Cloning plants is one of the two methods of propagation, and is preferred by many growers over planting fresh seeds. Cloning carries benefits such as decreased time to harvest, and skipping some of the difficult phases of seeding.
Growing from clones is not without challenges, however. It is important to select a healthy mother plant to take cuttings from, as the clone will share the same genetic makeup. When first cutting clones, they will require precise care. Our machines here at Hydrobuilder make this seemingly complex process very simple.
What does cloning plants mean?
To clone a plant, growers will choose the healthiest, strongest mother plant. At her maturity, cut off a shoot (at a 45-degree angle) with at least 3-6” of stem with a node present. These stems then will be applied with a cloning gel, and stored inside a hydroponic or aerponic cloning machine. It is important to use precise nutrient dosing for fresh clones, including mycorrhizae and root stimulants.
What is a plant cloning machine
It is important to create a perfect environment for new clones to ensure a high success rate. Clones should be kept in temperatures slightly higher than mature plants, in a range of 75-80 degrees, and humidity of up to 75%. A plant cloning machine makes this easy.
Our plant cloning machines here at Hydrobuilder offer a way to start plants in an aeroponic or hydroponic system.
What is aeroponic cloning?
Aeroponic cloning machines are an incredibly effective way to start plants. These are smaller scale aeroponic systems, and instead of using any hydroponic grow medium, the end of the stalk is exposed. The aeroponic misters will spray a fine mist up into the stalks of your cuttings. These systems generally do not need a humidity dome, as the clones receive enough moisture through the aeroponic system.
How do you root clones in water?
Using a hydroponic cloning machine is a great way to start clones in water. These systems are just smaller scale deep water culture systems, and allow you to easily cultivate clones before transplanting them into a larger hydroponic system.
Some of these systems include neoprene inserts, but others will require you to find your own grow media. These neoprene inserts allow you to constantly be adding new clones into the system, as these inserts are reusable.
What pH should water be for clones?
Since there is no buffer for your fresh tap roots, it is important that the pH of the water in your plant cloning machine is measured correctly. Use a pH pen to ensure your nutrient solution is 5.8-6.3, and make sure the water measures around 450 ppm with a PPM meter. Clones are very sensitive at this early stage, and growers need to take extra steps to care for them.
What is the best plant cloning machine?
If you want to learn about which systems we consider the best cloning machines of the year, visit our blog and read our complete guide! Or, you can learn how to build a DIY cloning machine. But, here is a quick run down of a few of our favorites.
From a hydroponic cloning standpoint, the Super Closet line is as good as it gets. This is a very reputable company, and their machines grow incredibly healthy clones.
Aeroponic cloning systems are the way of the future. At Hydrobuilder, we offer complete aeroponic plant cloning kits, which include everything you need to start your cuttings. Included in these Ez-Clone is:
- Cloning tent
- Clone grow light
- Cloning system
- Duct fan
- Rooting gel
- Water conditioner for cloning system
- Light hangers
Once the plants begin to show roots (7-10 days), they can be transplanted into a growing medium. For more information, check out our definitive guide on how to clone a plant in our learning center!
If you have any questions about cloning machines or anything else, give one of our experienced growers a call today at 888-815-9763!
