Cloning, What is that?
Cloning, What is that?
Cloning is an incredibly useful technique
Cloning plants refers to taking a cutting from a healthy mother plant and growing a genetically identical clone in a separate container. Cloning is an incredibly useful technique, as it allows gardeners to reproduce their favorite plants in high numbers, increase yields and prolong a plant's life. However, cloning takes patience and some amount of skill to achieve successful results. In this guide, we will discuss proper procedures for cloning plants, including environmental, cleanliness, benefits, and best practices.
Environmental Factors
Cloning plants require specific environmental factors that vary depending on the plant's species. These factors include lighting, humidity, and temperature. Generally, low humidity conditions are detrimental to the success of plant cloning. Optimal humidity range is around 75-85%. Light intensity does not need to be as high as that of your regular photoperiodic grow, but they still need sufficient illumination. Finally, temperature must remain consistent for effective cloning, around 70-80F.
Cleanliness
Keeping a clean environment is critical for plant cloning. Sanitation protocols should be established and followed to limit the risk of disease and pest infestation. The use of sterile tools, gloves, and wiping surfaces with alcohol-based cleaners are essential procedures to avoid contamination. Treat your clones like delicate newborns; they need protection from the perils of the outside world.
Benefits of Cloning
The cloning of plants has several benefits worth mentioning. First, a clone produces a plant that is genetically identical to its parent, which results in the same growth characteristics, flavor, and aroma. Second, cloning is a great way to produce multiple plants with the exact same genetic makeup, which can be beneficial for commercial production. Finally, cloning allows us to preserve optimal genetic traits for infinite generations.
Best Practices
The methods used during cloning determine the success-rate of the plant and should be implemented with care. One common technique used is the cutting of the mother plant at a 45-degree angle to prevent air bubbles from forming and to encourage water absorption. Clones should be kept in a separate area from flowering or vegetative plants to avoid cross-contamination. Through this technique, it's essential to trim the leaves to assist the cutting with photosynthesis and water uptake until roots sprout. A rooting hormone can be beneficial in encouraging root growth in the first few stages of a clone's growth. Once roots are present, carefully transplant into their new growing medium and water them in with a gentle nutrient feed. If growing in soil, this is a good time to use Real Growers Recharge. This process can be repeated indefinitely as long as the mother plant is healthy and continues to grow.
Final Thought
In conclusion, cloning plants is a valuable technique for any gardener. To achieve a successful clone, it is essential to maintain all environmental and cleanliness protocols necessary to produce a healthy and thriving clone. Successful cloning of plants is only achievable by taking the time to practice and perfect the necessary skills, techniques and strategies to create genetically identical plants. By implementing these procedures, you will be able to produce the same high-quality results as your favorite plant time and time again.