I started this grow allotting space/lighting for 5 large pots. I had some extra seeds and followed what I thought was good instruction. More seeds would equal more plants, allowing for the removal of males and plants that did not survive. Rookie mistake was putting more than one seed in a couple of the pots. So, I ended up with one pot having 3 plants and another having 2. Of course, with multiple plants competing for nutrients and real estate, these plants are somewhat smaller. One was even so scrawny that I kept waiting for it to die but it never did. Three days ago, I decided to pull Mr. Scrawny; not much of a fight, came out with a portion of its roots. The other two residents have already perked up and look much better.
After much scouring of the interwebs, I have found that only a dumbass would do what I have done, AND...I need to remove one plant each from two of the pots. My question is: what is the best way to do this considering the root system of both plants are most likely entwined? Do I try to remove part or all of the roots of the plant I decide to remove, or simply chop it below the soil line? Pretty sure these have a stronger root system than Mr. Scrawny, and I do want the remaining sole survivor in these two pots to thrive.
Also, while I am here asking questions, I have one more scenario to present. Two of my plants are extremely robust and bushy. They are showing signs of gender; small spikes near the nodes lead me to believe these two are female -also not seeing "balls" on these two. I think these two plants in particular are ready to flower. After evicting the extra residents from my two overpopulated pots (method to be determined pending feedback), should I attempt to flower all of them? Or, should I wait for the smaller ones to catch up? I would flower the two on their own, but I have only one lighting setup, and if I remove the other three pots during the dark cycle they would just be in regular household ambient lighting. I could actually try flowering the third individual plant, but it is not showing gender like the other two.
Comments, advice, suggestions, colorful anecdotes.....all are welcome. And please ask me questions about my questions if any clarification is needed. Thanks in advance.
