Plant Propagation from Cuttings

It is possible to clone plants so that the offspring will be genetically identical to the mother plant. Clearly when good results are being achieved from a growth this is a good thing to do. The qualities of the two plants will be identical so if given the same growing conditions their growth will be too.

One thing to note is that this is not the case when growing from seeds and the only way to keep the same identity is by cloning. When you have a plant that is performing well, replicating it can be an amazing and satisfying experience. The best method of replicating it is by taking cuttings.

It goes without saying that to get good results the cuttings should be taken from a plant that is in good condition. For plants that are grown indoors the best environmental conditions will be lighting for 18 hours per day, temperatures in the region of 18-22 degrees centigrade and a humidity that ranges from 50-70%.

The best lighting to use is MH (metal halide), HPS (high pressure sodium) or CFL (compact fluorescent lights).

Giving the stock plant the best growing conditions will ensure that the cuttings are taken from strong growing tips on the mother plant.

A week before cuttings are taken it is sensible to adjust the feeding quantities. Feed the mother plant with nutrient solutions that are about half of the strength that they usually receive. One reason for this is that nitrogen in the feed helps with the growth and gives plant tissue that is soft. This kind of plant tissue is not the best for cuttings so modifying the feed will allow the plant to adjust.

It is recommended by our partners at Growth Technology that applications of Clonex Mistspray are provided on a couple of occasions in the week prior to cuttings being taken. Clonex further strengthens the plant tissues which will ensure that the best results are achieved.

Cuttings taken from a plant are identical as far as genetics are concerned. Prepare a nice toolbox beforehand to help you perform a clean and tidy job. The ROOT!T Rooting Sponge Propagation Kit contains the propagator and cubes plus a scalpel, rooting gel and first feed to help the cuttings on their way. And importantly, good lighting to use is the T5 EnviroGrofrom Lumii

Take a cutting from a strong and healthy tip on the plant, ideally with about 4 or 5 leaves. Remove the lower two leaves (nodes) to give the stem plenty of length to embed into a root cube. Perform this on a cutting board and just below where the leaves were removed make a diagonal cut to the stem.

Immediately cover the fresh cuts by dipping them into Clonex Gel or something similar and then prepare the root cubes.

Ideally the root cubes will have been soaked for a period of time in a half-strength nutrient such as Formulex with an EC (electrical conductivity) of around 10. Check the pH of the feeding solution and aim to keep it between 5.8 and 6.3.

Once the fresh cuttings have had a moment to benefit from the Clonex gel, prepare the root cube holes with the dibber and insert the stem into the cube. Then place them into the propagator.

Once the cuttings are safely in the root cubes, give them a spray with the Clonex mist to increase the moisture levels around the leaves and provide nutrition. A small layer of clay pebbles in the propagator with just a touch of water will provide an ideal level of humidity once the propagator dome is on with the vents closed.

The moisture below the root cubes will also draw the roots out from the leaves in search of the water.

Ideal conditions are temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees centigrade with a humidity between 80-90%

Cuttings take between 5-10 days to root through the cubes and they will then be ready for potting. Open the vents after a few days to allow ventilation and with this method all of the cuttings should have rooted fully. They will then be ready to transfer to the main growing environment.

Happy growing!