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This is Bro-science and not a scientific fact. A cannabis tap root can grow 9 inches in three days and the laterals are not far behind. Roots will not grow into dry soil and this is what will stunt the growth of a plant. Watering in a little circle around the plant will not stimulate root growth. Soil needs to be maintained at a moist level accross the entire pot.It might not seem intuitive, but larger container needs less water, not more water. Especially early on. You want the roots to spread and search for water. That little plant still isnt drinking anywhere near 1L of water per day. And unless you have extremely low relative humidity, not nearly that much is evaporating either.
to illustrate my point, If you have a second bag, or even a 5 gallon bucket, fill it up with your dry soil mix. Pick it up and compare it's weight to your plants growbag. It will give you a very clear illustration of how your plant already has ALOT of weight in water that it already has access to.
To confirm that this was the issue, When you harvest this girl, examine the root ball also. I suspect you will find a very small rootmass that didn't come anywhere near filling the container.
Overwaterings by far the most common error new growers make and it really stunts veg growth.
If you're not comfortable letting the pot dry out for days or weeks, definitely use alot of perlite in your next runs mix. You will see a dramatic difference. You probably shouldn't have any less than 30% perlite unless you anticipate to go long periods without watering because of business trips or vacations.
If you have any other beans I would start another one up while this girl finishes. You'll likely find your next plants veg growth to be alot more vigorous now that you have an idea of the process.
Sorry if i came across harsh, not my intention. Just trying to help get you back on track. Good luck!
What you need to learn about watering will come with practice. Here are the basic rules: Never let the soil dry out. Soil and or coco can become hydrophobic if allowed to dry. This means it repels water. This in turn will create dry pockets in the soil and the roots and microbes will die there. If your soil - coco have accidentally dried out use a surfactant to help re-wet it. I like yucca powder. Don't let soil remain soggy by watering too much too often. Root rot, damping off, molds, fungus gnats and other problems start in soggy soil. When you do water water the entire pot. How to learn when to water starts before you plant the seed. Fill your container with fresh soil/coco and weigh it (heft it) this is the lightest weight and consider it a dry pot. Now slowly water until the soil/coco will no longer absorb the water and run-off begins; weigh the pot (heft it) this is the maximum water, the wettest the pot can get. The difference between wettest and driest is the maximum water weight, for ease of explanation lets just say the water weighs 20 pounds. When the pot loses 10 pounds (half of the water weight) it is time to water again.
