How to Make Marijuana Cuttings Step by Step

Complete Guide to Making Marijuana Cuttings

Propagating marijuana plants through cuttings is not only an ancient technique, but also one of the most effective for ensuring consistency and quality in your crops. At GrowIndustry , your leading GrowShop in Spain, we understand the importance of maintaining excellence in each harvest, and that is why we have created this comprehensive guide to help you master the art of making marijuana cuttings. This way you can clone your weed plants to maintain the highest possible quality.

What are marijuana cuttings?

Cuttings, also known as clones, are exact replicas of the mother plant, meaning they inherit all of its characteristics, including its sex, genetics, and yield potential. This technique is especially valuable for growers who have found that perfect plant and wish to replicate it to ensure consistent results.

In addition to ensuring genetic consistency, cuttings also offer other significant benefits. By using cuttings, you can save valuable time as you do not need to go through the seed germination process. You also ensure that all your plants are female, thus avoiding the risk of pollination by male plants and maximising your production of high-quality flowers.

In this article, you'll not only learn the basic steps for successfully taking and rooting cuttings, but we'll also dive into how to select the right mother plant, prepare your materials, and create optimal rooting conditions. Additionally, we'll explore different growing mediums, such as jiffy , rockwool , and hydroponic , so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Whether you're a novice grower looking to learn the basics or a cannabis growing veteran looking to hone your technique, this guide is designed to provide you with all the information and tools you need to succeed at cloning marijuana. So join us on this learning journey and discover how to take your grow to the next level.

How to select the ideal mother plant for cuttings?

Preparation is key when it comes to successfully cloning marijuana plants . Before we dive into the process, it’s crucial to make sure you have everything you need on hand and that you’ve selected the right mother plant.

Selecting the Mother Plant

Choosing a robust and healthy mother plant is the first and most crucial step in the cloning process. Here at GrowIndustry.es, we know that the quality of your cuttings is directly related to the health of the mother plant. That's why it's essential to choose a plant that has proven its strength, resistance to diseases and has produced high-quality flowers.

• Age : Make sure the mother plant is at least two months old. This ensures that the plant is mature enough and has developed a strong root system.
  
  
• Health : The mother plant must be in perfect health. Look for plants with vibrant green, no signs of disease or nutritional deficiencies.
  
  
• Genetics : If you're looking to replicate specific traits, make sure you know the genetics of the parent plant. This is crucial to maintaining consistency in your grows.

Materials Needed for Making Cuttings

Before you begin the cloning process, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. This will not only make the process easier, but it will also increase your chances of success.

• Sharp, Sterilized Scissors or Blades : It is crucial to use sharp, clean tools to make the cut. This minimizes damage to the mother plant and the cutting, and prevents the introduction of pathogens. If you don't like scissors for fear of crushing the stem, you can always use a scalpel .
  
  
• Fresh Water : You will need fresh water to rinse the cutting immediately after cutting it. This helps prevent air from entering the stem, which could be fatal to the cutting.
  
  
• Rooting Hormone : Although optional, using a rooting hormone can significantly increase your chances of success. As we all know, Clonex Gel works the best. This product stimulates root growth and helps cuttings establish themselves more quickly.
  
  
• Growing Medium : Depending on your preferences and experience, you can choose from several growing mediums, including jiffy, rockwool, or hydroponic. Nowadays, we also have ready-made options like Plugin Pro Trays. Each has its own advantages, and later in this article we will explore each option in detail.
• Cloning Area : Prepare an area with soft light, you can choose LED bars or CFL bulbs and a controlled temperature to place your cuttings once they are ready, for this you can opt for a thermo-hygrometer . This area should be clean and free of air currents.
  

With these preparations in place, you'll be ready to begin the exciting process of cloning, ensuring healthy, robust cuttings that are destined for success. In the next section, we'll dive into the process step-by-step, providing you with all the information you need to clone your marijuana plants like a true pro.

Processes for making a marijuana cutting

Cloning Process

Once you've prepared everything and selected the right mother plant, it's time to dive into the cloning process. At GrowIndustry.com, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to succeed, so we've broken down the process into detailed steps. The entire process, from cutting the plant to the roots coming out, takes about 15 days or so.

Cutting the cutting

• Stem Selection : Choose a healthy, sturdy stem from the mother plant. Look for a stem that has at least two nodes (the points on the stem where leaves grow).
  
  
• Cutting Tool : Use your sharp, sterilized scissors or blades to make a clean, 45° angled cut just below a node. The angled cut increases the surface area for root growth.
  
  
• Water Soaking : Immediately after taking the cutting, soak it in fresh water. This prevents embolism, which occurs when air bubbles enter the stem and block water absorption.

Preparing the Cutting

• Leaf Removal : Remove the largest leaves and any flowers or buds from the bottom of the cutting. This helps reduce transpiration and allows the plant to concentrate on root development.
  
  
• Applying Rooting Hormone : If you decide to use rooting hormone, now is the time to apply it to the cut end of the cutting. Follow the product instructions for best results.

Planting the Cutting

• Growing Medium : Place the cutting in your chosen growing medium, whether it's jiffy, rockwool, or hydroponic. Make sure the node where the leaves were removed is completely buried in the medium.
  
  
• Growing Conditions : Place the cutting in your prepared cloning area, we recommend using a plastic propagator for best results. Make sure the propagator has closed tabs and has enough light, 20w should be enough, humidity should be above 90% and lastly keep a constant temperature of 22-25°C.
  
  
• Watering : This varies depending on the medium you use. If you use Jiffy you must have previously submerged it and drained it before putting the cutting in it. If, on the other hand, you use a medium prepared with Plugin Pro you don't have to do anything, just stick it in.

Monitoring and Adjustments

• Careful Observation : Monitor cuttings daily for signs of stress, disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
  
  
• Necessary Adjustments : Make adjustments to humidity, light, and temperature conditions as needed. If you notice the leaves on your cuttings starting to yellow or fall off, this could be a sign that you need to adjust the conditions.

Post-Cloning Care

• Humidity : Maintain high humidity around 90% for the first few days. You can achieve this by covering the cuttings with a plastic propagator as we said before or any container that will maintain humidity.
• Watering : Water the cuttings regularly, but avoid flooding the growing medium. The key is to keep the medium moist, but not wet.
  
  
• Checking for Roots : After a week, start checking for signs of roots. Depending on the conditions and growing medium, this could take anywhere from one to three weeks.

Transplant your cutting

• Sufficient Roots : Once the cuttings have developed a robust root system, they are ready to be transplanted into their final growing medium.
  
  
• Type of pot : It would be ideal to transplant the cutting into a pot of at least 0.5L to increase the root ball for at least 10 days before the final transplant.
  
  
• Adaptation : Allow the cuttings to gradually adapt to the conditions of their new environment before introducing them to the full light and nutrient regime. To do this, gradually remove the humidity until they are maintained at 70% and a constant temperature of 22-25°C. Visit our Measuring Instruments section to find the equipment you need.

Strengthening Cuttings

• Growth Stimulation: Once the cuttings have developed roots and appear to be established, you can begin to gradually introduce more intense light and nutrients to stimulate growth. A Canna Rhizotonic type rooting agent would suffice.
  
  
• Adaptation to the Final Growing Medium : Before transplanting the cuttings to their final growing medium, give them time to adapt to the new conditions by gradually increasing the light intensity, progressively lowering the humidity to 50% or 60% and increasing the amount of nutrients by adding a growth fertilizer .

Disease and Pest Prevention

• Preventative Control: Implement preventative measures to protect your cuttings from diseases and pests. This could include using organic products like Neudorf's Spruzit for pest control and making sure your growing area is clean and free of debris.
  
  
• Regular Inspection : Regularly inspect your cuttings for signs of pests or disease, and act quickly if you detect any problems.

Specific Culture Media

Choosing the right growing medium is a crucial step in the cloning process, and at GrowIndustry.es we want to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision. Below, we will explore a variety of growing media, highlighting their features, uses, advantages, and considerations.

How to take cannabis cuttings in soil?

To take cuttings in soil, select small pots and fill them with a light substrate that offers good aeration and water retention. Take the cutting as above, applying the rooting agent to the base of the stem. Then, gently insert the cutting into the soil, pressing all around to ensure it is firmly attached.

It is important to keep the substrate moist but not soaked. Place the cuttings in an environment with soft light and high humidity. Cuttings in soil usually take a little longer to develop roots, but this method is very effective for those who prefer a more natural process.

Plugin Tray

• Description: Tray with inert peat compounds, designed to germinate seeds or root cuttings.
  
  
• Usage : Simply moisten the alveoli, place the seeds or cuttings, and wait for them to root. It is not necessary to add fertilizers to the substrate during the rooting process, just apply foliar fertilizers to the cuttings if necessary.
  
  
• Advantages :
  
  
  • You don't need to purchase additional media like Jiffy or rock wool.
  • Space saving, as you can fit a significant amount of cuttings or seeds in a single tray.
  • Easy to use and transplant, as plants can be easily removed once ready.
  • Ideal for use with propagators.
    
    
• Considerations :
  
  
  • Be sure to maintain adequate humidity to prevent the alveoli from drying out.
  • Ideal for growers looking for a practical and efficient solution.

Jiffy

• Description : Small compact discs made of peat or coconut, designed to facilitate the process of rooting cuttings or germinating seeds.
  
  
• Usage : Simply soak the discs in water until they expand, make a small hole in the centre and place the cutting or seed. No need to add any fertiliser during the early stages of rooting as the Jiffy provides a moist and nutritious environment.
  
  
• Advantages :
  
  
  • Ease of Use : Jiffys are extremely easy to use, even for beginner growers.
  • Economical : They represent a very affordable option compared to other culture media.
  • Good Moisture Retention : They help maintain the humidity necessary for good root development.
  • Biodegradable : Being made from natural materials, they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
    
    
• Considerations :
  
  
  • Humidity Control: It is crucial to ensure that the Jiffy does not dry out as this could negatively affect root development.
  • Timely Transplant: Make sure to transplant the cutting or seed in time to prevent the roots from becoming tangled in the disc, which could make transplanting difficult.

How to prepare marijuana cuttings with rock wool?

First, cut a piece of rockwool of a suitable size and soak it in water with a pH adjusted to between 5.5 and 6.0. Next, take a cutting from the mother plant, about 10 cm long, cutting it just below a node at a 45-degree angle. Next, dip the base of the cutting in a rooting gel or powder and place it inside the rockwool, making sure it is firmly in place.

Rockwool has excellent water retention and provides a good amount of oxygen to the forming roots. Place the cutting in a propagator and maintain high humidity for the first few weeks, making sure to mist the leaves with water to prevent them from drying out. Roots will begin to appear after about 7-14 days.

• Advantages :
  
  
  • Excellent Aeration : The fibers create spaces that allow optimal air circulation, essential to prevent root rot.
    
    
  • Water Retention : While it provides good aeration, it also retains the right amount of water, keeping the cuttings hydrated.
    
    
  • Condition Control : Being an inert medium, it allows total control over growing conditions, including pH and nutrient levels.
    
    
  • Versatility : Available in various shapes and sizes, it adapts to different growing methods and plant sizes.
    
    
• Considerations :
  
  
  • Nutrient Requirements : As it contains no nutrients, it requires regular feeding with a balanced nutrient solution.
    
    
  • pH Management : It is crucial to maintain strict pH control as fluctuations can negatively affect root development.
    
    
  • Responsible Disposal : Although an effective medium, rock wool is not biodegradable, so it is important to consider recycling or responsible disposal options.

Peat Foam (Agricultural Foam)

• Description : A lightweight, spongy material composed primarily of peat and other organic compounds, designed to provide an optimal environment for rooting cuttings and germinating seeds.
  
  
• Usage : Simply moisten the foam, place the cuttings or seeds in the designated spaces and keep them moist during the rooting or germination process. There is no need to add fertilizers at the beginning, as the foam provides the necessary nutrients for the early stages of development.
  
  
• Advantages :
  
  
  • 100% Natural : Being made of organic materials, it is an ecological and sustainable option.
  • Excellent Moisture Retention : Maintains the moisture necessary for good root development, while allowing good aeration.
  • Easy to Use : Its spongy structure makes it easy to insert cuttings and seeds, and its lightness makes it easy to handle.
  • Promotes Healthy Growth: By providing the right conditions, it helps develop a strong and healthy root system.
    
    
• Considerations :
  
  
  • Humidity Control : It is important to maintain proper moisture balance to prevent problems such as root rot.
  • Timely Transplanting : Make sure to transplant cuttings or seedlings on time to avoid root entanglement in the foam.

How to create cannabis cuttings using water?

Cloning in water is perhaps the simplest method for beginners. Place freshly cut cuttings in a glass or container with water, making sure at least 3cm of the stem is submerged. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria build-up and ensure a fresh environment for rooting.

This method allows you to observe root development in real time, which is useful for monitoring progress. However, rooting in water can take a little longer compared to other substrates, so you will need patience.

Neoprene Discs for Hydroponic Media

• Description : Neoprene discs are flexible, water-resistant rings commonly used in hydroponic systems to hold cuttings or young plants in place while allowing the roots to grow freely into the nutrient solution. They are designed to provide a stable and secure support, ensuring that the cuttings remain in the correct position for optimal root development.

• Usage : Place the cutting into the centre hole of the neoprene disc, making sure it is secured firmly but not too tightly. The stem should be in contact with or very close to the nutrient solution, allowing the roots to grow towards the water. Keep the discs and cuttings moist and in optimal light and temperature conditions to encourage root growth. It is not necessary to add fertilisers in the early stages, as the cuttings will obtain their nutrients from the hydroponic solution.

• Advantages :
  
  
• • Stable Support: Neoprene discs provide a firm and secure support for the cuttings, keeping them in the correct position for root growth.
  • Constant Hydration : By being in constant contact with the nutrient solution, the cuttings receive continuous hydration, which is crucial for root development.
  • Easy to Use : The neoprene discs are easy to handle and place, making the cloning process easier and more accessible.
  • Ideal for Hydroponics : They are specifically designed to be used in hydroponic systems, providing optimal conditions for this type of cultivation.

• Considerations :
  
  
  • Humidity Control : Make sure the neoprene discs are always moist but not saturated to prevent root rot.
  • Monitoring pH and Nutrients : It is crucial to monitor the pH levels and nutrients in your hydroponic solution to ensure your cuttings are receiving everything they need to grow strong and healthy.
  • Timely Transplant : Once the cuttings have developed strong, healthy roots, transplant them into their final growing medium or the hydroponic system of your choice.

How to keep cannabis cuttings in good condition?

Keeping cuttings healthy is critical to ensuring their success. One of the key factors is to maintain a high relative humidity in the cuttings' environment, ideally between 70-90% . To achieve this, you can use a propagator or mist the cuttings with water regularly. Humidity helps prevent the cuttings from drying out before they develop roots.

Another crucial aspect is temperature. Cuttings prefer temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius . If the temperature is too low, the rooting process can slow down, while temperatures that are too high can cause stress and affect root formation. Also make sure that the cuttings receive soft light for the first few weeks, avoiding direct exposure to strong sunlight.

Making marijuana cuttings is an essential technique to maintain the genetic characteristics of your best plants. By following these steps, you will be able to create healthy clones and increase your harvest without having to germinate new seeds.

At Grow Industry , we have all the products and tools you need to ensure success in your cloning process. Visit our online store or visit our physical stores to obtain more information and purchase the best products for growing cannabis.