New Grower here! I transplanted my indoor seedling to a 5 gallon hydroponic system from some peat 3 days ago when the plant was about 12 days old. The plant has been drooping since about the day after the transplant, i thought it could be due to transplant shock but it feels like its taking to long to recover for it to be that idk tho what do i know lol.
Is that foam the only thing holding the seedling. For Hydro itâs best to germ using rockwool then transplant to the net cup and hydroton. Is the tap root hanging below the net cup, how far away is the water line from the net cup and is there air stones in the bucket. Tagging a hydro peep to help, I run Aeroponics 
@Retiredoldguy
well that is definitely a first time for me seeing something like that with styrofoam⌠you need something around the root base for good growth in my experienceâŚ
Welcome to the community, thatâs definitely outside the box my friend. Where did that idea come from? I grow hydroponic and rock wool is what I put my sprouts in and they into the clay pebbles when itâs a couple inches tall. The roots quickly seek water. I have been considering rapid rooters next grow instead of rock wool. Itâs all you need for your plants to stand up straight. It holds them in place well. Have you seen styrofoam used before? Good luck with your grow, this group here are masters at growing so they will assist you become a successful grower.
Never used foam, cant offer a lot on the subject. Not sure how much of the toxic stuff will leach into the plant It may also lock out air and water if itâs snug on the root, the material is not as porous as other material.
I use a rooter plug to sprout and then drop the plug in the pellets when itâs that size. They are pretty cheap if itâs a cost thingâŚ
I went with Q plugs instead of rapid rooters this run, they seem to work pretty well.
Not a hydro guy but Iâm kinda with @Puddlehead . I donât think a young seedling has the strength to actually grow in the foam. There arenât any channels and it doesnât expand in any way. Also, foam tends to leach moisture so over time it will probably pose mold/mildew issues.
i had them sprouted in peat which i know now was probably a mistake for hydro now but while in the peat the stem stretched so the clay didnât seem like it would provide enough support. The foam i used has an x slit in it where i placed the plant i thought that might help with it âsuffocatingâ the stem and i have the styrofoam above the roots rather than on them. My father in law has used styrofoam in his bucket setups for weaker plants and they survived the foam so iâm hopeful.
Thanks Iâll check them out
Are the q plugs pre-wetted? I use rapid rooters as well but am looking for an alternative engineered plug that doesnât contain a humectant or some sort of wetting agent. Root Riot plugs are pre-wetted too. Appreciate any input 
They were damp in a sealed pouch, donât know what the exact moisture element is but itâs supposed to be a natural anti mold agent.
Appreciate the info, Growmie. I may just abandon plugs all together after my supply is used up. Iâve had success with placing germinated seeds directly on leca. Just have to grow the taproot out about 20mm before planting so it doesnât fall through 
The cup looks like it has standing water in it?? Make sure the nutrient solution is around 2â from the bottom of the net cup. I would also fill the net cup to the top with hydroton. Looking good Grow Bro
Awesome looking. Glad to hear, thatâs a new one Iâve never see or heard of. Styrofoam
A friend uses coca coir and puts it in these little shot glass size cups with sprout. When it becomes 1-2 inches tall places it straight in hydro clay pebbles.
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Awesome sheâs growing nicely. Very healthy
