Achieving a 100% Success Rate with Plant Cuttings
Plant cuttings, also known as clones, are an effective way to reproduce plants asexually. This method allows you to preserve the genetics of the plant and grow multiple new plants. While the techniques may vary depending on the species and desired outcomes, there are a few key strategies to increase your success rate when cloning.
Many horticulturists have their own cloning methods, but these tips will help you create a successful approach tailored to your setup.
Step 1: Taking the Cutting from the Donor Plant
Before you begin, make sure all your tools and surfaces are sterile to avoid contamination. Use a medically sterile scalpel or scissors to remove a cutting from the mother plant. As soon as the cutting is taken, place it in a bowl of pH-balanced water to prevent air from entering the plant’s tissues.
Make a second cut underwater at a 45-degree angle to maximize surface area and improve water absorption. Choose cuttings that are 10–20 cm long, with at least two sets of leaves and nodes above the cut. Middle sections of the plant tend to root the fastest.
Step 2: Using Cloning Gel
Dip the freshly cut stems into a rooting gel like Ezi-Root, which contains NAA and IBA—two powerful rooting hormones. Using both together has been proven more effective than using either alone. Avoid contaminating your bottle of gel by pouring a small amount onto a sterile dish for dipping.
Once the stems are coated with the gel, you’re ready to insert them into your chosen propagation medium.
Step 3: Choosing Your Propagation Method
For optimal results, consider using an aeroponic cloning system like TurboKlone. This system constantly mists the cuttings with aerated water, which promotes rapid root development in a controlled environment.
When using TurboKlone, start with reverse osmosis (RO) water or filtered water at a temperature between 18–23°C. Keep the water’s pH between 5.5 and 5.8 to ensure ideal conditions for root growth.
Step 4: Proper Lighting for Cuttings
For the first phase of propagation, use T5 fluorescent lights, which provide gentle light to encourage root growth. Position the lights 8–12 inches above the canopy or mount them directly on top of the humidity dome.
In the first few days, the unabsorbed cloning gel washes off and provides nutrients for the cuttings. Around day 4, add a light dose of a rooting supplement like Roots Excelurator to encourage further root development. At day 5, you can also add 5 ml of 3% H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) to freshen the growing environment and increase oxygen levels without harming the cuttings.
Step 5: Managing Humidity
The humidity dome should remain on until the clones develop strong roots, which typically happens between day 6 and day 10. After that, start reducing humidity by removing the dome for longer periods each day.
TurboKlone’s built-in fan regulates temperature around the cuttings, creating a stress-free environment that promotes faster root growth. If the environment is too hot or cold, adjust the system’s placement or use a heating pad to maintain the desired temperature. Ideal water temperatures help increase the oxygen levels in the water and support healthy root development.
Step 6: Cleanliness is Key
Always clean your system before starting a new cloning cycle. You can use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to disinfect. Fill the system’s reservoir with water and let it run for 30–45 minutes before draining and rinsing thoroughly.
Final Tips
Cloning is an essential part of cultivating healthy, consistent plants. Cleanliness and precision are crucial for success, especially for medical-grade plant production. Experiment with different techniques, keep track of your results, and adjust your process based on what works best for your setup.
If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to the Stealth Garden Team for guidance!
By following these steps and maintaining a clean, controlled environment, you can achieve a high strike rate with your plant cuttings, ensuring strong, healthy growth for your next crop.