Issues becoming rootbound.

So, I'm wrapping up my 2nd grow. Both have been plague with issues that I couldn't nail down. I've recieved all sorts of diagnosis, and tried to fix them, but they never seem to be the right issue. Now that I'm ph'ing my water, and fertilizing more carefully, and still having the same issues--I've come to the conclusion my plants are just getting rootbound after a few weeks in flower, then the yellowing and drooping and all that starts.

So my real issue: How much space will a clone, that is flowered at first sight of new growth need?

I only have a 150w hps, so my effective grow space is only about 2x2 as you all know. Which means I can put 4 2 gallons pots in the area, and with alittle coaxing, keep them pretty well lit.

So, heres the advice I need. Should I do the 4 2 gallon pots, and just start flowering sooner? Or should I switch to 3 or 2 larger pots?

I'm leaning towards the 4 2's cause if I flower earlier I'll also get the bonus of them being shorter=better for my weak light.

Me myself.. under a 150.. I would do one nice plant, short lst in a 3 gallon pot.. I'd shoot for about 1/4 lb manicured cured from that one plant.

150 watt HPS is not a lot of light, maximize what you have and grow one healthy happy plant that is getting most of what it needs, vs a few plants fighting for light they are never going to get enough of.

That's just one ramblers thoughts.. peace~!

Thanks for the thought. Anyone else?

You could probably do 3 plants ( max @ 1-2oz ea)under that light but it'd have to be very reflective in there and maybe use smart pots or 3gal pots or veg shorter time any combination of those things should help if you are actually getting root bound.

smart pots or 3gal pots or veg shorter time any combination of those things should help if you are actually getting root bound.

IMO, i dont think its rootbound issue.

Maybe you feed em with bloom booster in the early flower stage ? bloom will cause leaves drop and become yellow. i have grown plants in the small containers before, they just need a lot of water since small pot.

I will highly recommend you to keep the veg nutes till the stretching stop and you can switch to the bloom but feed em often with high N if the leaves become light green. The foliage is important key to plant's healthy and bud production.

Hope you will have more healthy plants in next round grow

happy gardening.

Well they are definitely root bound thats for sure. the soil is a solid brick lol. Whether its the culprit or not is to be determined. No bloom booster either, just bat guano as a flower nute, and a dash of MG 12-4-8 every once in a while to make sure theres N available.