How to Clone Cannabis Plant with Water
Cloning cannabis plants is a popular way to create a genetically identical copy of a specific strain. This process allows growers to reproduce their best plants and ensure that each new plant will maintain the same desirable traits as the original. While there are many methods to clone cannabis, cloning with water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve success. In this article, we outline the step-by-step process to clone cannabis plants with water.
What You Will Need
Before starting the cloning process, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need a healthy mother plant, clean work surface, sharp scissors, rooting hormone, glass jar, and fresh water. It is important to choose a mother plant that is in the vegetative stage and free of any pests or diseases. You may also want to consider using a cloning gel or powder to further enhance your chances of success.
Step 1: Prepare the Water
To begin the cloning process, fill a glass jar with fresh, room temperature water. Make sure the water is free of any chlorine, as this chemical can harm the delicate roots of cannabis cuttings. Allow the water to sit for several hours to allow any chlorine to evaporate.
Step 2: Identify the Cutting
Using sharp scissors, select a stem from the mother plant that is 6-8 inches long and has at least two nodes. Nodes are the areas on the stem where leaves, branches, and flowers grow. Make a clean cut below the bottom node, taking care not to damage the stem.
Step 3: Remove Extra Leaves
Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only two to four leaves at the top. This will help the cutting to focus its energy on root development rather than supporting excess foliage.
Step 4: Apply Rooting Hormone
Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone, making sure it is coated well. Rooting hormone is a powder or gel that contains hormones that stimulate root growth. Applying rooting hormone will help your cutting develop strong and healthy roots in the water.
Step 5: Place the Cutting in Water
Insert the cutting into the glass jar filled with water. Make sure the bottom nodes of the cutting are submerged in the water, while the leaves remain above the waterline. If necessary, use a small weight like a paper clip to keep the cutting from floating to the surface.
Step 6: Change the Water Every Few Days
Over the next week or two, keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment with indirect light. Change the water in the jar every two to three days to ensure that it remains fresh and free of any harmful bacteria. After about two weeks, your cutting should begin to develop roots.
Step 7: Transplant Your Clone
Once your cutting has developed roots that are at least 1-2 inches long, it is ready to be transplanted into soil or another grow medium. Gently remove the cutting from the water, being careful not to damage the delicate roots. Transplant the new clone into a container filled with pre-moistened soil, perlite, or coco coir, and give it plenty of light, water, and nutrients to continue growing.
Conclusion
Cloning cannabis plants with water is an easy and cost-effective way to reproduce your favorite strains. By following these simple steps and using high-quality materials, you can create a genetically identical copy of any cannabis plant. With practice, you can become an expert at cloning and use your skills to develop your own unique strains with desirable traits.