Cloning a cannabis plants may sound difficult and complicated, but it actually can be easy as long as you use proper procedures and equipment. It is also a fastest method that allow cannabis growers to create a large number of new, miniature cannabis plants from your favorite mother plants for free.
The greatest advantage of cloning cannabis is that you can maintain the exact genetic characteristics of mother plant strain. Basically, this work is simple taking a cut from one plant and give it time to growing root. To makes it easier for you, these following steps are cloning cannabis guide that you need to know.
What is a cannabis clone?
A clone is a piece or a small branch that you cut off from a living cannabis plant, then this cutting will grow into a large, independent plant. The clone is placed in a growth medium and provided with a hormone to stimulate root development after being removed from the mother plant. Once the root grow, the clone is put in a container or in garden soil, where it can florish like any other plant. Growing cannabis plants from seeds cannot guarantee that you will get the other plant with the same genetic as their parent plants. However, clone can retain the smell, flavor, yield, etc from its mother.
What do you need?
- A healthy, strong mother plant
- Scissors
- Trimmer
- Rooting setup such as starter cubes, tray, dome, or an auto-cloner
- Rooting Hormone
Here are the quality, reliable cloning gel and auto-cloner machine products that I would like to recommend.
#1 HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel
Clonex Rooting Gel is one of the popular rooting hormones that is designed to adhere to the stem of the cutting. You just need to dip your cutting into the gel, make sure it long enough to seal the cut. It just takes 1-2 weeks for the cutting to develop its root as this powerful gel will offers enough nutrients that the clone need during the root growth phases.
#2 OxyClone 20 Site, Compact Recirculating Cloning Propagation System
The OxyCLONE 20 is ideal for the budget-conscious home grower. This cloner standout from the others since in that the roots are allowed to sit in highly oxygenated water. The oxycloner features 4 inch air stone and an active aqua air pump that delivers enough oxygen to the root zone. It also employs evaporator cooling, which is cooling operate. BPA-free plastic reservoir and cover are also included with the OxyClone.
How to clone cannabis plants?
Step 1: Cutting mother plant
To minimize problems and mistakes, you should ensure that the mother plant you choose is totally healthy and robust before cutting it. The mother plant must be in the vegetative cycle for at least two months and it is also crucial that the mother plant should not be in bloom stages. Ensures that the environment surrounding are clean and your plants are not harmed by filth, grubs and dirt.
You should not fertilize the mother plant for a few days before the cutting, choose the robust, healthy branches. A strong clone will grow into a strong plant.
Next is the cutting method, do not cut too much or too little. The incision must be made above the node of the mother plant. It will be better to use scissors to ensure a clean cut.
Step 2: Trimming
After cutting, below the bottom node of the clone, making a new cut at a 45-degree angle by a sharp razor. This will increase the contact surfaces available for growth, resulting in a faster rate of development.
Step 3: Placing the Fresh Clone
Dipping your cutting into your rooting hormone or cloning gel right away. After that, place it straight into your medium, root cube or any rooting setup. If you have an auto-cloner, put your cutting in it and provide the rooting hormone.
Step 4 Remove Any Leaves That Aren’t Necessary
Remove any superfluous leaves that are near the bottom of the cutting and you also should snip off the tips of the surplus leaves. Photosynthesis will be improved by the removal of unwanted leaves.
Root Transplantation
After you’ve finished cutting, checking it regularly every day to ensure that it has enough water, receive enough sunlight, and air movement. If there is any dead clone, remove it as soon as possible to prevent mold from expanding to the live clones. In between 12-15 days, root system will grow strong enough to transplant into the soil.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Take the appropriate amount of soil and put in the pot or container that you’re working with. Before putting clones into the soil, you also should water it to keep the soil from shifting
Step 2: Make a hole and insert the clone gently
Making a hole into the soil about 2 inches deep. Then, place the clone inside and monitor its development until it is completely developed. This is the last step of the process.