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My first apricot seedling has leaves, but they are turning somewhat brown. I can't find any information about this, so maybe someone knows?

  • Could it be too humid? It lives in a little plastic greenhouse box.

  • Could it be too hot? It's in direct sunlight for about 5 hours in the mornings.

They seem to be sprouting very easily, so it seems the conditions are at least somewhat okay.

Here is a picture:

Apricot seedling

Today I put it in indirect light, and took the plastic cover off so there is good ventilation, but I have literally zero idea what's happening. It may be too late for this little guy (or maybe not?), but there are a bunch more who just got their roots and I want those to live!

Edit: another picture. This seedling is quite small, so I can't get a more zoomed in picture. The browning is pretty obvious though.

Another view of browning

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  • I don't see the brown leaves. Can you post a close up picture as well? The original leaves will turn brown so if that is the issue, you are okay
    – JStorage
    Sep 9, 2016 at 21:36
  • @JStorage, I added another picture. That's the most close up one I can get, but the browning is pretty evident I think. I don't think this is a matter of just original leaves turning brown. The leaves didn't even grow to any decent size before going brown (and quite limp as it turns out).
    – Catsunami
    Sep 9, 2016 at 21:45
  • Catsunami...please tell us how you are watering (these little seeding pots are super) but with the cover there should be no watering. When the cover is on it should be either under artificial lights held very high above. Are you using tap water from the city? Most importantly did you fertilize? Plant starts should not be given any fertilizer until at least 3 or 4 leaf sets, sometimes even longer. To set them in direct sun with the cover on it will get VERY hot! If so, as you suspected, these plants got far too hot! The browning is obvious and looks like overly cooked plant material.
    – stormy
    Sep 9, 2016 at 22:15
  • But they should still be able to thrive if you stop the direct sunlight with the cover on. Less direct sunlight WITHOUT the cover, and more in bright shade until they get big enough to transplant. When you do transplant go to a 3 or 4" pot no larger, potting soil, light fertilizer,allow to dry before lightly watering again AND TAKE THE FABRIC off the start before planting! I've used these before but you have to peel that mesh off before transplanting.
    – stormy
    Sep 9, 2016 at 22:19
  • @stormy, thanks for your response! I haven't watered since I planted them, so I don't know, I have no routine for these guys yet. I normally water my other plants when they get dry. I did not fertilize them. Alright, I'll keep them out of direct sun until they get a bit bigger. Thanks again!
    – Catsunami
    Sep 9, 2016 at 22:20

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Looks like too much sun - some damaged tissue but it shouldn't be fatal. Usually you need to harden plants off when moving them to different lighting (especially newly germinated plants). Also, the seedlings will outgrow those pots in no time. Be ready with bigger pots (or a spot in the ground if the weather's right).

On another note, watch that the soil isn't saturated. Saturated soil can germinate a tree seed, which can push a root, and then not take, and end up withering and dying after what looked like success.

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