time to clone

[ExtraNormal]

Okay it's cloning time, and I'm scared shitless. I don't know why but I really really suck at cloning. I've had entire batches fail. But here I am, it's gotta get done. I've read up a lot, even watched the video of the guy with the green face.

I think I have all the steps figured out, so maybe this time will go better. One question though--which of the following three mediums would you go with?

Perlite
Vermiculite
Some green foam cubes that are made for cloning. (maybe rockwool?)

Thanks, and wish me luck. Tomorrow is the day.

[slunt]

Perlite is used for drainage and support of rockwool cubes or peat pellets. You want something like rock wool cubes which will support the stem of the cutting and allow roots to grow into it without damage. Keep your clones warm(80) and humid(Not Wet). Put a lid over your cloning tray to help keep humidity up as plants will continue to transpire moisture out through their leaves. With no root system it is hard for the plant to renew it's water loss.
Place the growing cubes ontop of a thin layer of perlite. Water the perlite and water will wick upwards into the cubes and their roots.

[ExtraNormal]

slunt and koshiva, thanks for the replies. I'm going to reread what you've written with greater care later today before I take the plunge....

[slunt]

The environment you grow in can have it's own humidity issues. Los Angelos is far more naturally humid than Phoenix in the desert. Spray for fungus is available at most gardening stores and may be applied to your medium surface so mold does not attack your weak plants. Humidity domes serve two purposes. They allow you to control humidity conditions with vents and they keep bugs away or in check. A batch of spider mites into your babes is devastating.
you have to decide what your conditions are and what methods will serve you.
Of course you could plant the clones directly into prepared damp soil. apparently it's worked pretty well for the last 10,000 years or so.

[ExtraNormal]

Well it's done. Here's a pic. I'm wondering if a single 20W CF is enough? At first I was thinking I'd do some from each plant in the green cubes on the left, but I don't know about those things. They were super saturated with water and they didn't pinch closed very well. So I went with a 50-50 perlite vermiculite mix for the rest.

Is it okay to clone the main cola?

[slunt]

The main cola is a great place for a strong clone cutting. Try not to let leaves touch, as water collects their and mold can grow. damp medium is o.k. Wet is not O.K. The stems need to stay moist, not soaked. Make the plant produce roots and seek it's own water source.

[ExtraNormal]

Pretty clear from the pic that I could've spread 'em out some! Oh well, I'm gonna stay optimistic.

[slunt]

They look very nice. If all goes well, expect to see little rootlets poking out in 10-14 days.

[ScareCrow]

Ok im new to this Forum & instead of giving an intro ill give a great Tip for you cloners #1,Forget all the BS you have been told about clones & how to do it .just have a large pot with Good potting mix in it also mabe drench it with a little neutrients then after u slice that clone stick it strait into the soil for a 95% Success rate it will pretty much spring its roots within few days the soil potting mix keeps the Humidity perfect,& the soild keeps the stem stable eazy as that Boyz & girls ive been doing it for years i call it the Typical Aussie Clone system in 6 years ive lost only 3 clones ever so mabe give it a go.
Also dont forget to keep it under your light as the light & heat provides extra nice conditions for ur soil & humidity ok well thats about it & i diddnt even need a step 2 lol tc people & happy harvest

^^^It's funny cuz it seems the simplest solution is always the best. I've never tried it but I guess it'd be worth a shot!

[slunt]

Originally Posted by slunt

.
Of course you could plant the clones directly into prepared damp soil. apparently it's worked pretty well for the last 10,000 years or so.

I believe I did mention it. I think it's better for new growers to understand what they are trying to achieve and the reasons behind failure and success. it's one thing to be told to do something. It's another thing entirely when you know why you are doing it.
I think koshiva has covered most of the basics.

[farmergiles]

The beauty of cloning is you`ve got nothing to lose. Go forth and multiply!