Cloning cannabis is a powerful way to preserve a plant’s genetics and produce consistent results across multiple grows. Instead of starting from seed, clones allow you to replicate a female plant’s traits—yield, flavor, potency, and growth patterns—with precision. But successful cloning isn’t just about snipping and sticking. It takes careful technique and the right environment to ensure healthy, thriving clones. 

Complete Guide to Taking Care for Marijuana Clones 

Let’s walk through the entire process step-by-step of taking care for your marijuana clones. 

Choosing the Right Mother Plant 

A successful clone starts with a healthy mother. Ideally, choose a mature female plant that’s at least two months old and still in the vegetative stage. Avoid flowering plants, as they can make the cloning process more difficult and reduce rooting success. 

Taking the Cuttings 

Once you’ve selected your mother plant, use clean, sharp scissors or a razor blade to take cuttings. Choose lower branches with at least two nodes and healthy growth. Each cutting should be 4–8 inches long. 

Make your cut just below a node at a 45-degree angle—this increases the surface area for root development. Immediately place the cutting into water to prevent air bubbles (embolism) from forming in the stem, which can block water uptake. 

Applying Rooting Hormone 

Although some growers skip this step, rooting hormones significantly improve success rates by encouraging faster root development. Dip the cut end of each clone into a rooting gel or powder before placing it in your chosen medium. 

There are several options for rooting mediums: 

• Rockwool cubes 

• Peat pellets 

• Coco coir plugs 

• Cloning machines (aeroponics) 

Whichever method you use, be sure the medium is moist (but not soaking) and provides gentle support for the delicate stem. 

Creating the Ideal Environment 

Clones need high humidity and warm temperatures to root successfully. Without roots, they rely entirely on their leaves to absorb moisture, so creating a humid microclimate is crucial. 

Use a humidity dome or a covered propagation tray to maintain levels above 80%. Mist the inside of the dome daily and keep temperatures between 70–78°F. Also, provide soft, indirect light (like a T5 fluorescent or dimmed LED) for 18–24 hours a day. Avoid intense light, which can stress the clones. 

Air circulation should be gentle, just enough to prevent mold. A small vent hole in your dome or a fan on low nearby is usually sufficient. 

Monitoring and Maintenance 

Clones generally take 7–14 days to form roots, though some strains may take longer. During this time, keep an eye out for wilting, yellowing, or mold. Remove any clones that show signs of decay to prevent it from spreading. 

Once roots are visible (you’ll often see them poking out of the plug or cube), you can begin “hardening off” the clones. This means gradually exposing them to lower humidity and stronger light to prepare them for transplant. 

Conclusion: Complete Guide to Taking Care for Marijuana Clones 

Cloning cannabis may seem intimidating at first, but once you master the process, it becomes one of the most efficient ways to grow high-quality plants. By selecting healthy mothers, using rooting hormone, and maintaining the right environment, you can consistently produce strong, productive clones. It’s a fantastic way to preserve genetics you love and speed up your cultivation cycles. With a bit of care and patience, your clones will reward you with healthy, vigorous growth.