How to Clone Plants
How to Clone Plants
Cloning 101
Cloning:
1. Select a branch or stem that has at least 2 or 3 sets of leaves.
2. Locate a spot on the branch between, or next to, a set of leaf nodes. Leaf nodes are where the branches come out of the stem. Leave at least one set of nodes above the cut. This is where your cut will be made.
3. Make a clean, neat, 45 degree slice with a razor blade or knife. It is important that you do not damage the branch while handling.
4. Remove the lower 1 or 2 sets of branches (stems and leaves), leaving the upper sets of leaves to be placed above the growing medium line. Trim any flowers or buds that remain.
5. To prevent an air bubble (embolism) from lodging in the stem where the cut is, immediately dip the base of the cutting into a quality cloning gel, like Clonex or RooTech. Place cutting into your growing medium.
6. Keep your growing medium moist and warm with bottom heat at all times for best results. Never let your growing medium dry out.
7. Check your growing medium and transfer cuttings once roots appear or a strong root ball is established.
Additional Tips for Cloning:
1. pH balance your medium between 5.5 and 6.2.
2. Healthy and actively growing plants provide the best choice of clones.
3. Be sure to sterilize your growing medium and any tools needed to do the job, i.e. the scalpel.
4. Keep the bottom heat around 75*-85*F and the ambient greenhouse/indoor temperature at 70*F.
5. Keep your RH high by using a humidity dome. This will help root development by allowing the plant to actively transpire without drying out during the rooting phase.
6. Remove the growth tip and excessive foliage to reduce water loss through transpiration.
7. Fluorescents are best for seed germination and rooting cuttings. HIDs can be used, but make sure the light is raised high above the humidity dome to keep the seedlings and cuttings from drying out or burning.
8. Don’t over water your cuttings.