How long do you give a plant that isn't thriving before changing away from S/H

[Louis_W]

I feel like it's a matter of when the plants grow roots. When they grow roots they become established (if it goes well). If they try to grow roots and for some reason.they all die upon contact, I might consider changing the potting situation. If they haven't tried to grow roots yet I hold my breath untill they do.

Basically when I transplant a seedling I assume all the old roots will die and, ideally, be replaced by new ones STAT. Once they are transitioned the the potting up is easy and seamless (just keep the waterline the same)