If you’re wondering how to clone a weed plant and get more identical ones, it’s not too difficult, either way.
So, if you want to expand your plantation, you don’t need to buy new ones. The right cloning method needs a few simple hacks; we will share all that in this post.
We will also unearth some common yet essential myths about weed plantation and how successful cloning can improve its quality and traits.So, sit back and enjoy your complete guide to creating marijuana clones at home.
Why Cloning Marijuana Plants is Common
Whether for personal use or commercial purpose, weed growers are adamant about how to grow marijuana clones. This practice is becoming familiar as we often see weed hobbyists becoming serious growers.
Of course, there must be some benefits to cloning marijuana. Here is how it benefits and why it’s so common nowadays.
Create Cannabis Plant Exact Copies
Creating exact copies of cannabis plants through cloning is an essential benefit for growers, as it ensures that they consistently produce high-quality cannabis. When you clone a plant, you take a cutting from a healthy “mother” plant and root it.
Then, you can create a genetically identical “clone.” This method ensures that the clone will have the same genetic makeup as the first plant. That includes its root growth patterns, potency, flavor, and aroma.
By creating exact copies of their plants, growers can ensure that the cannabis they produce is consistent. This is especially important for medical cannabis patients who rely on specific strains to relieve their symptoms.
Growers can replicate the same strain repeatedly, ensuring that each batch of cannabis is consistent with previous batches. This consistency can help build a loyal customer base that knows they can rely on the same product quality every time they purchase it.
More Efficient than Germinating
Cloning cannabis can be more efficient than germinating seeds in some ways. First, clones are exact genetic copies of the mother plant, so they will grow consistently and predictably. This can be helpful for commercial growers who are looking to produce large quantities of high-quality cannabis with consistent traits.
Second, clones can be produced relatively quickly and with minimal cost. All that is required is a healthy mother plant and some basic cloning supplies. Contrastingly, germinating seeds can be more time-consuming and costly, as seeds can be expensive and may not all germinate successfully.
Finally, clones are already established plants with roots. So, they can often be transplanted and grown more quickly than seedlings. This can reduce the overall time required for the growing cycle.
Cost-friendly
Cloning is a highly cost-effective way for cannabis growers to expand their operations and increase their yield. One of the most significant advantages of cloning is that it eliminates the need to purchase new seeds or plants. This can be a significant expense.
Instead, once a grower has established a healthy mother plant, they can continue to produce clones from it indefinitely. This reduces the cost of acquiring new marijuana plants and ensures a consistent supply.
In addition to saving money on seed or plant purchases, cloning helps growers save money on other costs associated with starting new plants. That includes lighting, soil, and nutrients.
Clones are already well-established and have a developed root system. That means they require less energy and resources to grow than starting from seed or a new plant.
Preservation of Rare Strains
Preservation of rare or unique strains of marijuana is an important benefit of cloning. Marijuana plant strains that are particularly valuable or difficult to find may be at risk of disappearing. That is due to factors such as cross-breeding or loss of genetic diversity.
Cloning allows growers to preserve these strains by creating exact genetic copies of the mother plants. This can be particularly useful for breeders looking to maintain or improve upon specific traits of a strain. It can also help medical marijuana patients who rely on certain strains for therapeutic benefits.
By cloning rare strains, growers can help ensure that these genetics remain available for future generations to benefit from.
Convenience
The process becomes much more straightforward thanks to cloning supplies, and you don’t have to worry about the mess. If you don’t like dirtying your hands, you must go for weed clones.
It’s also convenient to manage the plant because they grow from where they left the parent. So, they don’t need special care after they clone.
The Ideal Cannabis Mother Plant
At the time of cloning, the original species is a critical player. It’s also called the Mother plant.
Because the weed clones will depend on the mother plant, you must carefully choose the right one.
The last thing you want is weak or sick clones, so your efforts will go wasted.
While picking the mother plant, here are some practical considerations:
Avoid Making Hermaphrodites
Make sure that the mother plant has not reached the flowering stage. If you cut from a flowering plant, the weed clones will likely become hermaphrodites.
Such plants have both sexual organs and aren’t as profitable as the females.
Your best bet is to pick a mother plant in its vegetative stage.
Dedicate Healthy Mother Plants
One of the best practices is to dedicate your best plants to cloning. As a grower, it is essential to identify the healthiest Marijuana plants. You don’t yield their crops but keep them to take cuttings for your next batch of clones.
Such dedicated plants don’t produce buds. Often, they become a problem when you don’t have much-growing space because it compromises productivity.
Generation of Mothers
The alternative to dedicated mothers is preparing a generation of clones. So, you can make a batch from a set of mother plants and then leave them for flowering. Once your new clones grow big enough, you can use them for the next generation of clones.
This technique not only maintains genetic consistency but also helps expand your weed farm at a rapid speed.
Train Your Mother Plants
Training is a crucial step in creating an ideal mother cannabis plant. By using techniques such as pruning and topping, growers can shape the plant and encourage the development of lateral branches. This leads to a bushier plant with more potential clone sites.
Pruning is typically done by removing the lower branches and leaves. This directs the plant’s energy to the upper growth. It can also be performed to remove dead or diseased plant parts.
On the other hand, topping is done by cutting off the top of the main stem. Eventually, it leads to the development of multiple main stems. Topping helps increase the number of potential clone sites and promotes even growth throughout the plant.
Focus on Plant Traits
Several plant traits point towards a healthy cannabis mother plant. Firstly, a healthy plant should grow vigorously, with strong stems and healthy leaves.
The plant should also have well-developed and healthy roots. This can be observed by inspecting the roots during transplanting or in a hydroponic system. The plant should also be disease-free, without any signs of pests or infections.
In addition, a good marijuana plant should exhibit the desirable traits that the grower wants to propagate in their clones. These traits include high potency, flavor, yield, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Consistency in the growth and development of the marijuana plant is also important. This ensures that the clones have the same characteristics as the original plant.
How to Clone Marijuana Plants
Now that we have picked our mother plant, it’s time to start cloning. You don’t need to be an expert to get your clones. This method is best for beginners because it’s technical and straightforward enough to get you your first batch of weed clones.
Prepare Your Equipment
To clone a cannabis plant, you need a set of weed growing supplies and essential organic material. For a smooth cloning process, you will need the following items:
- Clean razor, scalpel, or scissors
- Cloning powder
- Bleach wipes
- Mild growing lights
- Starter cubes
- Mother plants in the vegetative stage
- Permanent markers
- Plastic cups
- Duct tape
In addition to equipment, some essential compounds make your job easier with more chances of success.
- pH meter
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol disinfectant for cleaning tools
- Water
- Sterile Gloves
- Grow journal
Prepare the Rooting Medium
The rooting medium will provide the virtual environment for the clone roots. Therefore, you must be careful in selecting the right one. As a rule of thumb, any common rooting mediums should be well-aerated. Secondly, it must retain moisture so the roots get enough nutrients during early growth.
Experts recommend using Rockwool cubes. These cubes come from molten rocks with a threadlike design, so they are good at moisture retention and ventilation. Place the cubes in a plastic tray with a dome to retain humidity and moisture.
You can also use a cloning machine or an auto-cloner. These machines reduce the labor that goes into cloning. They are ideal for larger cloning jobs, so cloning machines will be a great buy if you plan to develop weed gardens.
Clean the Tools
For a perfect clone, you need clean equipment. It’s like preparing for surgery. Do not touch the plant with bare hands. Use sterile gloves and clean all your tools before cutting the plant. It’s best to use rubbing alcohol to clean the razors and scissors.
If you don’t clean, the clone and the mother risk catching a bacterial infection, which can ruin your plants.
Prep the Cloning Gel
You will need a rooting or cloning gel to give your clones the best chance to develop roots. The solution provides better opportunities for freshly cut stems.
To prepare the rooting gel, moisten the gel slightly. You mustn’t overdo it because it will take away the gel’s essential nutrition. These gels work best when damp, so add slight dampness. Overdamped gels will rot, and your clones will be of no use.
Apply the damped gel to the rooting medium. You should do it before cutting the branches. Why? You will find out soon.
Cutting the Mother Plant
While cutting, it’s essential to work in a sterile environment. That’s why we asked you to clean before. Excessive nitrogen in the stems and leaves forces the clones to grow more vegetation as you cut. So, some of the energy goes to waste.
Now, it’s time to cut. Pick a healthy branch that is strong and has at least two nodes. Understandably, it will be longer and have better chances of growing stronger. Searching for the bottom branches is best as they receive lesser light. So, their buds will be smaller too.
How to Cut the Cannabis Plant
Just below the node, cut at an angle of 45 degrees. The idea behind an angular cut is to provide maximum space for rooting. The more roots, the quicker your weed plant will grow. When you have the cuttings of weed clones, it’s time to act fast.
Dip and Stick
You cannot leave the freshly cut clones exposed to the environment for too long. So, dip the newly cut ends of the clones into the cloning gel. Remember that we have already applied some gel to the rooting medium.
Now, place the clones in the rooting medium. This process must be quick to reduce any risks of rotting.
Refine the Fresh Clones
When the clones stick securely in their places, you can remove the bottom leaves from them. It is best to leave only the top fan leaves and the tip intact. You can remove the rest of the leaves and trim them off their leaves for enhanced photosynthesis.
It will improve nutrient uptake, reduce evaporation, and enhance water retention in the roots. Expert growers can perform this exercise with multiple clones at a time. However, it is best for beginners to focus on one clone at a time.
The Cloning Dome
After trimming, the clones are ready to go under the dome. The dome retains humidity, giving an enhanced growing environment to the clones. Retained humidity lets the leaves absorb more water, which is critical for their growth.
Lighting Cycle
After placing them in the dome, your plants should get an 18/6 lighting cycle. Use a fluorescent lamp but make sure to use soft lighting.
Keep Regular Checks
The primary practice about how to clone a plant of any type is regular checking. Monitor plant health, water levels, pH levels, etc., to ensure your plants grow healthy and handsome.
You can also use chlorinated water to spray on the leaves. If you see any rotten clones, remove them immediately to prevent the growth of pests or molds.
Transplanting the Clones
In about two weeks, your clones should be ready for transplanting. In some cases, it can take longer too. As a rule of thumb, when the roots start protruding from the growing medium, they must be shifted to the soil for transplantation.
When you’re transplanting, follow these steps to complete the process of weed cloning:
- Fill your pots with high-quality soil.
- Moisten the soil so that it’s firm once the clone sits in it.
- Drain the excess water from the soil.
- Dig a cavity up to two inches deep. It can be deeper, depending on the root size of the clones.
- Place the clones in the hole and gently rearrange the soil until the clone sits steadily in its place.
The cloning process is complete once you have placed the clone in the soil pot. It’s time to perceive them as proper weed plants because the transaction is complete.
Marijuana Cloning in Water
If you’re wondering how to clone marijuana in water, we will see that here in this section. Surprisingly, cloning in water is much easier than in other mediums. It’s the cheapest way to get more clones.
Take your cuttings from the mother plant. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle, just like before. Now, take some tap water in a cup and place the clone cutting inside the water. Make sure to remove the matured leaves from the stalk first.
Place the cup in indirect light and prepare for the transplant in about three weeks.
Cloning in Soil Medium
Another way to clone weed is to use soil as a growing medium. As you did earlier, cut and dip the stalks in water and the rooting gel. However, instead of placing the stalks in the Rockwell cubes, you will put them in the best soil for weed.
Make sure that the soil is well-moistened. It’s best to use soil without nutrients because too many nutrients can damage the newly cut clones.
Some Drawbacks of Cloning Cannabis Plants
While there are many benefits to cloning cannabis plants, there are also some drawbacks. One potential drawback is that clones may be more susceptible to disease or pests. They are genetically identical and may lack the natural genetic diversity of seed-grown plants.
Additionally, if the mother plant is unhealthy or carrying a disease, the clones may inherit these issues. Another potential drawback is that clones may lose vigor over time. They are essentially copies of a single plant rather than unique individuals.
This can result in reduced yields or lower-quality buds over time. Finally, some growers may find the cloning process time-consuming or difficult, especially if they are new to cultivating clones.
FAQ’s
Is it hard to clone weed?
Cloning weed is not difficult and can be done by growers of all experience levels. However, it does require attention to detail and proper technique to ensure the success of the clones.
Factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting must be carefully controlled to give the clones the best chance of rooting and growing into healthy plants.
Is cloned weed just as good?
Cloned weed can be just as good as the mother plant. Clone plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. So, if the mother plant is healthy and high-quality, the clones should be too.
However, it’s essential to take care when cloning to ensure the clones are healthy and free from pests or diseases.
How much does it cost to clone weed?
The cost of cloning weed can vary depending on the resources and materials required. However, compared to purchasing new seeds or plants, cloning is generally cost-effective for expanding a cannabis grow operation.
The main costs associated with cloning are typically related to purchasing rooting hormones and supplies. That includes grow lights, containers, and growth medium. These costs can be relatively low, especially compared to purchasing new seeds or plants.
Do you clone cannabis in water or soil?
Cannabis can be cloned in either water or soil. Water cloning involves placing cuttings in a container of water. Meanwhile, soil cloning involves planting the cuttings directly into the soil or another growth medium.
How soon can you clone cannabis?
Cannabis can be cloned at almost any stage of its growth cycle. But, the ideal time to take cuttings is during the vegetative stage, typically 3-4 weeks after the plant sprouts.
At this stage, the plant will have developed enough foliage to provide sufficient nutrients for the cutting. But it will not yet have started to flower.
Can you clone cannabis from a single leaf?
It is technically possible to clone cannabis from a single leaf, but it’s not efficient or reliable. Leaf cloning has a very low success rate, and the resulting plants are often weak and prone to disease.
Does cloning ruin cannabis?
Cloning cannabis does not ruin the mother plant. It can be a beneficial way to preserve genetics and maintain consistent quality in a cannabis crop. However, improper cloning techniques or poor plant health can stress the mother plant.
What is the success rate of cannabis cloning?
The success rate of cannabis cloning depends on a variety of factors. That includes the grower’s skill and technique, the health of the mother plant, and the conditions in which the clones are grown. With proper technique and ideal conditions, the success rate of cannabis cloning can be as high as 90-100%.
What Age Should a Mother Plant Be Before Cloning?
The ideal age for a mother cannabis plant to be cloned is during the vegetative phase. That is typically around 3-4 weeks after the plant has sprouted. At this stage, the plant will have developed enough foliage to provide sufficient nutrients for the cutting.
Where Do You Cut Cannabis Clones from The Mother Plant?
Cannabis clones are typically cut from the mother plant at a 45-degree angle. That is just below a node where a leaf or branch meets the stem. This is where the plant’s rooting hormone is concentrated, which helps the clone develop roots more quickly.
Do Cannabis Clones Need Air Flow?
Yes, cannabis clones need adequate airflow to thrive. Good air circulation helps prevent mold and mildew growth and provides the plants with fresh CO2 for photosynthesis. However, avoiding exposing the clones to strong winds or direct drafts is important.
How long do clones take to grow?
Clones will generally show root growth within the first 7-10 days. New growth should start to appear within 2-3 weeks. With proper care and attention, cannabis clones can grow to a good size within 4-6 weeks.
What Temp Do Cannabis Clones Need?
Cannabis clones typically require a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) to root and grow properly. At temperatures below 65°F (18°C) or above 85°F (29°C), the clones may become stressed and struggle to root or grow.
How Often Do I Water Marijuana Clones?
A great rule of thumb is to water the clones thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain away. Then, wait until the first inch of the soil or growing medium is dry before watering again. This usually means watering once every 2-3 days.
Wrapping Up with the Cannabis Clones
Cloning marijuana plants is not at all difficult. If you have ever wondered how to clone a plant, the technique is similar to what we saw in this post.
Because cloning pot plants is a thing now, you will see some cool gadgets that simplify the job. These supplies aren’t too expensive and prevent messy prepping for new plants. Essentially, there is no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go.
Cloning weed has many advantages over germination too. So, it’s the right way to go if you want better and faster yields. Now that you know how to clone a weed plant, it’s worth a try. Who knows, you might be the next weed tycoon in your locality and beyond.
