Algae takeover

Algae takeover#450334

By Hedonista -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:53 pm
Location:  Northern MN, zone 4a
Posts:  179
Joined:  Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:21 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:53 pm #450334

I have several containers that are getting a really bad algae infestation. Most are seeds/seedlings. Should I repot? And should I wipe the seeds off with something if they are big enough, or should I treat the media with something? Until now I’ve grown deserty plants, so this is my first experience with algae.

I also threw in a photo of some moss I don’t know what to do about either.

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Re: Algae takeover#450336

By andynorth -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:42 pm
Location:  Federal Way, WA
Posts:  1435
Joined:  Fri May 12, 2023 9:08 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:42 pm #450336

I am not sure others would agree but I always keep a humidity dome over my seeds until after they germinate. I have not had an algae issue as of yet. I also use a mix that is almost all LFSM. I seem to have more luck that way. As for the moss, some people like it but others find it invasive. If it is regular sheet moss and not LFSM I pull it out as it will eventually overtake and smother your plants.

Thank you:
andynorth-s-grow-want-list-t58612.html

Andy North

Re: Algae takeover#450337

By optique -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:43 pm
Location:  Greenville SC
Posts:  1934
Joined:  Fri May 24, 2019 11:15 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:43 pm #450337

full sun should kill it.

Re: Algae takeover#450338

By andynorth -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:44 pm
Location:  Federal Way, WA
Posts:  1435
Joined:  Fri May 12, 2023 9:08 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:44 pm #450338

optique wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:43 pm full sun should kill it.

Myself, I do not, unfortunately have that option so I start mine in grow tent.

Thank you:
andynorth-s-grow-want-list-t58612.html

Andy North

Re: Algae takeover#450339

By Hedonista -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:52 pm
Location:  Northern MN, zone 4a
Posts:  179
Joined:  Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:21 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:52 pm #450339

I think I know what caused the algae - the little pots were in dishpans which had sides a couple inches higher than the pots, restricting airflow. I’ve corrected that issue, but I need to know what to do about the algae that has already grown. It’s really bad in some containers. I don’t have the option of full sun for a while either, since our lows are still mostly in the 30s.

I don’t know what kind of moss it is…maybe star moss?

Re: Algae takeover#450340

By andynorth -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:58 pm
Location:  Federal Way, WA
Posts:  1435
Joined:  Fri May 12, 2023 9:08 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:58 pm #450340

Hedonista wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:52 pm I think I know what caused the algae - the little pots were in dishpans which had sides a couple inches higher than the pots, restricting airflow. I’ve corrected that issue, but I need to know what to do about the algae that has already grown. It’s really bad in some containers. I don’t have the option of full sun for a while either, since our lows are still mostly in the 30s.

I don’t know what kind of moss it is…maybe star moss?

Do you have grow lights on the seeds? Possibly leave them on longer and water less. If the moss is star moss I believe that is the same as sheet moss which will choke out your plants eventually.

Thank you:
andynorth-s-grow-want-list-t58612.html

Andy North

Re: Algae takeover#450342

By Hedonista -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 6:02 pm
Location:  Northern MN, zone 4a
Posts:  179
Joined:  Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:21 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 6:02 pm #450342

andynorth wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:58 pm Do you have grow lights on the seeds? Possibly leave them on longer and water less. If the moss is star moss I believe that is the same as sheet moss which will choke out your plants eventually.

I have T8 lights on them for 15 hours/day. I will try watering less. And I’ll remove the moss.

Re: Algae takeover#450345

By Hedonista -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 7:12 pm
Location:  Northern MN, zone 4a
Posts:  179
Joined:  Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:21 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 7:12 pm #450345

So is there a product to treat the algae that won’t harm my CPs?

Re: Algae takeover#450347

By Intheswamp -  Mon Apr 22, 2024 9:46 pm
Location:  N31°43'59" USDA 8a/b
Posts:  3458
Joined:  Wed May 04, 2022 2:28 pm

- Mon Apr 22, 2024 9:46 pm #450347

If you haven't already, you might consider one of those clamp-on fans. I've got a couple (5"?) and I run them on low just to cause an air exchange. I don't use them all the time, but I believe they do help. The slight movement cause by the fan also helps strengthen the stems and stalks.

andynorth liked this

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Algae takeover#450334

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Re: Algae takeover#450347

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