How To Clone Cannabis

Cloning cannabis is a common and effective way to replicate your favorite cannabis plants. It allows you to maintain the genetics of a particular strain or plant that you like

If you want a specific marijuana strain with a certain consistent aroma, flavor and yield, then marijuana clones are a way to go.

Also, when you use marijuana clones, it can solve many issues growers come across.

How to Clone Cannabis – The Essentials Needed

Cloning cannabis is relatively simple and easy if you have the right tools on hand.

• Mother plant: Starting with a healthy female cannabis plant in its vegetative stage is one of the most important aspects. Look for a plant that has vigorous growth.
• Scissors: A sharp and sanitized pair of scissors or pruning shears are necessary to cut the perfect branch from the mother plant at a 45-degree angle.
• Razor blade: A razor blade is helpful when scraping the cut-off end of your branch to increase surface area and apply the rooting hormone.
• Rooting solution: Available in a variety of forms, the rooting solution is applied to the cut-off end to stimulate root production.
• Gloves: Sterile rubber or surgical gloves can help prevent contamination when handling the cutting.
• Spray bottle: A spray bottle can be used for foliar feeding.
• Grow lights: Grow lights such as fluorescent, T5, or metal halide (MH) lights between 250 w and 600 w provide enough light for a developing clone.
• Grow medium: Growers can choose between soil and starter cubes, although we recommend starter cubes for easier rooting.
• Humidity tray/dome (optional): A humidity dome (at least 7 inches tall) enables growers to maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels for clones.
• Heating pad (optional): A heating pad can help growers maintain optimal temperatures by heating the tray and grow medium.
• Isopropyl alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is a necessity for disinfecting your tools.

Working in a Sterile Environment

A major part of cloning marijuana successfully is working in a clean and sterile environment. Everything from the room to your clothes to the equipment you use must be cleaned and sanitized before it comes in contact with a mother plant or cutting.

Before you start the cloning process and every time you interact with your plants, ensure your clothing and equipment are clean. Avoid wearing the same clothes you wear in your primary garden when cloning to reduce the risk of spreading any possible contamination.

Before making the cutting, ensure your trimming shears and razor blade are disinfected using isopropyl alcohol. Going above and beyond when disinfecting yourself and your tools can ensure your work pays off at the end.

When to Take a Cutting

It all starts with a healthy and vigorous mother plant in its vegetative stage. Taking a cutting from a mother plant that is infected with a disease or pests can risk spreading the infestation onto the clone and affect its health.

When is the right time to take a cutting? Mother plants are usually 5 weeks old from the germination phase when growers can take their cutting. Ensure the branch is firm and developed instead of soft and flimsy for better cloning success.

Some growers stop feeding their plants a few days up to the cutting to ensure the nitrogen is out of the leaves. In some cases, too much nitrogen in the stems and leaves can stimulate vegetative growth instead of the rooting the clone needs.

How to Take a Cutting to Clone Marijuana

Here is step-by-step breakdown on how you can successfully take a healthy cutting from your mother plant:

1. Choose a branch with an alternating cluster of nodes.
2. Cut the branch close to the main stem with a pair of sterile and sharp scissors or pruning shears. Make sure to make the cut at a 45-degree angle. The ideal cut length should be between 5 and 8 inches in length.
3. Immediately after cutting the branch, submerge about a third of the cutting in a container of water. The water ensures that air bubbles do not enter the exposed part of the stem. If air bubbles enter the raw end of the cutting, it can cause an air bubble embolism that can essentially block off nutrient uptake.
4. Some growers choose to prune off the excess leaves on the cutting to allow the clone to focus on root growth.
5. Some growers also choose to make controlled cuttings to the raw and exposed end to increase surface area. Slice the tip of the cutting in a diagonal pattern to expose more of the inside and improve the efficiency of the rooting hormone.

Grow Medium

After taking your cutting, you will need to place it in an optimal grow medium that has a good airflow and is able to retain moisture. When using soil or starter cubes, you will need to soak them in water for a few minutes. The water's pH level should be between 5.8 and 6. Soil amendments may be used to improve the soil structure.

• Starter cube: Starter cubes, typically made of Rockwool, coco, and peat moss are great for rooting clones. We recommend starter cubes about 2 inches by 2 inches in size. Invest in a tray insert for your cubes to catch the runoff water after watering them.
• Water: Growers can also root their cuttings in water and a nutrient mixture. Clones can be completely submerged in water or maintained using an automated aeroponic system, although these systems come at a greater expense.
• Soil: Cuttings can be placed in a healthy soil mixture with appropriate nutrient levels to not stress the plant. Starter cubes can be placed in soil after a couple of weeks of establishing a root system. They can be buried a couple of inches into the soil.

Rooting Hormones

Rooting hormones are available in liquid, powder, or gel form. Rooting hormones are designed to stimulate root production and stalls the production of stems and leaves.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper application of the rooting hormone. The entire tip of the cutting should be soaked or covered in the rooting hormone.

While rooting hormones are not necessary, most growers have seen great results by helping the plant with the rooting stimulant. Growers can also practice foliar feeding with a diluted nutrient solution to stimulate growth.

Humidity Control

Clones require a certain humidity and temperature to stimulate root production and grow into big and healthy plants. Temperatures should be between 80º and 82º F. Humidity levels can be between 70 and 80% relative humidity (RH). Higher humidity levels can increase the risk of root rot. In colder climates, a heating mat may be used.

A humidity dome is perfect for beginners who want to create optimal conditions for their clones. Clones prefer wet and warm conditions. They absorb moisture through the leaves, so ensure you mist your plant with water a few times a day if you don't have a humidity dome.

Lighting

Some growers keep their cuttings in a dark room for the first 24 hours or so. Clones can be gradually introduced to a new environment. Other growers immediately start them with light. We recommend weaker grow lights such as CFLs since clones do not need much light. Growers can leave the lights on for 18 hours with 6 hours of darkness.

High-intensity lighting can damage the plant and prevent rooting if it is introduced early. Avoid introducing high-intensity lights during the first few days up until day 10.

Fluorescent lights are an excellent option for cloning. Keep the lights at least 8 inches above the clones. If HID bulbs are used, keep them at least two feet away from the clone.

Growers can identify when the starter cube is ready to be transplanted to soil when the roots start to form. Roots can begin to form after 7 days on average. For some growers, it can take up to two weeks or more to start seeing strong root production.

Transplanting Your Clone

If you have  done everything correctly, you can start to see significant growth at the 3- and 5-week mark. After a few inches of solid growth in the first few weeks, you can transplant the clone into a larger grow container for the rest of its life cycle.

When transplanting your clone, fill your pots with soil and gently compress it to remove any air pockets. Water the soil and allow it to completely drain. After it is drained, dig a hole to bury your clone roots. Your clones may begin to wilt after being transplanted, gradually introduce them to the new environment if necessary to reduce plant stress.

Advanced Cannabis Cloning: Pro Tips, Expert Insights, and FAQs

Cloning is one of those skills that rewards patience, consistency, and a willingness to refine your process over time. Once you’ve learned the basics, there are layers of advanced techniques and environmental adjustments that can significantly boost your success rates.

Below, you’ll find additional expert tips, practical advice, and answers to the most common cloning questions, along with insight from Cannabis Training University CEO Jeff Zorn.

Fine-Tuning Your Cloning Environment

Even the smallest adjustments to the environment can make the difference between thriving clones and wilted cuttings.

Humidity Management

• Young clones absorb moisture through their leaves before roots develop, so humidity in the 60–70% range is essential.
• Use a dome, mist lightly 1–2 times daily, and remove excess condensation to prevent mold.
• After roots form, gradually reduce humidity to prepare clones for open-air growth.

Temperature Balance

• Rooting is most successful at 68–72°F (20–22°C).
• A seedling heat mat can keep root zones warm without raising air temperature too high.
• Consistency matters more than extremes—avoid sudden shifts that stress cuttings.

Lighting Strategy

• Clones don’t need high-intensity light. Too much can cause stress, while too little slows photosynthesis.
• Fluorescent bulbs, T5s, or dimmed LEDs work well.
• Keep lights on for 18–24 hours to promote steady vegetative growth once roots develop.

Mother Plant Care and Management

Your mother plant is the lifeline of your cloning program. Keeping her healthy ensures every clone you take is strong.

• Nutrition: Feed mothers with a balanced nutrient mix, but avoid overfeeding nitrogen, which can slow root formation in cuttings.
• Pruning: Regularly top and train mothers to encourage bushy growth and plentiful clone sites.
• Recovery Time: Give mothers 2–3 weeks between heavy clone sessions to avoid exhaustion.
• Longevity: With proper care, a mother plant can provide clones for years, making her one of the most valuable plants in your grow.

Techniques to Improve Success Rates

1. Take Cuttings from Lower Branches
   Lower branches typically contain more rooting hormones, making them easier to clone.
2. Scrape the Stem
   Gently scoring the outer layer of the stem before dipping into rooting hormone exposes tissue that more readily forms roots.
3. Trim Fan Leaves
   Cutting large fan leaves in half reduces water loss and directs energy toward root development.
4. Use Rooting Hormone
   While not essential, gels and powders dramatically improve rooting speed and consistency.
5. Gradual Acclimation
   After rooting, don’t rush clones into strong light or dry air. Gradually adjust them over several days to prevent transplant shock.

Troubleshooting Common Cloning Problems

• Wilting Clones: Usually caused by low humidity or too much light. Mist more often and raise lights higher.
• Yellowing Leaves: Mild yellowing is normal as the plant redirects energy to root growth. Severe yellowing may indicate nutrient imbalance.
• Stem Rot: Caused by overly wet conditions or poor airflow. Keep media moist but not waterlogged.
• Slow Root Development: Some strains take longer than others. Be patient, and consider experimenting with different mediums or techniques.

Jeff Zorn’s Expert Insight

“The secret to thriving clones isn’t just in the cut—it’s in the care. Cloning is part science, part art, and all about giving that cutting a supportive environment where roots can confidently take hold.”
— Jeff Zorn, CEO, Cannabis Training University

This reminder highlights that successful cloning comes down to consistency and environment, not just the act of making a cut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts on How to Clone Cannabis

You should keep every area clean and take extra precautions. If you have to, quarantine your cannabis garden until you have secured precautionary measures to prevent damage.

Cloning cannabis is one of the most rewarding techniques a grower can master. It gives you the ability to preserve genetics you love, reduce costs, and ensure consistency from one harvest to the next.

By fine-tuning environmental controls, practicing sterile technique, and caring for your mother plant, you can achieve near-professional success rates in your own grow room.

Remember: cloning is less about complicated equipment and more about attention to detail. The more care you give your clones in the first two weeks, the stronger and more productive they’ll be throughout their life cycle.

To learn more about growing weed visiting the Cannabis Training University.