subject: Advice On Cloning Plants From A Grow Store In Michigan [print this page] Cloning is a form of asexual plant reproduction where you take a cutting of an existing plant and grow it on its own. This process is not a new one and has been known as rooting. This is easily done with a hydroponic system and our grow store in Michigan would like to share a few pointers on how its done.
First you need to only take cuttings from healthy, at least 2 month old plants. Only use the plants that have desirable traits for what you are doing as the cutting will literally be a genetic copy. You should cut at a node on the stem where a leaf branches out. Optimally you want to make the cut at a 45 degree angle to increase the surface area of the cutting and help it grow by absorbing more water.
The clone of the larger plant should be placed in a growing medium similar to that used in an indoor grow system. You should soak the growing medium with water that has a properly adjusted pH level. You need to be careful not to over water the medium as this can be detrimental to the cutting. The medium should be damp, not wet. You should keep the clone in a room that is about 70 degrees, similar to a green house. The use of a heating pad set to around 80 degrees can help speed up the process.
Your clone needs sunlight and humidity to grow properly so you should cover it with a plastic dome and allow it to be exposed to artificial or natural sunlight for at least 18 hours a day. This will help the plant grow at the optimal rate. Keep an eye out for when the plant starts to form roots. Many plants can vary on how long it takes for roots to form so its important to watch for it. Once the roots are formed the plant is ready to be moving to an indoor grow system to continue its growth.
It might help to use a spray bottle to mist your cutting during the initial growing period. This helps the plants stay moist and helps keep the moisture in to traumatized cuttings. Make sure that you do not yank on your clone when you are checking for roots. This can not only traumatize the clone, but can even kill it.
Cloning is not a difficult process and many people do it. The fact is there are steps and do not dos that you are better off knowing before you try rather than learning as you go. Our grow store in Michigans knowledge is to be made available to you so dont hesitate to ask questions so we can help. Regardless of what you are growing, the methods are similar to say the least. So know that there are a few variations and things to watch for depending on the plant, but ultimately you should meet success without much trouble. Dont panic if things go wrong, just ask for help.
