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Learn the best techniques for cloning a cannabis plant from an experienced grower. This guide will show you everything you need to know, from preparing the clones to taking care of them after they’ve been transplanted.
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Introduction
Cloning cannabis is a process of vegetative propagation where a genetic replica of a “mother plant” is produced. Clones are cuttings that are taken from a mature cannabis plant and then grown into adult plants themselves.
The advantages to cloning are that it allows growers to keep their favorite strains going indefinitely, as well as produce many genetically identical plants in a relatively short period of time. It also allows growers to get an early start on the growing season by starting plants indoors ahead of time and then transplanting them outdoors when the weather is appropriate.
There are several methods that can be used to take clones, but the most common is to use a method called “net potting”. This involves taking cuttings from a mother plant and then suspending them in a net pot filled with an airy growing medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cutting is then kept moist and warm until it develops roots, at which point it can be transplanted into its final growing medium.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clone cannabis using the net potting method:
1. Choose a healthy mother plant that is at least two months old and has been well cared for. The best time to take cuttings is in the morning after the plants have been watered but before the lights have been turned on for the day. This will ensure that the plants are hydrated but not under stress from heat or light.
2. Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of branches that have at least two sets of leaves. Be sure to make your cuts at an angle so that there is more surface area for Roots to develop.
3. Fill your net pots with your chosen growing medium and suspend the clones in them so that the cut ends are pointing downwards. You can use anything from metal coat hangers to plastic chopsticks to do this – just make sure that whatever you use is clean and sterile.
4. Create a humid environment for your clones by placing them in a propagator or covered container with some sort of humidity source such as a wet towel or misting bottle. The key here is to keep the humidity high without allowing the clones to become waterlogged, so be sure to check on them regularly and adjust accordingly.
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The Benefits of Cloning
There are many benefits to cloning your cannabis plants, including:
-You can control the genetic traits of your plants by selecting which plant you want to clone.
-Clones are clones of the “mother plant” so they will be exact genetic replicas, meaning they will have the same traits as the mother. This is good for people who want to grow a particular strain or who want to grow multiple strains that are exactly the same.
-Since clones are taken from a mature plant, they will have a head start on growth and will typically flower sooner than plants grown from seed.
-Cloned plants tend to be more resistant to disease and pests than plants grown from seed.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before you start cloning your cannabis plants, including:
-It can be difficult to take care of clones if you’re not used to it. Clones need extra care and attention, especially when it comes to watering and humidity levels.
-Clones can be susceptible to root diseases if they’re not well cared for.
-If you don’t take care of your clones, they can develop into weak and unhealthy plants.
The Process of Cloning
To clone a cannabis plant, you will need to take a cutting from a “mother” plant and grow it into its own plant. The process of cloning is relatively simple and does not require any special equipment, although there are some products on the market that can make it easier.
First, choose a healthy mother plant that is free of pests and diseases. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem just below a set of leaves, making sure that the stem has at least 2 sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves so that only the top 2 sets remain.
Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone gel or powder and then place it into a container filled with moist perlite or vermiculite. Cover the container with plastic wrap or place it in a propagator with the lid closed to maintain humidity.
Place the container in an area with bright indirect light and keep the perlite or vermiculite moist but not wet. After 2-3 weeks, roots will begin to form and new growth will appear on the cutting. Once this happens, you can transplant the cutting into soil or another growing medium.
The Best Time to Clone
The best time to clone a cannabis plant is actually before it starts flowering. This is because clones taken from a plant that hasn’t flowered yet will be “vegetative clones” that are more likely to grow into healthy adult plants. Once a plant begins flowering, it’s more difficult to get clones to take root and grow properly. So, if you can, it’s best to clone your plants while they’re still in the vegetative stage.
How to Take a Cutting
To take a cutting, you will need to find a donor plant that is healthy and has good growth. You will also need a sharp knife or pair of scissors, a rooting hormone, and some type of propagation medium like rockwool cubes or Jiffy pellets.
Start by taking a cutting from the donor plant. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone.
Next, plant the cutting in your propagation medium. Make sure that the cut end is in contact with the medium. If you are using rockwool cubes, you can insert the cube into a net pot or slot it into a propagator with holes that are just big enough to hold the cubes in place.
Water your propagation medium well and place it in an area out of direct sunlight. Keep the temperature around 70- 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Roots should start to form within 7-10 days.
Rooting the Cutting
Place the cutting in the container with the rooting medium and make sure that the leaves are not touching the rooting medium. It’s important to have at least two leaves on the cutting so that it can photosynthesize and create its own food.
Fill the container with water so that the rooting medium is moist but not saturated. Place the container in a location where it will receive indirect light and where the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
After a few days, you will see new growth on the cutting and roots beginning to form in the rooting medium. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant them into soil.
Caring for Your New Plant
Cloning cannabis plants is a great way to make sure you have a steady supply of your favorite strain. But, just like any new plant, your clone needs some tender loving care to thrive. Here are a few tips on how to care for your new plant:
-Give it plenty of light. Cannabis clones need at least 18 hours of light per day, so make sure they are getting plenty of sun or are under grow lights.
-Keep the humidity level high. Clones like humidity levels around 70%, so mist them regularly or use a humidifier in the room where they are being kept.
-Give them time to adjust. When you first bring your clones home, give them a few days to adjust to their new environment before you start watering or fertilizing them.
-Be gentle with them. Remember, these are delicate little plants! Avoid excessive handling and be careful not to damage their roots when transplanting them into soil or another growing medium.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a complete guide to cloning your cannabis plants. Cloning is a great way to ensure a steady supply of your favorite strains, and it can also be used to create new hybrids. With a little practice, you’ll be cloning like a pro in no time!
