Cloning FAQ
Q: What is cloning?
A: Cloning is basically a method of taking a cutting (a branch or growing portion of the plant, generally with some small leaves to aid growth) of one plant, placing it in a medium, and forcing it to take on roots of its own through the use of rooting hormones. This cutting then becomes a plant of its own but retains identical properties to the plant from which the clone was taken.
Q: Why Clone?
A: Cloning gives the grower the ultimate level of control over the growing process because, unlike seeds, the grower knows what the plant will grow to in the end. Cuttings retain the DNA of the parent plant, so by selecting plants that are most productive, disease resistant, and most healthy the grower can insure a uniform garden of only the best plants.
Growing from seeds is another matter altogether, for more than 30-60% of seeds grow up to represent the worst characteristicss of their species. Seeds also take more time to start and grow; with clones you start with a prebuilt plant and the only requirements after cutting is the application of rooting hormones and regular plant maintenance.
Q: What do I need to clone plants?
A: The first consideration when cloning a plant is the selection of a viable parent plant from which to take the clones. This plant should be at least 2 months old and exhibit the positive characteristics you desire in the finished plant. The next thing that is needed is a rooting hormone. Rooting hormones are available in liquid, powder, and gel forms. You see, when a plant is cut the wounding at the cut edges stimulates some cells to start dividing and continue to grow but in an unstructured manner, giving rise to globs of tissue called calluses (singular = callus). You can see callus formed naturally on the cut base of a carrot, cauliflower, or cabbage kept for a few weeks in the cupboard. The callus cells have lost many of the specialized features that their parent cells had in the plant. The addition of plant growth hormones to these callused areas causes many areas on the callus to begin the formation of tiny shoots. Gel-type rooting hormones are the preferred choice of growers as they remain on the cutting in an evenly distributed manner providing for better stem penetration and consistent results.
You will also need a piece of screen or shade cloth if necessary to protect your clones from intense light for their first few days. New Clones are exceedingly sensitive to light for their first few days (until they begin to form roots). They will also require foliar feeding via a water spray bottle. In their first few days it is critical that you spray the leaves of your clones with water about 4-5 times a day to supply the water that is unable to be supplied by the roots. Just spray with a fine layer of mist to keep the leaves from dehydrating. Use of a starter tray and a humidity dome can help you to keep your plants moist with less frequent spraying.
Also needed is an extremely sharp, sterile razor blade to cut your clipping and remove excess foliage, a glass of fresh, lukewarm water, a container(filled with the planting mix or grow medium of your choice in which to transfer your new clone). If your growing medium does not already have a hole, you will need to make one with a pencil, etc. to receive your clone. You are now prepared to take your first clone.
Q: How Do I Clone a Plant?
A: Cloning a plant is a very simple process! As stated above, you will need a sterile razor blade, cloning hormone, some lukewarm water, and your final, prepared growing medium. Rockwool cubes will need a hole, and should be pre-soaked.
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