Cloning cannabis plants: step by step
Deciding how to start growing cannabis can be complicated, but a popular option among growers is cloning, which allows cannabis plants to multiply. This is asimpler and easier growing method that allows you to grow your own cannabis plants. So how do you properly clone a cannabis plant? In this article we will explain how to do it.
What is a cannabis clone?
Acannabis clone is a cutting taken from an already growing cannabis plant. These cuttings are usually a few centimetres long. Theclone has the same genetics as the plant from which it was taken, because cloning copies the genetic code contained in the plant's DNA.
The advantages of growing cannabis from clones
Growing popular varieties
If you want to grow your favourite variety, choose clones with the same genetics as the parent plant. This is because clones contain exactly what you liked about the parent plant. These areexact genetic copies. Clones carry all the characteristics of the parent plant, including size, flavor and fertility.
Fast growth
When growing clones, you don't have to wait for the seed to germinate and grow into a large enough seedling. By cloning , you skip the germination and seeding stages, which can take several weeks. Simply root the cutting and you have a plant ready for immediate cultivation.
The female cuttings give rise to other females
When growing a clone, you can be sure that your plant will be female. This allows growers to avoid the problem ofmale plants, as is the case when growing from regular seeds. This is because male cannabis plants do not produce the same euphoric and medicinal effects as female cannabis plants.
Disadvantages of growing cannabis from clones
Difficult to access
Because cuttings must be cut from an already growing plant, obtaining clones is difficult for growers. Growers are limited by what they can get in their area. There are fewer varieties of clones available in seed banks than in the case of seeds.
Lack of plant resistance
If grown from clones, there is a greater risk that theplants will not be sufficiently resistant to pests and diseases. The parent plants pass on all their characteristics to the clones, including the bad ones.
Complexity of taking cuttings
Care must be taken when taking cuttings from the mother plant. Theclone is fragile and should be treated accordingly. If you handle the cuttings too aggressively, they will die before they can take root.
What is a cannabis mother plant?
Amother plant is any cannabis plant from which a clone is derived. There are several factors to consider when choosing a mother plant. The most ideal is to clone a plant that is your favourite. The one that willgrow the fastest, be the strongest, smell the best or provide the highest yield. This is the variety you should clone. However, the most important factor to consider isthe health of the parent plant.
Some of the characteristics that growers look for in a mother plant include:
- Fast growth,
- a pleasant scent,
- high yields,
- dense trichomes,
- resistance to pests and fungi and other pathogens,
- acceptable height (when grown indoors),
- fast flowering time.
What do you need to take cuttings?
Although cloning may seem like a complicated process, the procedure is relatively simple.
To take cuttings you will need:
- A healthy mother plant,
- scissors or forceps to cut the clone,
- a tray or container,
- a rooting agent - this is a growth hormone that will help the plant to root. This can bealoe vera or a purchased product containing the hormone auxins.
- Planting blocks - for example Rockwool, used to maximise root growth. They are enriched with micronutrients that contribute to healthy growth.
Cloning cannabis: Step by step
Step 1: Choosing a rooting medium
The most common rooting media include rooting cubes, mineral wool, peat or sponges. To ensure that your clones root successfully, it is advisable to plant them in a sufficiently aerated medium that retains enough moisture.
It is not advisable to place freshly cut clones in loose soil. Fragile clones require stability and should not be moved. Experiment to find out what rooting medium best suits your plants.
Step 2: Taking a cutting from the mother plant
Next, you need to determine where to cut the mother plant. Make sure you work in a completely sterile environment, so be sure to wash your hands and put on gloves before handling the plants. Carefully disinfect the shears with alcohol, vinegar or bleach before cutting.
Try to find strong and healthy branches. Choose a part of the plant with a new branching shoot. Make a clean cut at a 45° angle to below the last stick. This will increase rooting space and encourage faster growth. The cutting should normally be 4-8 centimetres long.
Step 3: Dip the base of the cutting into the rooting product
Immediately place the cuttings in the rooting product, as otherwise embolism may occur. Embolization is caused by air bubbles entering the holes and blocking transpiration of the stem. The rooting preparation contains a mixture of gel, powder and water.
Step 4: Daily clonal inspection
Clones need to be checked daily to keep an eye on their overall condition and to ensure they have enough water for growth. Under ideal conditions,roots should appear in 6-10 days. Once the clone has formed 3-5 cm long roots, it is ready for transplanting. If a clone dies, discard it so that it does not cause blight to the other clones and also so that the other clones have more room to grow.
Step 5: Transplant the clones
About threeweeks after cutting, clonal plants will begin to form strong roots that can take up nutrients and withstand temperature fluctuations. Ensure a sterile environment during transplanting . Prepare pots with sufficiently moist soil in advance . Carefully remove the clones from the medium and gently replant them with gloves on.
Water the soil afterwards. You can also add liquid fertiliserto the medium . Once the water has soaked in, usetwo fingers to dig a hole 1 to 2 cm deep. The holes should be slightly larger and deeper than the roots themselves. After transplanting the clones, you can speed up their growth by lighting them with LEDs.
How to water cannabis clones?
The clones do not have roots, so watering the substrate will not do them much good. Instead ,water the young clones several times a day with a light spray on the leaves.
What is a good temperature for clones?
Your clones need to be at a stable and suitable temperature after transplanting. Clones thrive in temperatures between 23-25°C and relative humidity between 75-85%.
What lighting is ideal for clones?
Clones are at risk of burning inharsh lighting or direct sunlight. Grow cannabis clones under light bulbs placed about 10 cm from the tips of the plants. Remember that plants need at least a little darkness to form roots.
Buying clones: what to look out for?
Most clones are sourced from growers who are primarily producing clonal varieties. It is likely that you have spent a lot of money on equipment, lights and more, so itis important to know the origin of the clones as there are various problems associated with buying them. Be sure to research the specific nursery or grower before buying clones . Watch out for:
Cannabis pests
Check your clone forpests. Look underneath each leaf and also in the substrate of the soil, these are places where pests can occur.
Cannabis diseases
It is almost impossible to spot harmful pesticides or fungicideson a clone . However, if you do notice suspicious phenomena on a clone, check with the grower about their pest and disease control measures and always be vigilant.
Growing media
Itis important to know how to grow clones, as clones grown in certain media are difficult to transplant into other media. When growing hydroponically, you should not root clones in soil.
Start cloning cannabis plants!
Cloning cannabis plants can seem like a challenging process, especially for inexperienced growers. However, the whole process of cloning cannabis plants is not that difficult, just follow the steps and you can successfully clone a cannabis plant. By choosing a strong mother plant, following the correct cloning procedure and keeping your growing environment clean, you can become an expert cloner. We hope this guide will help you get started with cannabis cloning!
Visit our blog to read more articles on cannabis cultivation. For example, try this article on growing cannabis from seed. You can compare the pros and cons of growing from clones or seeds and choose the option you like best.
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