cloning question - GreenPassion.org - Dedicated to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Education

charlie b · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 05:36 PM

Ok... so I was wondering if any one could provide some insight or direct me towards a solution. I am currently running an older 30 site ez clone. It has worked great in the past but lately it seems has not been performing as effectively.
here is the synopsis -
-change water every 3-5 days
-plain water + some rooting hormone
- ph 5 - 6.5
-2-3 inch cuttings
-multiple strains- all proven to be fast rooters
-cuttings are hardening off fine
-cutting swells looks like it's about to pop roots all over (3-5 days)
-cutting doesn't pop roots, stays the same 5-14 days
-some eventually pop but the others seem to be ready but stay noncommital

Possible problems
-changed the pump, this resulted in slightly higher water temperature
-Ph drift
-Reusing foam inserts too many times
-no nutrients in water
unfiltered water?

jangel · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 05:44 PM

What are the temps of where you have this set to work? Temps have a major affect on clones rooting. Change of season, meaning cooler temps most often are at fault. i set mine on a heating pad. They like it around 80f. No higher. Or you will cook them. Do not put hydrogen peroxide in with them as it will inhibit root growth.

PH could have something to do with it.

Not sure what you mean by hardening off. Do you have them domed?

That is all I got, sorry.

Peace

sabasi · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 06:03 PM

I would have to agree with Jangel, temps are key!! I use the heating pad too and so far so good! I even put some in dirt with no roots formed yet and they are fine! Just put them into 12/12 yesterday. Good luck!

plantmanager · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 10:25 AM

This happens to me sometimes,summer and fall can be tougher,sometimes i lose clones like crazy then the next round i get a 80% success rate.
Nitro levels in the mothers can play a huge part in faster rooting times and success rates in some strains.For example if my kush mothers are over 400ppm they won't root.
I also had a batch last month,that like you said 'looked like they were ready' to pop roots but nothing.
What do you consider a good succes rate?
I really dout many folks that claim 100% every time,i call BS
My temps are about 75-80 max,if the stems are very soft run a cooler temp like 72 if you can,they tend to rot fast in the moist puck.My small homemade units use a very small 25w heater.
After roots have sprung i then transplant them into very small plastic cups and keep them in a high humidity enviroment until i'm sure they are taking off.

charlie b · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 12:42 PM

yeah I keep the temps around 75 and I usually a 60-80% success rate. Changed the water and set ph a little lower at 5.5 yesterday afternoon. Checked them this morning and a few that were hesitating are now showing roots. It's also the first time I've cloned this kali mist I recently acquired so maybe it just takes a little longer than the others. I appreciate everyone's input thank you very much.

anothertime · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:04 PM

try cleaning your ez cloner with water and bleach use a mix of 1/2 cup bleach for each gallon of water,wash all part and run your pump in this solution as well,quite often this helps to make it preform like new.after running things in this solution besure to wash all parts using water.hope this helps and happy growing!!!

jangel · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anothertime

try cleaning your ez cloner with water and bleach use a mix of 1/2 cup bleach for each gallon of water,wash all part and run your pump in this solution as well,quite often this helps to make it preform like new.after running things in this solution besure to wash all parts using water.hope this helps and happy growing!!!

Running some vinegar through after bleach will neutrilize it. Then rinse well.

Peace