Cloning marijuana plants is a great way to get more plants and get the exact genetics you’re looking for. So, what are marijuana clones and how can can you clone a marijuana plant? Read on to learn all you need to know!
What is marijuana cloning by definition?
The process of cloning marijuana is simply taking one plant and making an identical copy of it. This can be done by simply taking a cutting from one parent plant and then planting it. The plant will grow its own roots and become its very own plant that brings all the benefits of a parent plant. Like large yields, if that is one of the attributes growers are looking for.
The best news is, that cloning marijuana can be done as long as the grower wants to continue growing the same strain. Of course the parent plant must be healthy. Some think that clones from a parent plant and clones of clones will deteriorate over time. However, this is likely due more to environmental factors, than it is the genetics of the plant.
The Pros of Cloning Marijuana Plants
Cloning marijuana brings so many benefits. Creating marijuana clones is an excellent time-saver, because instead of starting from seed, the plant has already started. Shaving off at least a few weeks of growing time. Cloning is also a great way to keep a steady supply of plants growing at all times. Especially when there is one particular strain growers love.
1. Clone your favourite phenos and grow more.
The clones from any plant will grow, behave, and have all the characteristics of the parent plant it is taken from. So if a plant was really easy to grow you can plant a clone and know that your next grow will be just as easy. Or if a certain strain had an intoxicating smell or a flavor, you can continue to enjoy that phenos aroma, or flavour.
2. Clones will behave and grow the same way as the parent.
As clones will be identical to their mother plant, they will also require the same growing conditions. This can be beneficial to indoor growers that may not have all the space required for strains that have different needs. In terms of nutrients, humidity, or other factors.
3. Clone more females and know the sex of your marijuana plant.
Growers that don’t want to take the time and risk of sexing their plants, may also wish to clone female plants. As they will know that those clones will also turn out to be females.
4. More buds!
Perhaps the best thing about cloning is that you will get even more buds for free.
What do I need to clone a marijuana plant?
Another one of the biggest advantages that comes from cloning marijuana is that you don’t really need a lot of equipment. Just a handful of supplies, and you’re well on your way to getting that perfect clone you’re after.
Below are the supplies you’ll need and how they’ll help you clone the perfect cannabis plant.
- A healthy and high-quality mother plant. The whole point of cloning marijuana is to get a plant or strain that’s identical to one that you already love. In order to do that, you have to choose the plant carefully. Ensuring that it doesn’t only have the characteristics you want, but that it’s also very healthy and strong.
- A sharp razor. When cutting the branch you’re going to use for cloning, you’ll want to make a very clean cut. The best way to do this is to use an extremely sharp razor and make one cut. While scissors can be used, these can crush the branch. Which will mean the cut is not as clean as it should be and will make it harder for the clone to make new roots.
- Water. The clone will also need to be dipped into water right away to prevent it from drying out. Once the clone is transplanted, it will need water immediately. This will help it root in the growing medium and will sustain it in its early growing days.
- A rooting medium. Of course, you’re going to need to place the clone into some sort of medium right after it’s cut. This can be something as simple as a pot filled with soil. But it can also be starter cubes that will also anchor the plant and provide it with the nutrients it needs.
- A rooting hormone. The riskiest part of cloning is getting the clone to take root. In order to support this and help the roots along, a rooting hormone should be used.
- Nutrients. Clones are still marijuana plants, even though they may be in smaller form. Because of this, they still need nutrients to encourage healthy growth.
Once you have all the equipment you need, you can then begin the process of cloning with our quick guide below.
Marijuana Cloning Step-by-Step
Step 1:
Start cloning by choosing your mother plant. Once you know which plant you want to use, use the razor to cut a branch that is healthy and at least two to four inches in sizes.
Step 2:
The cutting should be taken at least four nodes down from the top of the mother plant. To make the cut, cut it at a 45-degree angle.
This will allow for more surface area at the bottom of the step to help the cutting take root more easily. Don’t be too quick when making the cut, as the end of the stem should not be crushed or smashed.
Step 3:
Once the cutting has been taken, it should be dipped into water immediately. This will keep the cut portion of the stem from drying out. If you’re only taking one cutting, you can then dip it into the growth hormone and plant it in a growing medium.
If you want to take even more cuttings, the cuttings already taken can be stored in water until the other cuttings are made.
Step 4:
Leaves or other growth nodes at the bottom of the stem, may have to be trimmed for the cutting to fit into the medium. Particularly if you’re using starter cubes.
Once those have been trimmed, you can then dip the cutting into a root hormone that will encourage healthy growth.
Keep in mind however, that at least two sets of leaves should sit above the surface of the soil or growing medium. Also at least one or two sets of trimmed nodes should also be above the surface.
Step 5:
After the rooting hormone has been applied, the cutting can then be placed into a moist grow medium. While potted soil can be used, Rockwool or Oasis cubes are the most recommended.
Hydroponic solutions can also be used at this point. A hole should be made in the medium using something thin such as a pencil. The hole that should be made should be approximately half an inch deep, and just slightly wider than the stem. The cutting can then be placed in, and the rest of the grow medium gently packed around its sides.
Step 6:
Once the cutting has been secured into the growing medium, it then needs to be watered. It’s important to remember that the growth medium will need to be kept moist at all times. However, over-watering can drown the delicate roots, so it’s important to ensure the cutting only has the water it needs.
Step 7:
Just like all plants, marijuana clones still need proper lighting in order to promote steady and healthy growth. Once done cloning marijuana, the clones need to be placed about six to twelve inches from a fluorescent light. They should then begin the 18 to 24 light period that all plants begin growth with.
The plants will take about seven to fourteen days to develop a strong and healthy root system. Once this happens, they can then be transplanted into your preferred growth medium. This is ideally when the marijuana clones will be transferred to potted soil, if that’s what’s being used. The process of cloning marijuana is essentially finished and the cuttings can be grown as regular marijuana plants.
Conclusion
Once you know how to clone marijuana plants, you’ll be cloning marijuana from all the parent plants you love. And want to hold onto for a little while longer. You’ll soon be reaping all the benefits that cloning brings, and will be a pro after just your first few tries.
