Clones
Making your own clones is very easy to do and can eliminate the need for obtaining seeds. This is a good idea to do when you come across a plan that you’d like to keep around.
What can go wrong?
There is plenty that can go wrong when you make cuttings. So I’ll try to make this method as quick an painless as possible.
The issue that has brought me the most grief when cloning plants is the environment.
It is very important to keep the growing environment as close to 100% humidity as possible and the root temperature at about 78-81 degrees F for the duration of the cycle.
If you can accomplish this, then you shouldn’t have any problems making healthy cuttings.
When choosing a plant, make sure to pick the healthiest one available.
Healthy mothers give healthy clones.
Method # 1 Professional Cloning System
Because of the difficulty involved with cloning, I usually recommend for beginners to use a professional system. There are difficulties to face with which ever system you use so patience and persistence will be required on your part.
The only real difference between this method and the next is the environment the cuttings are placed in. This professionally made system creates a superior environment which is probably why the clones root much faster. Usually 5-10 days. The result is a higher success rate, especially for beginners.
Method # 2 Dome and Tray
This “old school” method has been around for a while because it is very reliable. Although the clones root at a slower pace with this system (usually 7-14 days) it is just as good as any other.
Which ever system you use, the following directions will be necessary for each. When you get to Step 6), that’s when you’ll decide which system to use. The following setup can also be purchased as a complete system as well.
Supplies:
hand held sprayer
favorite nutrient solution
rooting gel or solution or powder
cloning tray
dome for tray
razor
heating mat
rooting cubes or plugs
thermostat
timer
fluorescent light
1gal. pitcher
syringe or
measuring cup
Preparation:
Step 1)
Prepare nutrient solution in 1gal pitcher
Step 2)
Fill tray with about 1 inch of nutrient solution.
Step 3)
Separate a small amount of cloning gel or powder to prevent contaminating or wasting it.
Step 4)
If you are using rock wool cubes, make sure to “pre-soak” your cubes in the nutrient solution you made for the cuttings.
Step by Step
Step 1)
Use razor to cut plant just above the 2nd or 3rd internode. This will allow the mother plant to keep on growing and give you more clones.
Step 2)
Leave one to two sets of leaves and place stem in shallow tray under about 1″ of nutrient solution.
Step 3)
While the stem is under water, use razor to cut 45 degree angle from the bottom of the stem making it about 2 to 4″ long.
Step 4)
Dip stem into gel or powder that you had previously set aside. Use a small amount.
Step 5)
Insert stem into rooting cube or plug.
Step 6)
Insert cube or plug into tray under clear dome.
Step 7)
Use sprayer to mist clones and cover with dome lid.
Step 8)
Plug-in heating mat and set thermostat to 80 degrees F.
Step 9)
Set dome under fluorescent light on an 18hr schedule.
Keys to Success
I usually add a small amount of water on the bottom of the cloning tray to help create a humid environment.
Once you’ve set them up try not to disturb them too often. Just a visual check to make sure there is enough humidity is usually all you will need to do.
As I mentioned earlier, the key to making this work is the environment you create for the cuttings.
Don’t worry if you don’t get this the first time.
Cloning is probably the most difficult part of the whole gardening process to master, so ultimately you will have to practice.
How – To Pages:
Return from Clones to Homepage
Aeroponics
This is considered to be a superior method of growing plants.
Drip System
Yet another option for growing great fruits and vegetables.
Ebb & Flow
This is very easy to do and it provides outstanding results.
H2O
Preparing water can be a complicated process.
Hand Water
This method is easier than you might think.
Nutrient Film Technique
A great way to growing high quality fruits and vegetables.
Water Culture
A relatively new hydroponic method which is growing in popularity.
Wick System
A passive hydroponic method for growing fruits and vegetables.
