Caring for & Transplanting Cannabis Clones
New cannabis gardeners may start with cannabis clones for several reasons and, whether it's a surprise gift or a planned investment, the clock is ticking and maintenance is required. But do not fret, with all the research available online, new gardeners are transplanting clones with greater success.
For an aspiring gardener, read this as a starting point to researching further techniques, and if not a gardener, read on to learn more about how the cannabis plants we love are cared for.
When receiving a two-week-old cannabis clone, there are a few key things gardeners should keep in mind to ensure that it thrives.
Quarantining your cannabis clones upon arrival is of utmost importance to safeguard the health of your garden. By isolating the newly acquired clones, you create a controlled environment where any potential pests or diseases can be identified and treated before they have a chance to spread. This crucial step helps prevent the introduction of harmful organisms that can wreak havoc on your entire cannabis crop. Quarantining allows you to closely monitor the clones for signs of infestation or infection, giving you an opportunity to intervene early and mitigate any risks. By implementing a strict quarantine protocol, you can maintain the overall health and productivity of your garden, ensuring that your cannabis plants thrive without the interference of pests or diseases.
Lighting: If you are growing your clone indoors, make sure it is receiving at least 18 hours of light per day. If you are growing it outdoors, make sure it is getting plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature and humidity: Cannabis clones are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Keep the temperature steady between 70-80°F and the humidity between 60-70% for optimal growth. Environments vary slightly depending on the climate you live in such as dry Arizona desert vs a more humid state.
Watering: Cannabis clones need to be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Water your clone when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Watering Tip: Hydrogen peroxide can be diluted into a water solution for cannabis clones for several reasons, including sterilization, oxygenation and pH balancing. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and can help to sterilize the water and growing medium, reducing the risk of contamination from harmful bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can harm the cannabis clones. Hydrogen peroxide can also release oxygen when it breaks down, which can help to oxygenate the water and promote healthy root growth. Healthy roots are essential for the growth and development of cannabis clones. Hydrogen peroxide can help to balance the pH of the water and growing medium, which is important for optimal nutrient uptake and healthy plant growth. If the pH of the water is too high or too low, it can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients.
Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide store bought to 2 parts water. Hydrogen peroxide should be diluted properly before use to avoid damaging the cannabis clones. A recommended dilution ratio is 1-2 ml hydrogen peroxide per 1 liter of water.
Nutrients: Cannabis clones need nutrients to grow, but be careful not to over-fertilize them. Start with a light nutrient solution and gradually increase the strength as the plant grows.
Transplanting: If you receive a two-week-old clone in a small container, it may need to be transplanted into a larger pot soon. Make sure the new pot has good drainage and use a high-quality soil or soilless mix.
Pest and disease prevention: Cannabis plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Inspect your clone regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action immediately if you notice anything amiss. Quarantining your cannabis clones upon arrival is of utmost importance to safeguard the health of your garden. By isolating the newly acquired clones, you create a controlled environment where any potential pests or diseases can be identified and treated before they have a chance to spread. This crucial step helps prevent the introduction of harmful organisms that can wreak havoc on your entire cannabis crop. Quarantining allows you to closely monitor the clones for signs of infestation or infection, giving you an opportunity to intervene early and mitigate any risks. By implementing a strict quarantine protocol, you can maintain the overall health and productivity of your garden, ensuring that your cannabis plants thrive without the interference of pests or diseases.
What are the best ways to cut off and trim nodes before transplanting a clone?
When transplanting a clone, it's important to make sure that it has healthy roots and that the stem is strong enough to support the plant. Here are some general tips for cutting and trimming nodes before transplanting a clone:
Cut off the bottom leaves: Before transplanting a clone, remove the bottom set of leaves. These leaves are often the oldest and least healthy, and removing them will encourage the plant to focus its energy on developing new roots.
Trim the nodes: Nodes are the points on the stem where the leaves emerge. If the clone has multiple nodes, trim the lower nodes to encourage the plant to grow taller and stronger. This will also prevent the plant from developing a bushy shape, which can be more difficult to manage.
Cut at a 45-degree angle: When making any cuts on the stem, always cut at a 45-degree angle. This will help to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Sterilize your tools: Before making any cuts or trims, make sure your tools are clean and sterilized. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and ensure that your plant remains healthy.
Apply rooting hormone: After making the necessary cuts and trims, apply rooting hormone to the cuttings. Rooting hormone contains plant hormones that can help the clone to develop healthy roots more quickly.
Remember, when transplanting a clone, it's important to handle it gently and avoid damaging the roots or stem. Make sure to give the clone plenty of water and nutrients as it adjusts to its new environment, and monitor it closely for signs of stress or disease. With proper care, your clone should develop into a healthy, thriving plant.
When cutting nodes at an angle, it is important to cut away from the stem. This is because cutting towards the stem can create a flat surface that may be more susceptible to infection and disease. Cutting away from the stem creates a clean, sloping surface that promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection.
In terms of the angle of the cut, it's best to make a 45-degree angle cut to encourage upward growth. This angle helps to direct the plant's growth hormones towards the uppermost buds and helps the plant to grow taller and stronger. Cutting at a shallower angle may cause the plant to develop a more horizontal growth pattern, while cutting at a steeper angle may weaken the stem and make it more prone to bending or breaking.
It's important to note that when cutting nodes or trimming plants, it's best to use clean, sharp tools and to make clean, precise cuts. This helps to minimize damage to the plant and reduce the risk of infection or disease. With proper care and attention, your plant should be able to grow upwards and thrive in its new environment.
How deep should clones be inserted into rockwool?
When inserting clones into rockwool, it's important to ensure that the clones are inserted deep enough to establish a strong root system, but not so deep that the stem is buried too deeply and can't get enough oxygen. Here are some general guidelines for how deep to insert clones into rockwool:
Make sure the rockwool is moist: Before inserting the clones, make sure the rockwool is thoroughly moistened. This will help to reduce stress on the plant and make it easier to insert the clone.
Insert the clone 1-2 inches deep: Depending on the size of the clone, insert it 1-2 inches deep into the rockwool. This will allow the roots to establish themselves in the moist rockwool, while still allowing the stem to get enough oxygen.
Be gentle: When inserting the clone into the rockwool, be gentle to avoid damaging the stem or roots. Use a twisting motion to create a small hole in the rockwool and insert the clone carefully.
Monitor the plant: After inserting the clone into the rockwool, monitor it closely for signs of stress or disease. Make sure the rockwool remains moist but not waterlogged, and provide the plant with proper light, temperature, and recommended nutrients to encourage healthy growth. (Zealous new gardeners may be prone to overfeeding rather than the reverse. Patience is the key.)
Remember, the depth at which you insert your clones into rockwool may vary depending on the size and age of the plant, as well as other environmental factors. If you're unsure about how deep to insert your clones, consult with a gardening expert or do some additional research to ensure that your plants have the best possible chance of success.
What are the differences between mediums like soil, rock wool and cocoa?
Soil, rockwool, and coco coir are all popular growing mediums and each has its benefits.
Soil: Soil is a natural growing medium made up of a combination of organic and inorganic materials, such as sand, clay, silt, and organic matter. Soil is nutrient-rich and can support a wide variety of plant growth, but it can be heavy and difficult to manage. Soil also has a tendency to compact over time, which can make it difficult for plants to establish healthy root systems.
Rockwool: Rockwool is a synthetic growing medium made from volcanic rock that has been melted and spun into fibers. Rockwool is sterile and pH-neutral, which can make it easier to control nutrient uptake and prevent disease. It also has good water retention properties and can be reused multiple times. However, rockwool can be difficult to dispose of and may cause respiratory issues if inhaled.
Coco coir: Coco coir is a growing medium made from the fibrous husks of coconuts. It's a renewable and sustainable option that's often used as a substitute for peat moss. Coco coir is lightweight and easy to manage, and it has good water retention properties. It's also pH-neutral and nutrient-rich, which can make it a good choice for growing a wide range of plants. However, coco coir can be expensive and may require additional nutrients to support plant growth.
Ultimately, the choice between soil, rockwool, and coco coir will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of plants you're growing, your budget, and your personal preferences. Each of these options has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and it's worth experimenting with different growing mediums to find the one that works best for your needs.
What is living soil?
Living soil is a term used to describe soil that is teeming with life, from microorganisms to insects and other small creatures. Living soil is a key component of organic gardening and sustainable agriculture, as it helps to promote healthy plant growth while also improving soil quality and fertility over time.
In a living soil system, the focus is on building a healthy soil food web that includes a diverse range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, as well as larger organisms like earthworms and insects. These microorganisms help to break down organic matter in the soil, releasing nutrients that plants can use for growth. They also help to improve soil structure, making it easier for plant roots to grow and access water and nutrients.
To create a living soil system, organic matter is typically added to the soil in the form of compost, mulch, or other natural materials. This helps to support the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which in turn help to break down the organic matter and release nutrients for plants. In addition, living soil systems often include cover crops, crop rotations, and other practices that help to maintain soil health and fertility over time.
Living soil is an important part of sustainable agriculture and can help to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while also improving the health and productivity of the soil. By promoting a healthy soil food web, gardeners and farmers can create a more resilient and sustainable growing system that benefits both plants and the environment.
Where can I find living soil locally?
There are a number of places where you may be able to find living soil, depending on your location and specific needs.
Many nurseries and garden centers in Arizona carry a variety of soils and soil amendments, including living soil. Check with your local nursery or garden center to see if they carry living soil or if they can recommend a supplier.
Look for retailers that are based in Arizona or that offer shipping to your area. Composting facilities may offer compost or compost-based products, including living soil, for sale to the public. Check with your local composting facility to see if they offer living soil or other organic soil amendments. Some local farms and farmers' markets may offer living soil or other organic soil amendments for sale to the public. Check with your local farmers' market or farm stand to see if they carry these products.
Soil testing labs may be able to provide recommendations for soil amendments, including living soil, based on the specific needs of your soil. Check with a local soil testing lab to see if they offer this service.
Whether starting from seed or clones, each cannabis garden has its own set of unique challenges. Enjoy the pursuit of growing fine cannabis and don't hesitate to ask for help along the way. An investment in a cannabis garden wastes time being a DIY'er. There's plenty of green thumbs online and in local stores (like Sea of Green in Tempe, Arizona) who happily share advice. Do not hesitate to ask every chance you get for wisdom.
Thank you to Sea Of Green AZ, Grow Sciences, BioTabs and Eden Water Technologies, for providing great resources for aspiring cannabis gardeners.