Troubleshooting

1. Leaves are turning yellow:

A few of the lower leaves of mature fruiting plants will turn yellow during fruit set which is completely normal.

1. Make sure you use the recommended concentrations from the feeding chart when mixing your nutrient solutions for the particular stage of growth for your plants.
2. Use a quality water source when mixing the nutrient solution.

2. Tomato leaves are mottled with yellow and green colorations:

This is typically a classic Tomato (Tobacco) Mosaic Virus issue. Aside from the obvious coloration you will also notice curled leaves and stunted plant growth. This is typically spread when people who consume tobacco products work on plants immediately after smoking, without washing their hands and changing their clothes.

1. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately.
2. Stop smoking indoors where the PHOTOTRON is located and wash hands prior to tending plants.

3. Leaves are curling up/down:

There are several reasons that could cause leaf curl including excessive moisture, too much heat, periods of drought, exposure to herbicides, and/or elevated nitrogen levels.

1. Discard the old nutrient solutions and remix a new batch. Make sure that the recommended concentrations from the feeding chart are used when mixing your nutrient solutions based on the particular stage of plant growth.
2. Follow the feeding chart and make sure that you are not revisiting the plant to water UNLESS the puddle has completely disappeared.

4. Brown (crunchy or crisp) areas along the edges or tips of the leaves:

This is a common problem for novice growers and is usually caused by over watering. Yes, you can potentially harm your plants if you are overzealous in your watering regimen. Plant roots enjoy experiencing the natural cycles of wet then dry (LESS moist) conditions. People new to gardening are often filled with anticipation and excitement which compels them to water frequently, thinking that the additional feedings will increase growth and plant production when in fact this is not the case.

5. Leaves are touching the bulbs and look dried out (brown):

The lighting inside of the unit does get warm to the touch which could damage the leaves. This is not a major concern and can be prevented with regular pruning (removal) of affected leaves, combined with training techniques to orient the plant to a more central location inside the PHOTOTRON.

6. Green bugs on the leaves and stems of plants:

Aphids are a common gardening pest and can be easily eliminated using Neem Oil, a plant maintenance product offered by GrowLife. Using Neem Oil will only kill Aphids that are present during the spraying, so repetition is the key to success. For complete coverage, insure that the underside and tops of affected areas (leaves and stems) are sprayed thoroughly.

7. Webbing on plants:

These webs are made by Spider Mites, very common gardening pests. These incredibly small arachnids (8 legs) are readily noticed once their webs become prevalent and can be easily eliminated using Neem Oil, a plant maintenance product offered by GrowLife. Using Neem Oil will only kill Spider Mites that are present during spraying, so repetition is the key to success. For complete coverage, insure that underside and tops of affected areas (leaves and stems) are sprayed thoroughly.

8. White flying insects on plants:

These are fairly easy pests to control, but only if the infestation is noticed and treated immediately! Whitefly can be eliminated with Neem Oil, a plant maintenance product offered by GrowLife. Focus the spraying towards the underside of infested leaves and repeat every other day until all traces (adults and eggs) have been eliminated. Whiteflies also excrete a sticky residue (honeydew) that will cause sooty mold to develop on the surface of leaves which reduces plant vigor and yields.

9. Small spots on leaves with silver sections in the middle:

If you notice spots or brown circles with silver-looking 'windows' in the center, your plants may have Thrips. These are very small pests that are difficult to identify with the naked eye. Your best chance at identifying this pest is to find the damage they leave behind or droppings (black dots).

Unfortunately Thrips are difficult pests to eradicate once an infestation has occurred. Neem Oil, a plant maintenance product offered by GrowLife, can help to manage the population from becoming a full blown infestation. If Neem Oil isn't effective, you may need to use a Spinosad, an alternative product.