This is Mrs Fred cloning method. I had to make her breakfast this morning to get her to write this!
She clones using rapid rooters. We have also cloned in the past with a homemade bubbler. We prefer the rapid rooter!
The following is Mrs Fred typing....(I gotta go make breakfast!)
As soon as your existing plants that are in veg manifest multiple shoots that vary in length from 2”-4”, it is time to clone. I have cloned from mothers, veg plants and plants two weeks into bloom. The following is a list of supplies that you will need:
A pair of clean sharp scissors
Quick Start soil cube starters
Plastic six pack plant holders
Plastic plant tray with clear dome lid
Rooting hormone (powder or gel)
Cloning solution (water with b’cuzz root added to it)
Spray bottle
A warm environment (70-75 degrees)
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When looking at your plants you will notice fan leaves. Just above the fan leaves is where the shoots originate from.
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(The plant in this pic is not quite ready to clone yet but you get the idea!)
I try to choose the longest strongest looking shoots to clone. Using your scissors carefully cut at a 45 degree angle removing the shoot from above the fan leaf without disturbing the fan leaf.
All but the top 2 to 3 leaves are cut from the clone to focus the energy and nutrient uptake. Some use a razor blade to cut and I have also tried this but I prefer scissors. As long as the equipment is sterile, I think it’s a matter of personal preference.
In Fred’s never ending quest to make improvements to the operation, he has suggested that the base of the clone be either cut or scarified using a razor blade to encourage root growth. Although I have tried this, the time investment never really paid off in noticeable root growth.(He’s really good at suggesting extra work for someone else)!
Take the shoot and dip the end in cloning solution immediately as this seals and ensures that no air can infiltrate it. If this happens the clone could die. Next, dip the clone into the rooting hormone.(1/4” coverage at the base of the shoot is good) We use Schultz rooting powder its cheap at Home Depot. We have use more expensive stuff too but the end result is the same so just go cheap!
Place the shoot into the soil cube at the hole site. Make sure the shoot is seated firmly in the cube. Place into the six pack plant holder. Repeat this process until you have taken all the clones you need. Place the six pack plant holders into the plastic plant tray.
Water thoroughly with the cloning solution then put some cloning solution into the spray bottle. The last step is to spray the clones and the inside of the clear dome lid of the plant tray. Place the clear lid on top of the plant tray and walk away. Return daily to mist both the plants and the dome lid.
Here are a few tips that I have learned from experience:
- Make sure that the environment is fairly warm. If it is too cold the clones will not grow roots.
- The ideal cloning time is two weeks.
- The dome should stay on the clones for at least a week.
- When you remove the dome make sure that you keep the clones well watered as they are more likely to dry out.
- I try to water from the bottom as it encourages the roots to find the water. I have also left the dome on for the entire two weeks, but this can be tricky because the clones can develop mold.
- When you first clone the clones appear to be laying down. This is totally normal. A couple of hours under the dome and the clones will stand at attention.
- To allow your clones to perform at their best make sure upon reuse of equipment that it is thoroughly cleaned. I use a tablespoon of bleach to a sink full of plain hot water to sterilize the plant holders and trays.
- If it is necessary to take a lot of clones. They can be cut at the same time as long as the next steps immediately follow. I have also taken clones and placed them in a zip lock bag with moist paper towels and stored them in the refrigerator until a few days later. When doing this I usually make an extra cut to the clone before placing it in the plant tray. This ensures a fresh cut to take the rooting hormone.
We have a cloning station That Fred built me. It has 2 4' shop lights mounted and shelves for supplies.
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After the clones root we place the rabid rooter in a rock wool cube place a light cover on the cube
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Within 2 weeks they will be over 14" high and ready to be place into the bloom rooms.
Thats is folks! I will have to admit the Mrs gets very good results from her methods. We have been growing the same plant for 3 yrs now.
Well there it is and it’s not nearly as intimidating as some would have you believe. Just give it a try and Happy Cloning!