Plant problems · Diseases · Seedlings · Act today
Damping off
What you see
- A seedling suddenly falls over
- The stem is thin, dark and pinched right at the soil line
Why it happens
Fungi in wet, cold soil attack the base of young stems.
What to do
- Remove the fallen seedling, it will not recover
- Let the surface dry, add air movement and warmth for the others
- Use fresh, light starting mix
Next time
- Do not keep seedlings soggy
- Use clean pots and fresh mix
Easy to confuse with
- Overwatering: The whole plant droops with leaves that feel firm and swollen, not limp
- Leggy, stretched seedlings: Long thin stems that fall over
Not sure?
Take a photo of the base of the stem where it meets the soil and ask the Grow Doctor, or send it to the grow companion on Telegram.