This grow series has started to take shape. We have discussed the most basic concepts and have transitioned into an organic look and approach. Today I want to focus on something else. In previous blogs, I have touched on the topic slightly but never really dedicated time to discussing the concepts you need to consider.
If you’re looking to grow a consistent, high-quality cannabis crop, mastering the art of plant propagation is essential. Plant propagation, specifically cloning, is a popular and rewarding method for maintaining genetic consistency and keeping your favourite strains alive. I believe it is a skill set that comes with passionate growers and those who truly want the best cannabis. Because you will make a plan to keep what is considered a ‘Cash Crop.’
What is Cannabis Plant Propagation?
In essence, the most common plant propagation technique used is cloning. A simple yet effective way to create ‘new’ cannabis plants from the existing plant. Referred to as the Mother plant. Cloning allows growers to make an identical copy of the mother plant, allowing for the expansion of the same genetics to either increase yields – growing more of the exact same plant, preserve the genetics of the plant or even start up a nursery of dank you know others would love.
For cannabis growers, propagation through cloning offers several advantages:
Consistency: Each clone will produce similar yields and quality, as they are genetic replicas. When the cuttings are taken at the optimal time the genetic preservation is kept. Clones give those who need consistency in their yields that the market appreciates more than anything.
Cost-Effective: Most home growers really benefit from this. Because budget and funds are usually tight for growing cannabis. Clones offer home growers the chance to know what they will get as well as provide them with a continuous growing cycle if the propagation is done consistently within the right timeframes. Yes, you won’t have variety but it is also cheaper to buy a clone than to purchase seed.
Speed: Clones root faster than seeds germinate, allowing for quicker harvests. This cannot be underestimated. Some growing methodologies like the indoor Sea of Green. Allows growers to take harden-off clones, give them a week of veg light and then flip them straight into flower. This can cut down grow time by many many weeks.
Best Methods for Cannabis Plant Propagation
There are two primary methods of cannabis propagation: Vegetative Propagation (Cloning) and Tissue Culture.
Cloning
The most common method for cannabis propagation is vegetative cloning. This involves taking a cutting from a healthy mother plant and encouraging it to grow roots. You want to ensure that your mother plant is in a matured vegetative phase. Cutting from young vegging plants will work too, but your chances of stunting the growth of the plant will be higher. Or at least the amount of clones you can take will be less. Be mindful of where on the plant you select to cut. Not all Clones are cut equally. The higher up on the plant the more supple the stems will be as well as the concentration of growth hormones. While cutting from lower down on the plant might give a slower rooting clone, it will be harder in the stem which can produce a more robust plant from the get-go. Great for clones going outdoors.
Steps for Successful Cloning:
Select a healthy mother plant: Ensure the plant is disease-free and has strong genetics.
Prepare your cutting: Choose a healthy branch with strong growth tips. Cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node.
Apply rooting gel: Dip the cutting in the rooting gel to seal the cut area and encourage root growth.
Plant the cutting: Place the cutting into a moist, pH-balanced starter cube and keep it in a propagation tray with high humidity.
Monitor and mist: Spray the cuttings daily to keep them hydrated. Rooting typically occurs within 7–10 days.
Cloning is a simple and reliable way to propagate cannabis, but maintaining the right environmental conditions—consistent humidity, temperature, and lighting—is critical for success. Many growers fail to keep things in check which causes the attempts at cloning to fail.
Today, our markets are so sophisticated that we need not look further than our local grow shop to get all the supplies we need. But things like cloning gels are also not really a need. You can use Aloe vera, honey, Cinnamon or even just nothing. It’s more important to ensure that once you have cut the clone you do not let air into the bottom of the cut. So to stick it in the water is much better. Then thereafter, put it in rooting gel etc…
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of cannabis propagation. Instead of taking cuttings, this method involves culturing cells or tissue in a sterile environment. Tissue culture allows for the rapid production of many clones from a single plant in a small area, which is especially beneficial for large-scale growers. The protocols around Tissue Culture can vary from strain to strain which has made it challenging to create an effective home use out of this technology for now. So it is no surprise that only high-tech medical facilities consider this technique. You can propagate thousands of plants from some small pieces of tissue. It’s rather crazy science.
Best Time to Plant Clones
The timing of planting cannabis clones is critical for successful growth. It’s best to plant your clones once they’ve developed a strong root system, which typically happens after 7–14 days in the propagation tray. The ideal time to plant is during the vegetative growth phase when your environmental conditions are optimized for root and stem development.
Avoid planting clones too early, as they may not have strong enough roots to survive the transplant process. Ensure that temperatures are stable, and your lighting and humidity levels are well-regulated to avoid transplant shock. You can also start by transplanting into smaller containers and allow for the roots to be established in this fashion. Sticking a tiny clone directly into the soil outside will not be the way to go. Be mindful of that.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cannabis Plant Propagation
Overhandling cuttings: Once your cuttings are placed in their propagation cubes, avoid touching or moving them frequently, as this can damage delicate root systems. The process needs to be done effectively and swiftly. When you take your cuttings make sure all your tools are in the right place. Ready to go. The French would say, “Mise en place”
Poor sanitation: Always sterilize your tools and work area to prevent the spread of disease. Clones are so vulnerable to dying that this cannot be overlooked. Keep everything clean.
Inconsistent environmental conditions: Clones need stable humidity, light, and temperature. Fluctuations can hinder root development. Causing clones to be yellow and look thin.
Clone Count: Don’t overcrowd your propagation trays. Often growers take too many clones and try and fill the propagation trays to the brim. This causes issues when the cuttings are moist from mist and are touching one another.
Why Clones Can Be an Easier and More Rewarding Approach
Cloning is often considered easier than growing cannabis from seeds, especially for cultivators aiming for consistency. It’s hard sometimes to nurture something from the start during its most delicate times. Let’s also be realistic. Not everyone has the time to germinate and care for young seedlings. So investing in some sound genetics and clones can take the headache away. You know the quality to be expected as the genetic is a copy of the mother.
When growing from seed there are many surprises that can easily challenge your skills. Although, there are challenges they are not as difficult with clones. Making the reward for the cannabis flowers so much better. When home growers invest in clones from sound nurseries. It’s almost a guarantee they will stick to it because of the ease into the growing transition it provides.
Mastering Cannabis Plant Propagation
All growers in my opinion must learn this skill. There will come a time in your growing cycle when you find a plant that is just so exceptional that you cannot just let it go. To have this skill set in our tool kit as a grower has allowed us to keep genetics alive for a very long time.
I hope this encourages you this season to try to take your own clones and or invest in them this season to make things a bit easier and more rewarding.
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