Growing a cannabis clone plant involves no secrets. There is no key ingredient or the perfect amount of light you can offer in order to grow one properly. That’s because it’s a plant, just like any other. The cannabis plant is what we call an angiosperm. Angiosperms are flowering plants that generate seeds in the form of fruits or flowers. Really, a clone is no different from a tomato plant.
That said, there are certain ways to grow that can benefit your plant and you. Whatever investment you put in your plant, your clone will return the favor by yielding solid amounts. Today we will just be covering the basics of clone care.
Before we dive into the details, picture your new clone as a newborn baby. You’ve counted twice; it’s got all its toes, legs, and arms. Now that nature’s done its part it is time for you to do yours. Would you expect your baby to start walking after only a few weeks in this world? What about talking or paying taxes? Didn’t think so either. You must teach it to live. I promise it’s easier than it sounds.
We are currently carrying all the necessary equipment for proper clone care at our store, The Other Path. This includes containers, soil and liquid nutrients!
Cannabis Clone Plant Growing Equipment
Container
You’ll need the right equipment for your lil’ baby to start. The clones we carry in the shop are only 2-3 weeks old and only require a small pot. The cubes they are sold in should be transplanted into a small-sized pot, one no bigger than 0.5-1 gallon pots. The reason for this is that you want to give your clone some time to stretch its legs (in its case, roots) and learn how to crawl before walking.
Roots will grow out to the extremities where they can reach (generally 1.5-2 inches away from the cube). Once they reach those extremities, they will strengthen their core and keep growing within that space. Start small and go big. Your container should also have proper drainage holes at the bottom. This prevents root rot and soil contamination as well as excess humidity buildup.
Soil
You can use an all-around general purpose gardening soil. Big 3 in Clones should be grown in soil with high nitrogen levels instead of flowering plants, which should be grown in soil with high phosphorus levels. For high-yielding results, make sure the pH of the soil you’re using is about 6.
If you have access, we strongly recommend mixing your soil with compost. This home solution allows for a more organic and earth-friendly growing, as you are re-using biodegradable material. The minute you bring your clone home, fill your pot or container with soil. But what kind?
Important: Do not overpack your soil! This will prevent the roots from growing properly and may kill your plant as water will only remain as far as it can reach. Once ready to transplant, choose a larger pot size, and fill that with high-phosphorus soil for the remainder of the plant’s life.
Water
Watering a clone is just like watering any other plant. You want the soil to remain moist, not dry, and not soaked. The easiest way to tell is by planting your index finger in the soil (with gloves if you must). Generally, 2 inches down should give you a good indication if the plant needs water. If it’s dry, give it a little water. If it is too wet (or soaked) hold off on watering for at least 36 hours or until dry again.
Growing Environment
Great! Now that you have everything you need, let’s talk about how to take care of your clone. We mentioned there is no secret to growing clones. That’s not entirely true. Clones like one environment and one environment only: the one you place them in for the first few days. This translates to: don’t move your clone around! Moving your clone around is stressful for your plant.
The perfect temperature for a clone is between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your room is well ventilated, as plants love fresh air.
Indoor or Outdoor?
Growing indoors offers your plant stable conditions in which to grow. Factors such as temperature and lighting are much easier to control but can take up space and time.
Growing outdoors is a lot more simple, but your plant will grow a bit more “wildly.” Simply place your clone in a spot outside that gets up to 10 hours of sun a day. Water frequently. Trim and enjoy!
Grab a clone today, and be sure to ask your budtender for more care tips if you need them!
