There are all sorts of ways to grow your own marijuana. Some people prefer seeds for natural growth reasons, others prefer growing clones, which are a quicker, more effective way of growing genetically identical buds that were first produced from a mother plant. Amazingly, cannabis is one of the few plants on earth that have the ability to regrow themselves from their former selves. Though the term clone may seem weird and Orwellian, many dispensaries have caught on to this new way of growing. It’s a great way to start your own harvest from a mother plant you really enjoy.  

If you’re looking to recreate an existing garden, clones are definitely the way to go. Clones are rooted cuttings that are specifically identical to the plant they were taken from. Cloning your own cannabis plants can be extremely cost-efficient and may give you a harvest that’s completely sustainable.  

Cloning isn’t a difficult process, but it is tedious. Unfortunately, we can’t offer a comprehensive article on every aspect of growing clones, but we can provide a few tips and pointers to help your little clone grow big and strong.

• To start cloning, you will need a razor for taking cuttings, water, rooting medium and rooting hormone. Wipe down all trays, scissors, blades, cutting board and prop dome down with a mild bleach solution and thoroughly rinse before starting.

• Be sure to use a healthy mother to clone. The sturdier the mother, the healthier the clone. Try and wait at least two months into the mother’s cycle before taking a cutting.

• Make sure your infrastructure is built for growing clones. No matter where you’re growing, you want to be sure you have ventilation, a systematic light source, room for all plants and other necessities. If you are growing a fresh batch of new clones, try to grow them in a small nursery where they are set apart from your more mature plants as they will need more attention.  

• When taking the cuttings, look for lower branches that are healthier and more sturdy. You want your cuttings to be between 8-12 inches. Have your rooting stimulator ready to dip the cuttings into.

• Place your fresh cutting into water immediately after removing from rooting stimulator. Bubbles are a major clone killer. The clone must have water to survive, if multiple bubbles are present, it prevents the clone from soaking up necessary water

• Be sure to QUICKLY slide the treated end of your clone into the rooting plug or pellet. A snug fit to the cut stem is essential. Sometimes a cutting won’t stick and take in necessary moisture and when that happens, it’s game over. Your clone will wither and die.

• Remember, clones are much more sensitive than an already developed plant. Make sure to keep an extra close eye on them within the first 7-10 days.

• Work quickly and efficiently. Because clones are further along than seeds, they tend to grow quicker so make sure you have all your supplies in order while maintaining your clothes.

• Keep your grow/workplace sterile. Clones are much younger than your older plants and are more susceptible to bacteria. Make sure the roots are growing in clean, healthy soil.

• Consistently check that your ventilation system is providing little to no breeze through. Too much breeze could dry out your clone, while too little breeze will keep the air stagnant, opening the possibility for pests and other bacteria. Little to no breeze is preferred.

• You shouldn’t need to spray your clones with water, but if you feel more comfortable doing so, don’t overwater. Spray just enough, once every three days to keep the humidity.  

• Clones need a very specific amount of light and nutrients because they are so sensitive. Just like any other new project, be sure to read anything and everything there is to know about clones.

Have any questions or want to share your cloning experience? Drop us a line or leave a comment below.