ChefsGarden
12 years ago
If the top of your rockwool feels damp, don't water, it's wet enough. Also make sure your rockwool is not standing in water.
Did you check your ph before you soaked the rockwool?