Cannabis Propagation Guide

Cannabis propagation is the process of starting new cannabis plants from seeds or cuttings (clones). It’s the very first stage of your grow — and it sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Propagation includes:

• Germinating seeds or rooting clones
• Providing ideal conditions for early growth:
  
  • Warmth (70–78°F)
  • High humidity (65–80%)
  • Gentle light (T5s or low-output LEDs)
• Using tools like:
  
  • Propagation domes
  • Heat mats
  • Rooting plugs or trays
  • Seedling-friendly nutrients (or none at all)

Whether you’re growing from feminized seeds, regular genetics, or clones, propagation is all about helping young roots and shoots develop safely.

Propagation is critical because:

• It determines how healthy your plants will be in veg and flower
• Weak starts = stunted growth, nutrient issues, low yields
• Strong starts = fast growth, stronger roots, better resistance to stress
• Cloning allows you to preserve genetics and get consistent results

A successful propagation stage gives your plants the momentum they need to thrive, not just survive.

• Use a sterile setup to avoid mold or damping-off
• Keep humidity high but ventilate daily
• Don’t overwater — damp, not soaked
• Use gentle lighting for 18–24 hours daily
• Transplant once you see strong roots peeking out

Cannabis propagation is how every grow begins — and it matters more than most growers realize. A solid start sets you up for fewer problems, faster growth, and bigger harvests down the line.

Cannabis can be propagated using two primary methods: growing from seeds or cloning from a mother plant. Each method has its own advantages depending on your goals, experience level, and grow setup.

This method involves germinating cannabis seeds to grow a new plant from scratch. Seeds can be:

• Feminized – bred to produce only female plants
• Autoflowering – automatically switch to flower based on age, not light cycle
• Regular – natural seeds that can be male or female

Pros:

• Fresh genetics and strong taproots
• No need for a mother plant
• Great for outdoor and indoor grows

Cons:

• Some variability between plants
• Longer time to reach maturity
• May require sexing if using regular seeds

Cloning involves cutting a branch from a healthy female plant and rooting it to grow a genetic copy.

Pros:

• Plants are genetically identical to the mother
• Faster than growing from seed
• Guarantees female plants (if mother was female)

Cons:

• Requires a healthy mother plant
• More sensitive to stress during the rooting phase
• Less genetic diversity

Choosing between seeds and clones depends on your experience level, grow setup, and what you want from your plants. Both methods can produce high-quality cannabis with the right care.

Seeds are ideal if:

• You're a beginner and don’t have access to clones
• You want to grow outdoors or start fresh genetics
• You’re looking for strong root development

Pros:

• Easy to find and store
• Strong taproots
• More variety in phenotypes

Cons:

• Takes longer to grow
• Some variability between plants
• Must sex plants if using regular seeds

Clones are ideal if:

• You want faster results and consistent plants
• You have access to a healthy mother plant
• You’re growing indoors and want to maximize efficiency

Pros:

• Guaranteed female (if the mother was female)
• Identical traits every time
• Faster start than seeds

Cons:

• Can carry pests or disease from the mother plant
• No taproot
• Less genetic diversity

If you’re just starting out, seeds are usually the easiest and most accessible choice. Clones are great once you have more experience or want to preserve specific genetics.

Cannabis seeds come in three main types: autoflower, feminized, and regular. Understanding the differences helps you choose the best seeds for your grow style and experience level.

Autoflowers begin flowering automatically based on age—not light cycle.

Pros:

• Fast grow cycle (8–12 weeks from seed)
• No need to change light schedule
• Great for small or stealthy grows

Cons:

• Smaller yields than photoperiod plants
• Less control over growth stages

Best for: Beginners, fast harvests, limited space

Feminized seeds are bred to produce only female plants (no males).

Pros:

• No need to remove male plants
• Higher chance of consistent, usable yields
• Ideal for photoperiod grows

Cons:

• Not suitable for breeding (no males)
• Can still herm if stressed

Best for: Growers who want reliable, flower-producing plants

Regular seeds are unmodified and can grow into male or female plants.

Pros:

• Natural genetics with full breeding potential
• Often more stable for long-term selection

Cons:

• Must identify and remove males
• More variability between plants

Best for: Breeders, pheno-hunters, advanced growers

Understanding the growth stages of a cannabis plant helps you give it the right care at the right time. Each stage has different needs for light, nutrients, and environment.

This is when the seed cracks open and the taproot emerges. A small sprout pushes up toward the light.

• Light: None needed until sprout appears
• Temp: 70–78°F
• RH: 70–90%
• Key task: Keep seeds moist and warm

The sprout grows its first true leaves and develops a small root system.

• Light: 18–24 hours/day, low intensity
• Temp: 70–80°F
• RH: 60–70%
• Key task: Avoid overwatering — roots are delicate

The plant focuses on growing leaves, branches, and roots. No flowers yet.

• Light: 18+ hours/day
• Nutrients: Higher nitrogen (N)
• Temp: 70–85°F
• Key task: Train, top, and prepare for flowering

The plant starts producing buds. This happens naturally outdoors or when you switch to 12/12 light indoors.

• Light: 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness
• Nutrients: Higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
• Temp: 65–80°F
• Key task: Keep humidity lower to prevent bud rot

Some growers consider this a separate stage. The plant stretches and shows signs of sex.

After flowering, plants are harvested, dried, and cured. While technically post-growth, these steps are crucial for quality.

The main stages of cannabis growth are:

1. Germination
2. Seedling
3. Vegetative
4. Flowering

Knowing where your plant is in its life cycle helps you give the right care at every step.

When starting clones or seedlings, choosing the right rooting medium can make a big difference. The most common options are soil, coco coir, and rockwool — and each has its pros and cons depending on your setup and experience.

Soil is the most natural and forgiving medium.

Pros:

• Easy to use and beginner-friendly
• Buffers nutrients and pH well
• Widely available

Cons:

• Slower rooting compared to sterile mediums
• Can harbor pests if not sterile
• Harder to control moisture precisely

Best for: Beginners, outdoor growers, small-scale setups

Coco is made from coconut husks and behaves like a hydroponic medium.

Pros:

• Fast root development
• Excellent oxygen retention
• Reusable and eco-friendly

Cons:

• Needs to be buffered (pre-treated)
• Requires more frequent watering
• Doesn’t hold nutrients — must feed regularly

Best for: Intermediate growers, fast rooting, indoor environments

Rockwool is a sterile, fibrous material made from spun rock.

Pros:

• Extremely clean and consistent
• Holds water well while allowing airflow
• Great for cloning and hydroponic setups

Cons:

• Must be soaked and pH-balanced before use
• Not biodegradable
• Can irritate skin and lungs

Best for: Cloning, hydroponic growers, high control environments

• Soil is simple and great for beginners
• Coco offers fast rooting and control
• Rockwool is ideal for cloning in sterile, hydro-style setups

Choose the medium that fits your grow style and comfort level.

Choosing your medium?

Try coco coir for fast roots, rockwool for cloning, or a quality potting mix for soil starts. Don’t forget rooting gel.

• Coco Coir & Soilless Mixes
• Rockwool Cubes
• Garden Soil & Potting Mixes
• Rooting Hormones

Need help dialing in your environment for rooting?
Use these free tools from GrōHaus to plan humidity, airflow, and timing:
→ Propagation Tools by GrōHaus

Germination is the first step in growing cannabis — when the seed cracks open and a taproot appears. With a little care and patience, you can get strong starts in just a few days.

What you need:

• Cannabis seeds
• Paper towels
• Two plates or a plastic container
• Clean water

Steps:

1. Dampen a paper towel with water (not soaking wet).
2. Place seeds on the towel, spaced out.
3. Cover with another damp towel.
4. Seal inside plates or a container to keep moisture in.
5. Store in a dark, warm place (70–80°F).
6. Check daily for signs of sprouting (usually 1–5 days).

✔ When you see a white taproot about ½ inch long, it’s ready to plant.

• Direct to Soil: Simple, just plant the seed ¼–½ inch deep and keep it moist.
• Starter Cubes / Plugs: Great for beginners, just insert seed and keep warm.

• Use clean water (distilled or filtered if possible)
• Keep it warm and dark — seeds don’t need light yet
• Don’t touch the taproot — it’s fragile
• Be patient — some seeds take longer than others

Need gear for germination?

Grab a seed starting kit, a gentle seedling light, and other propagation supplies to get started right.

• Seed Starting Supplies & Kits
• Clone & Seedling Lights
• Germination & Propagation Supplies
• Rooting Hormones (optional for stubborn seeds)

Want extra help with humidity or timing?
Use these free tools from GrōHaus to plan humidity, airflow, and timing:
→ Propagation Tools by GrōHaus

Germinating cannabis seeds usually takes 1 to 5 days, but some seeds can take up to 10 days depending on the method, seed age, and environment.

• Old seeds: May take longer or struggle to germinate
• Low temperature: Below 70°F slows down the process
• Dry paper towel or soil: Lack of moisture delays cracking
• Light exposure: Seeds germinate best in the dark
• Damaged or immature seeds: May never sprout

• Cloning Environment Planner – Use it to set ideal temp/RH for germination
• Rooting Timeline Guide – Helps track progress from seed to transplant
• Dome Venting Tool (optional if dome is used for sprouting)

• Seed Starting Kits – Includes trays, domes, and plugs
• Clone & Seedling Lights – Low-heat lighting to support sprouts
• Rooting Hormones – Optional, but helps older seeds
• Rockwool Cubes – Easy medium for sprouting seeds
• Germination & Propagation Supplies

• Keep seeds at 70–80°F in a moist, dark environment
• Don’t touch the taproot — it’s delicate
• Be patient — some genetics take longer than others

Cannabis seeds germinate best when the environment mimics spring: warm, moist, and dark. These conditions signal to the seed that it’s safe to start growing.

• Ideal: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
• Too cold = slow or failed germination
• Too hot = risk of rot or mold

Use a seedling heat mat or place seeds in a warm room to maintain consistent warmth.

• Ideal: 80–100% relative humidity
• Use a humidity dome or seal the container
• Mist inside the dome if it begins drying out

High humidity keeps the seed coat soft and prevents the taproot from drying out.

• Ideal: Total darkness during germination
• Light is not required until the seedling breaks the surface
• Avoid exposing sprouting seeds to direct light

Once the seedling shows its first leaves, place under a gentle seedling light.

•  Cloning Environment Planner – Set ideal temp and RH for germination
•  Rooting Timeline Guide – Track when to expect activity
•  Dome Venting Schedule Tool – Helps manage humidity after sprout

• Seed Starting Kits – Trays, domes, and inserts
• Clone & Seedling Lights – Low-wattage lighting for sprouts
• Germination & Propagation Supplies – Includes mats, plugs, and domes
• Propagation Tents – Keep conditions stable
• Rooting Hormones – Optional for stubborn seeds

• Use a digital thermometer/hygrometer inside your dome
• Don’t let paper towels or plugs dry out
• Avoid direct airflow from fans — still air is better for germination

Once a cannabis seed has germinated, you’ll see a small white root — called a taproot — emerging from the seed shell. This is the first sign of life and means the seed is ready to be planted.

• Taproot visible: A white root pokes out from the seed
• Length: Typically ¼ to 1 inch long
• Color: Bright white, sometimes slightly off-white
• Firmness: Not mushy or dried out
• Shell: May still be partially attached — that’s normal

When you see this, the seed is ready to be placed root-down into your growing medium.

• Brown, black, or slimy root: Usually a sign of rot
• No root after 5–10 days: Likely a failed germination
• Cracked seed with no growth: Taproot may have dried out
• Green mold or fuzz: Environment is too wet — discard

If the root has emerged but the seed is stuck to it and not opening further, you can gently remove the shell with clean tweezers — but only if necessary.

Once the taproot is visible and healthy:

1. Plant it taproot-down into your medium (¼–½ inch deep)
2. Keep conditions warm and humid
3. Wait for the seedling to break the surface in 1–3 days

• Rooting Timeline Guide – Know what to expect each day
• Cloning Environment Planner – Set correct temp/RH for early growth

• Seed Starting Kits
• Germination & Propagation Supplies
• Rockwool Cubes or Starter Plugs

You don’t need much to germinate cannabis seeds — just the right environmental conditions and a few basic tools to keep things clean, warm, and humid.

Here’s what you need to get started:

1. Seeds
High-quality cannabis seeds from a trusted source.

2. Starter Medium
Choose one:

• Paper towels
• Rockwool cubes
• Starter plugs
• Light potting mix

→ Shop Germination & Propagation Supplies

3. Water
Use clean, room-temperature distilled or filtered water.

4. Container or Tray
A plastic tray, shallow container, or sealed bag to hold the medium and maintain humidity.

5. Humidity Dome or Cover
Helps trap moisture and warmth. Can be a plastic dome, zip-top bag, or plastic wrap.

→ Shop Seed Starting Kits

6. Warmth Source
Ideal temperature is 70–80°F. Use a heat mat or place the tray somewhere warm.

Shop Heat Mats

7. Thermometer/Hygrometer
To monitor temperature and humidity inside the germination space.

Cloning Environment Planner
Helps you set and maintain ideal germination conditions.
→ Use the Tool

Rooting Timeline Guide
Outlines what to expect during each germination day.
→ Track Progress

Low-Wattage Grow Light (for post-germination)
Start gentle lighting once the seedling emerges.

→ Shop Clone & Seedling Lights

☑ Cannabis seeds
☑ Germination medium (paper towel, plug, or rockwool)
☑ Water
☑ Tray or container
☑ Humidity dome or cover
☑ Heat source
☑ Thermometer/hygrometer
☑ (Optional) Light for seedlings
☑ (Optional) Environment planner or rooting guide

Germinating cannabis seeds is simple, but small mistakes can prevent sprouts from ever forming. Avoid these common errors to give each seed the best possible start.

Too much water prevents oxygen from reaching the seed, which can cause rot or suffocation. The growing medium should be moist, not soaked. If using paper towels, they should be damp but not dripping.

Seeds need consistent moisture to activate enzymes that trigger germination. If the medium dries out even once, germination may fail. Check daily and re-moisten as needed.

Temperatures below 70°F can slow or stop germination. Keep your setup in a warm environment or use a heat mat to maintain 70–80°F.

Seeds do not need light until they sprout. Direct light during germination can dry out the medium and stress the seed. Keep them in a dark, enclosed space until the taproot appears.

Once a seed cracks, it’s fragile. Touching or moving it too soon can damage the taproot. Wait until the root is ¼ to 1 inch long before transferring to your grow medium.

After germination, plant the seed just ¼ to ½ inch deep. Too deep, and the seedling may never reach the surface.

Use a thermometer and hygrometer to ensure conditions stay within range. Ideal germination conditions are 70–80°F with 80–100% humidity.

Some seeds sprout in 1–3 days, but others take up to 10. If conditions are correct, be patient. Don’t discard seeds too soon.

Cannabis cloning is the process of taking a cutting from a healthy mother plant and encouraging it to grow roots, creating a new plant that’s genetically identical to the original.

This process is also called vegetative propagation and is widely used by growers who want to:

• Preserve desirable traits like potency, yield, or aroma
• Maintain genetic consistency across multiple harvests
• Speed up the growing process by skipping seed germination

1. Take a Cutting
Use a clean, sharp blade to remove a branch tip (usually 3–6 inches long) from a healthy mother plant during its vegetative stage.

2. Prepare the Cutting
Remove lower leaves, dip the stem in rooting hormone, and place it into a grow medium like rockwool, peat plugs, or aeroponic collars.

3. Create a Rooting Environment

Place the cutting in a high-humidity, low-light environment with temps around 70–80°F and humidity above 80%. A dome, heat mat, and low-intensity light are ideal.

4. Wait for Root Development

Roots typically begin forming in 5–14 days. Once roots are visible and well developed, the clone can be transplanted into its growing container or hydro system.

• Faster start – No germination phase
• Identical genetics – Every plant has the same traits
• Cost-effective – One seed can become dozens of plants
• Predictability – Same growth pattern, yield, and maturity time

Cloning cannabis offers several advantages over starting from seed — especially for growers who want consistency, speed, and control over genetics.

Here’s how cloning compares to growing from seed:

Clones are exact genetic copies of the mother plant. That means every clone will have the same traits — growth pattern, potency, aroma, and yield. Seeds have genetic variation. Even seeds from the same pack can produce plants with different characteristics.

Clones skip the germination and early seedling stage. Once rooted, they grow faster and reach maturity sooner than plants started from seed.

Seeds take more time from start to finish. Germination adds several days, and early growth is slower and more delicate.

Clones are always female if taken from a female plant. There's no guesswork.

Seeds can be male or female unless they're feminized. Regular seeds must be sexed and males removed.

Clones produce uniform plants with repeatable results — ideal for indoor growers, SOG setups, or commercial operations.

Seeds can produce variations in size, shape, and cannabinoid content, even within the same strain.

One healthy mother plant can produce dozens of clones, reducing the need to purchase new seeds for every grow cycle.

Seed packs must be repurchased regularly, especially when hunting for specific phenotypes.

Seeds are ideal for breeders, outdoor growers, or anyone looking to explore new genetics. They offer diversity and fresh starts — but at the cost of time, variability, and unpredictability.

Rooting cannabis clones is all about creating a stable environment where your cuttings can survive and grow roots. With the right conditions, most healthy clones will root within 7–14 days.

Here’s how to do it, step by step:

• Choose a 3–6 inch branch from a vigorous vegetative plant.
• Cut just below a node using a sterile, sharp blade.
• Remove the lower leaves, keeping 2–3 small leaves at the top.

• Dip the cut end into cloning gel or powder.
• This encourages faster root development and protects against pathogens.

→ Shop Rooting Hormones and Cloning Gels

• Place the treated cutting into your chosen medium:

  • Rockwool cubes
  • Peat plugs
  • Starter foam
  • Aeroponic collars

• Make sure the stem is snug and upright.

→ Compare Cloning Media

• Place clones under a humidity dome or in a closed propagation tray.
• Keep humidity between 80–100% to prevent wilting.

→ Shop Clone Domes & Trays

• Use low-intensity LED or fluorescent lighting.
• Give clones 18–24 hours of light per day.
• Keep lights a safe distance to prevent heat stress.

→ Shop Clone & Seedling Lights

• Ideal temps for rooting are 70–80°F.
• Use a heat mat if your space runs cold.

→ Shop Heat Mats

• Check for signs of wilt or mold.
• Mist if needed to maintain humidity.
• Don’t overwater — keep the medium damp, not soaked.

• Most healthy clones root in 7–14 days.
• Look for white roots emerging from the bottom of the plug or cube.
• Once rooted, you can transplant them into soil or hydro.

Cloning cannabis is a cost-effective way to preserve genetics and consistently produce high-quality plants. To ensure success, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials that help create the ideal environment for your cuttings to root and thrive.

Here’s a breakdown of the key supplies:

• Healthy mother plant
  Choose a plant that is at least 4–6 weeks old, pest-free, and displaying strong growth. This will ensure your clones inherit good genetics and vigor.

• Sharp scissors or a sterile razor blade
  Clean, sharp tools help you make precise cuts without damaging the plant tissue or introducing infection.

• Cloning gel or rooting hormone
  These products stimulate root development and protect the fresh cut from pathogens. While optional, they dramatically improve success rates.

• Starter plugs, rockwool cubes, or peat pellets
  These provide a stable medium for the cutting to form roots. Choose based on your grow style and preferences.

• Humidity dome
  High humidity (70–90%) is critical for cuttings, as they can’t yet absorb water through roots. A dome traps moisture and keeps the environment stable.

• Clone or propagation tray
  Used to hold the plugs and keep everything organized under the dome.

• Spray bottle
  Used to mist the inside of the dome and the cuttings themselves to keep humidity levels high.

• Grow light
  Use a gentle light source like T5 fluorescents or LEDs. Keep it on an 18/6 cycle with low intensity to avoid stressing the clones.

• Clean, pH-balanced water
  Use filtered or dechlorinated water with a pH around 5.8–6.3 for watering your medium or misting.

• Optional: Heating mat
  Maintaining a root zone temperature of 75–80°F (24–27°C) can speed up rooting and improve cloning success.

→ Shop Cloning Supplies

Use these free tools to dial in humidity, airflow, and timelines for better clone and seedling success. Built for growers, no signups or spreadsheets needed.

→ Go to Propagation Tools Suite

Rooting hormones are used to stimulate faster and stronger root growth. They come in three common forms, each with its own pros and cons:

• Thick and sticky, so they adhere well to the cutting
• Often contain a mix of rooting compounds, vitamins, and antifungals
• Easy to apply and very beginner-friendly

• Usually come in a concentrated form that must be diluted
• Easy to absorb, but may require more precision during application
• Often used in hydroponic or aeroponic cloning setups

• Long shelf life and simple to store
• Quick to apply — just dip the moistened stem
• Can be less adhesive than gels or liquids, so may rub off more easily

• Options like aloe vera, willow extract, or honey
• Appeal to growers seeking a more natural or chemical-free process
• Results may vary, but they can still be effective in the right conditions

The growing medium provides structure, moisture retention, and airflow for young cuttings. Here are the most popular options:

• Made from peat, compost, or other organic materials
• Pre-shaped and ready to use in propagation trays
• Excellent moisture balance and easy to transplant

• Often made from mineral fibers or stone wool
• Provide great aeration and water retention
• Require pre-soaking and pH adjustment before use

• A renewable medium made from coconut husks
• Drains well and promotes strong root development
• Can be used loose or in pre-formed cubes

• Cuttings are suspended in water or misted in a chamber
• Provide maximum oxygen and rapid root development
• Require more equipment and experience

→ Compare Cloning Media

For most growers, a reliable and effective setup is:

A gel-based rooting hormone + a moisture-retentive grow plug or cube.

This combination is easy to manage, works well in humidity domes, and consistently produces strong roots.

Most growers use an 18/6 light cycle for cannabis clones — that’s 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness each day.

This schedule strikes the perfect balance of:

• Encouraging steady vegetative growth
• Giving clones time to rest and recover
• Preventing premature flowering

Some growers use a 24/0 cycle (lights on 24 hours a day), but this can sometimes stress young clones or dry them out too quickly, especially in low-humidity environments.

Clones don’t have roots yet — so they can’t handle strong light. Too much intensity will stress them out and slow rooting.

Here are some quick lighting tips:

• Use low-intensity lighting like LED strips, T5 fluorescent tubes, or dimmable LED panels
• Keep the light 12–24 inches above the canopy, depending on the fixture
• Aim for a gentle, even light — avoid hot spots that can dry out your humidity dome

✔ Perky leaves that slowly reach upward
✔ No signs of curling, bleaching, or wilting
✔ Slow but steady growth over 7–14 days
✔ Roots visible after 7–10 days (depending on strain and conditions)

• Too much light – can cause clones to wilt or burn
• Too little light – can delay rooting or cause yellowing
• Inconsistent cycle – always use a timer to avoid stress or confusion

A strong, healthy mother plant is the foundation of successful cloning. Since every clone is a genetic copy of the plant it came from, choosing the right mother is crucial for producing vigorous, high-yielding cannabis plants.

Here’s what to look for when selecting a good mother plant.

Start by selecting a plant with genetics that consistently deliver the qualities you want. This could include:

• Strong vigor and fast vegetative growth
• High yield potential
• Preferred cannabinoid and terpene profiles
• Resistance to pests and diseases
• Desired plant structure (e.g., short and bushy or tall and lanky)

Avoid using plants that show signs of mutation or express unpredictable traits, as these can be passed on to clones.

Ideally, your mother plant should be one you’ve already grown, harvested, and evaluated. This way you know exactly how it performs under your grow conditions. If you're working from seed, grow several plants and observe them during the vegetative and flowering stages before choosing which one to keep as a mother.

Look for plants that:

• Grow vigorously and evenly
• Respond well to training and pruning
• Produce uniform, high-quality buds
• Finish on time with no major issues

Only select plants that are completely free of pests, mold, or nutrient deficiencies. A healthy mother ensures healthy clones.

Check for:

• Clean, green leaves with no spotting or discoloration
• No signs of spider mites, thrips, or powdery mildew
• Strong, woody stems that can support multiple cuttings
• No signs of stress or overfeeding

Mother plants need regular maintenance to stay productive. Prune them often to encourage branching, and give them enough space, nutrients, and light to remain healthy over the long term. A well-maintained mother can produce hundreds of clones over time.

Yes, you can take clones from flowering cannabis plants, but it’s generally not recommended unless you’re using a specific technique known as monster cropping or you're in a situation where no vegetative plants are available.

Cloning from a plant that’s already in the flowering stage presents unique challenges that may affect your success rate, rooting time, and the clone’s overall structure.

Most growers take clones from plants in the vegetative stage for a few key reasons:

• Faster root development
  Clones from vegetative plants root more quickly and consistently.

• Simpler transition
  Veg clones are already in the correct growth phase, so they don’t need to re-adjust their hormonal balance.

• Better structure
  Vegetative clones tend to grow upright and symmetrical, making them easier to train and manage.

When you take a cutting from a flowering plant, the clone must revert to vegetative growth before it can develop roots and grow normally. This process is called revegetation and can take several weeks.

During this transition, you may notice:

• Unusual leaf shapes like single blades or twisted growth
• Slow initial growth while the plant resets its hormonal balance
• Longer rooting times, often 2–3 weeks or more
• Bushier growth once the plant stabilizes (which some growers actually prefer)

Some advanced growers intentionally take clones from flowering plants in early bloom (around 2–3 weeks into flower). This technique, called monster cropping, is used to produce bushier plants with more branching and potential bud sites.

Benefits of monster cropping include:

• Increased yield potential due to dense branching
• Reuse of flowering plants when no veg-stage plants are available
• Unique plant structure that may suit certain training styles

However, it also comes with:

• Lower success rates compared to veg clones
• More time and effort required for recovery
• Inconsistent results, especially with certain strains

You might consider cloning from a flowering plant if:

• You accidentally flipped your grow to flower and forgot to take clones
• A flowering plant shows exceptional traits you want to preserve
• You’re using monster cropping as part of a planned grow strategy

Once you've taken your cannabis cuttings, the conditions you provide during the rooting phase will determine your success. Clones are delicate — they don’t have roots yet, so they rely entirely on the environment for moisture, energy, and stability.

Creating the right conditions helps accelerate root development and reduce stress. Here’s what you need to dial in for the best results.

• Ideal range: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Root zone temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

Warmth is essential for fast rooting. Cold environments slow down growth and can lead to rot. If your grow space is cool, consider using a heat mat under your clone tray to keep the root zone warm and stable.

• Ideal range: 70–90% relative humidity

Since clones don’t have roots, they absorb moisture through their leaves. High humidity prevents them from drying out. Use a humidity dome to trap moisture, and mist the inside of the dome (not the plants directly) once or twice a day.

Reduce humidity gradually after roots begin to form to help the clones adjust to normal growing conditions.

• Cycle: 18 hours on / 6 hours off
• Type: Low-intensity LED or fluorescent lighting

Clones need light to power photosynthesis, but they can’t handle strong light. Use gentle, indirect lighting and avoid placing them under high-powered grow lights. Keep the lights about 12–24 inches above the canopy.

• Gentle air circulation is important

Stagnant air can lead to mold and mildew, especially in high humidity. Use a small fan nearby (not pointed directly at the clones) to keep air moving. Ventilate your humidity dome once or twice a day to exchange stale air.

• Media should be moist, not soaked

Overwatering is one of the most common cloning mistakes. Your grow medium should feel damp to the touch but not dripping wet. Standing water can suffocate cuttings and encourage rot.

Use pH-balanced water in the 5.8–6.3 range, and avoid heavy feeding — clones don’t need nutrients until they develop roots.

• Keep everything clean

Sterilize your tools, trays, and workspace before and after cloning. Clones are vulnerable to pathogens, and even a small amount of contamination can lead to mold, damping-off, or failed cuttings.

Use the Cloning Envirinment Planner to set temp, RH, and lighting for domes, cloners, or open-air setups.

→ Cloning Environment Planner

A cannabis cloning machine is a tool designed to automate and optimize the process of rooting clones. While traditional methods use a grow medium like rockwool or peat plugs, cloning machines use aeroponics or hydroponics to deliver water and oxygen directly to the cuttings.

These machines can significantly increase rooting speed and success rates — but they’re not always necessary for every grower.

Most cloning machines use a reservoir of water, a pump, and spray nozzles or misters to bathe the cut ends of your clones in a fine mist. The cuttings are held upright in collars or inserts, suspended above the water.

This setup creates an environment with:

• High oxygen levels
• Consistent moisture at the root zone
• No soil or grow medium to trap pathogens or restrict airflow

Some machines are basic hydro cloners, while others are more advanced aeroponic cloners with misting systems for even more root oxygenation.

• Faster root development (often 5–10 days)
• Higher success rates when used correctly
• No grow medium needed, which reduces mess and transplant shock
• Scalable for cloning large batches at once
• Consistent environment, especially with built-in lids or domes

• Higher upfront cost compared to traditional methods
• Requires electricity to run the pump
• Needs regular cleaning to prevent buildup or contamination
• May be overkill for small grows or casual cloning

A cloning machine can be a great investment if:

• You clone frequently or in large quantities
• You want faster rooting times and minimal transplant shock
• You’re comfortable with hydroponic systems and maintaining equipment

However, for small-scale growers or beginners, traditional cloning methods using plugs or cubes in a humidity dome can be just as effective — and much more affordable.

Even under ideal conditions, cannabis cloning doesn’t always go perfectly. Issues during propagation can lead to slow rooting, wilting, or even total failure. Understanding the most common problems — and how to fix them — can greatly improve your success rate.

Cause:
Lack of humidity, excess heat, or harsh lighting.

Fix:

• Raise humidity to 80–90% using a dome
• Mist the dome interior (not the clones) regularly
• Reduce light intensity or raise the light further away
• Ensure water isn’t too cold

Cause:
This is often a natural response as the clone uses stored nutrients — but excessive yellowing may signal stress or nutrient deficiency.

Fix:

• Keep temperatures and humidity in the ideal range
• Avoid feeding nutrients too early
• Use a gentle rooting hormone for support
• Ensure the medium is moist but not soaked

Cause:
Lack of humidity, excess heat, or harsh lighting.

Fix:

• Raise humidity to 80–90% using a dome
• Mist the dome interior (not the clones) regularly
• Reduce light intensity or raise the light further away
• Ensure water isn’t too cold

Overwatering or unsanitary conditions can lead to fungal infections at the base of the stem.

Fix:

• Keep medium damp, not soaked
• Use sterile tools and clean cloning trays
• Apply a mild fungicide or root booster with beneficial microbes

Cause:
Cold temperatures, low humidity, or weak genetics.

Fix:

• Use a heat mat to maintain root zone temps around 75–80°F
• Ensure high humidity and gentle light
• Be patient — some strains take longer to root
• Check for viable stems and refresh cuts if needed

Cause:
Drying out, old or unhealthy cuttings, or improper technique.

Fix:

• Take cuttings from vigorous, healthy mother plants
• Cut at a 45° angle and dip in rooting gel immediately
• Keep conditions stable (humidity, temperature, light)
• Try a different cloning method (e.g., aeroponic machine vs. plugs)

Cloning is part science, part art — and even experienced growers lose a few cuttings now and then. Monitor your environment closely, clean your tools, and don’t be discouraged if a batch doesn’t go perfectly. With practice, your cloning success rate will improve.