Grow Tip- Hydro Cloning
Ben Horner
Cloning with root cubes and rooting compound is the most
common technique, but not particularly efficient. Hydroponic cloning can
produce starter plants easier, faster and larger. Hydro cloners vary in number
of sites; each site is for an individual clone. A twenty-four-site cloner can
produce twenty clones at a time.
There are many such products on the market or you can make
your own. Most units all use similar plug stem holder the fits into the top of
the container. Then container is filled with water and cloning solution. Where
they vary is in the way the moisture is propelled to the plant. Some us
foggers, others use a drip system. For this article we will be looking at a
manifold and sprayer system, which is powered by a submersible water pump.
As with all hydroponics the purity and PH balance of the
water is paramount. Proper PH is between 5-6 on the PH scale. PH testing and
balancing chemicals can be found at all indoor gardening stores. Use filtered water when ever possible. The
quality of the water makes all the difference, especially when cloning.
Step 1. Always make sure to your cloner is working well by
completely assembling the device, filling it with water and letting it run for
a few hours. Confirm that all the sprayers are functioning. Once you are certain that the entire interior
surface is receiving a good spray. add the directed amount of cloning solution.
Step 2. Take cuttings from a healthy female plant use
sterile, sharp shears or a razor; make sure you leave at least 15cm of stem on
each cutting.
Step 3. Using your cutting tool, clean any lower leaves and stems
so that the cutting fits into the foam plugs and the stem is at least 8cm
exposed. Repeat this until your sites are full. Make sure water is spraying on
all the stems that are below the surface.
Step 4. Place the cloners that are in the cloner under a
good quality grow light. Recommended light is in the blue spectrum, preferable
a metal halide bulb or comparable floresant.
In three to ten day’s roots will form on stems below.
Step 5. Transfer the rooted clones into its new home. Any
growing media should take the new plants. Be very careful not break the roots
with the dirt or other growing substrates.
