Monday, 16 May 2011

Cloning a Cannabis Plant, Part 2 - A Time to Cut

By Jared Perkins


Now that you have your clone dome constructed and the soil pre soaked it is time for the cut. Deciding where to take the clipping from is the next important decision. There are many theories and plenty of science to be learned here, however the reality of it is pretty simple. Let's make sure and prepare for the cut the proper way.

To prepare to cut the clone complete a few simple steps. First item on the list is a sharp and clean razor. To ensure that the razor is clean wipe it down with an alcohol prep pad. Now that the razor is prepped lets prepare for after the cut is taken. Have a clean glass of water and the cloning agent out and ready for the clone to be dipped in. The last thing is to dig a hole in the soil where the clone will be planted. Having everything prepared will decrease the amount of time that the clone is exposed and vunerable.

Rule of thumb is to cut clones from the healthiest part of the healthiest plant. The healthier the clipping the healthier the clone. The better genetics of the mother plant, the better the offspring likewise. All that being said, the reality of where you cut from can be very different. The very top of the main cola is not always the most convenient place to take a clone from. Depending on your plans for the mother plant and any number of other circumstances it may be better in the long run to take clones from a less critical spot on the plant. All things being equal the top is the best place to cut a clone from.

With the area of the plant for the clone to be taken from selected it is time to decide how tall the clone will be. anywhere from 3-5" will do just fine is the size clone dome you have constructed ( 5" may be a squeeze ). Make the cut with the razor in one diagonal down smooth motion. The stem on the clone should come to a fine tip on a 45 degree angle.

To properly prep a clone for planting you will need to temporarily stunt the vegetive growth by first cutting all growth off the stem below the top 2-3 fan leaves. The next step is to clip the tips off of the remaining fan leaves ( cut enough off where the clone can fit in it's dome, you will understand ). This will stop the plant from using precious energy on the vegetative growth of those leaves and allow it to focus on growing roots. Directly after cleaning off unnecessary foliage, dip the stem of the newly cut clone into the cup of water. Now dip the bottom of the stem into the cloning powder/ gel, making sure it is well coated. Guess what? Its ready to plant!

Since you have already prepared the hole in the soil for the clone you are ready to plant it. Carefully place the stem into the hole being mindful to to knock off any cloning agent. Once in the hole pack soil around the base of the clone until it cant stand on it's own. Now use the spray bottle to mist both the clone and the inside of the clone dome. To finish up simply place the misted dome securely over the cup holding the clone making an air tight seal. Part 3 - Caring for your Clone - Coming Soon.




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