Cloning Your Own PlantsCloning your own marijuana plants is recommended if you want to save time off of your next grow op and almost guarantee female plants each time you grow. Experienced growers will separate a designated ‘mother’ plant that is grown specifically for them to take clones off of when the time comes however, taking your own clones can be a simple process.
Before beginning to clone your own plants you will need a few items first to ensure that you’re freshly cut clones will survive the stress. From any local retail store or garden specialty shop purchase a razor sharp blade, peat pellets, a container for each clone, a shallow tray deep enough for the stems to reach, and rooting hormones. Peat pellets are little square shaped holders specifically for plant roots and can usually be purchased in large quantities for cheap. The containers are the same deal sometimes they can usually purchased hand in hand with the peat pellets but if this is not the case than make sure you find small containers that are appropriate in size to hold the clones in some soil. Each container will sit together in an orderly fashion inside the tray so that the stems can be reach the water and nutrients that lie below it. Make sure that the stem is touching as it will slowly start to grow its own set of roots over time. Finally, the rooting hormone can be found at a garden specialty store and it contains the nutrients needed to help ensure that the clone survives its transplant. Rooting hormone comes both in either liquid or powder form and must be applied directly to the root of the clone once it has been cut. Next is choosing which branches to clip to turn into clones. You can usually identify fairly easily which branches should be transferred because they are the ones that show signs of being the healthiest and strongest. Choose a branch that has at least two to three inches of stem from the bottom for planting and at least two to three internodes on the branch itself to ensure that once it begins growing it will have its own branches to start with. Experienced growers will cut their branches underwater to ensure that no air bubbles get inside the stem but this can be done without being underwater as long as the root hormone is applied immediately after the cut has been made. Cut the branch at an angle to help prevent air bubbles from getting inside then apply root hormone to the cut end. Once this has been done place the freshly cut branch directly into the hole of the peat pellet than place that in the tray so that it can start being watered and so it can receive nutrients. It is also very important to keep in mind that a razor sharp clean razor or knife should be used during this process. The sharper the better as this will help prevent air bubbles as well and reduce the amount of stress that the plant is going through. Once you have rooted your plants you will notice that they will begin to droop. This is common, give this phase about 15 to 20 minutes if the clones begin to drop further than most likely the cloning process was unsuccessful however, after about 15 to 20 minutes the plants should begin to stand up as long as the light is directly above them. It is recommended to use fluorescent lights for cloned plants and have them in a vegetation stage. This is because the water and nutrients that are touching the stem will travel up the root of the plant and its leaves which will enact photosynthesis. Tiny little hairs called stomata will sweat out the moisture which will help the nutrients and water to continue flowing through the plant making it grow further. While this process is happening though be sure that the lights are not too close to the plants because the lack of roots and cannot keep up with making sure that the plant has enough moisture to keep up with its transpiration. Now this may not end up being successful the first time for most amateur growers but much practice will help you become better at successfully cloning your own plants. Do yourself a favor and get yourself out of the novice stage of growing as soon as possible by becoming a master of this stage. Not only will it help you become more intellectual with the art of growing marijuana at home but it will also help you to have faster crop outs more frequently. |