Cloning has become considerably popular among those who want to grow weed by keeping the genetics of their favorite plants as they are. A cannabis clone dome is a critical piece of the puzzle during this process, as it provides a controlled environment where roots can grow out of the cuttings. In the following article, we will have a look into how a cannabis clone dome works, along with some useful tips and best practices for making sure the cuts turn into healthy clones.
What is a Clone Dome?
A clone dome is a clear plastic or glass cover that creates a humid microclimate for plant cuttings, promoting healthy root growth and development. It works by trapping moisture and heat, mimicking the natural environment of a greenhouse. The dome helps to maintain high humidity, typically between 80-90%, which is essential for root growth and development. By using a clone dome, growers can increase the success rate of their clones and promote healthy root growth.
What is the Function of a Cannabis Clone Dome in Root Growth?
A cannabis clone dome serves the important function of maintaining proper conditions necessary for the growth of cannabis cuttings, such as adequate temperatures and high humidity. By utilizing this device, the chances of a cannabis plant surviving as a cutting are greatly increased.
Humidity domes are crucial in maintaining high humidity levels to support root development and prevent issues like yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Two compounding components of a cannabis clone dome include:
- A Clear Plastic Dome: A clear dome is employed to prevent moisture leakage.
- A Tray: This tray contains the medium used for the cloning process, which can include rock wool cubes and foam inserts.
- Optional Accessories: Heating mats and grow lights can enhance rooting conditions
What are the Advantages of Using a Cannabis Clone Dome?
Cannabis can be cloned as opposed to growing it from seeds. This offers several preferences for the grower.
- Genetic Preservation: Ensures consistent traits such as potency, flavor, and yield.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces the need to purchase seeds.
- Faster Growth: Clones skip the germination phase, accelerating growth.
Plants benefit from using clone domes during the initial stages of cloning to ensure strong root development.
Overcoming the challenges of temperature variations, contamination, and dehydration can be done with a clone dome, enabling the plant to develop roots more effectively.
How to Choose the Right Clone Dome
When selecting a clone dome, consider the size of your growing space and the number of clones you plan to propagate. A larger dome may be necessary for bigger growing spaces or for propagating multiple clones at once.
Look for a dome with adjustable vents to allow for airflow and prevent moisture buildup. A sturdy, crystal-clear polymer construction is also essential for maximum light penetration and visibility. Consider a dome with a heat mat or a built-in thermometer to maintain optimal temperatures for root growth.
How to Set Up Your Cannabis Clone Dome
Several pieces of equipment are required to set up the cannabis clone dome and ensure its effective working. These are:
- Healthy Mother Plant: Source of cuttings with desirable traits[1].
- Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: To make clean cuts.
- Rooting Hormone: Enhances and hastens the rooting process.
- Medium for Cloning: Rockwool, peat plugs, Rapid Rooters, or something of that nature
- Spray Bottle: Misting the plant will require a spray bottle that holds water.
- Grow Light: A light source that’s crucial in photosynthesis.
- Heating Mat (Optional): A device that helps maintain certain temperatures.
Step-by-Step Procedure for the Rooting Process
Here is a step-by-step process for the rooting process:
- Prepare the Mother: The mother plant needs watering approximately 24 hours prior to when any cuttings are to be taken in order to ensure moisture is retained. You must pick out healthy branches that are free from any form of pests and have at least two nodes in them. Proper hand-watering techniques are crucial to manage moisture levels and nutrient delivery for seedlings and plants.
- Getting the Cuttings: Sterilized scissors can be used to snip out a branch which is beneath a node. This is to ensure that moisture loss is minimized, and dip the end into rooting hormone.
- Insert into Medium: The cutting should be dipped into a moist cloning medium, and the process should be done carefully to ensure easy rooting of the plant.
- Place in Clone Dome: Set the cuttings in the tray provided and cover it with the dome. Mist the cuttings inside of the dome with water so that the required level of humidity is maintained.
- Maintain Conditions: Position the clone dome with the cuttings inside it in indirect light or low-intensity grow light and maintain a humidity value of 70-80% and a temperature of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Monitor Progress: Monitoring for the signs of wilting, mold, and dehydration daily is vital. Also, mists can be applied to the plant to provide the needed moisture, preserve the cloning medium, and prevent it from being too waterlogged.
How to Manage the Clone Dome Environment
To create an ideal environment for root growth, maintain high humidity inside the dome by misting the interior with water daily. Ensure good air circulation by opening the vents slightly, especially during the day. Keep the dome away from direct sunlight, which can cause overheating and stress to the clones.
Monitor the temperature inside the dome, aiming for a range of 68-77°F (20-25°C) for optimal root growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Instead, use a rooting hormone and a well-draining grow medium to promote healthy root development.
What Are Some Common Issues and How to Fix Them?
Here are the common issues and how to fix them.
- Mold or Mildew: Excessive moisture can bring forth fungal infections. Increase your ventilation through the vents on top of the dome and minimize misting as much as possible.
- Cuttings Wilting: This can be attributed to a reduction in humidity or lack of adequate moisture. Mist more and check if the dome is well sealed.
- Root growth is taking its time: Ensure that the temperature is set correctly and that the medium is not overly dry or too moist. The growing medium can be successfully moistened with only water or a diluted nutrient wash to manage moisture levels.
- Leaves become yellow: Stress is commonly seen through yellowing leaves. Ensure that the light is not too bright and that over-watering is avoided.
How to Boost the Success Rate When Using A Clone Dome
The following tips should be considered so that the cannabis cloning procedure success becomes a norm:
- Maintain Cleanliness: To reduce or eliminate the chances of unwanted infections, make sure to clean the tools, spray domes, and other needed equipment before the procedure is used.
- Administer Rooting Hormone: Not only does it increase the rate of root growth but also the chances of success as well.
- Reducing Humidity Slowly: It helps prevent shock to the plant after transplanting. Gradually reducing humidity and increasing air exchange can help clones develop roots faster.
Transitioning Clones to a Larger Growing Space
After 7-10 days, once the clones have developed a robust root system, it’s time to transition them to a larger growing space. Start by gradually increasing the ventilation inside the dome over the course of 2-3 days. This will help the clones acclimate to the drier air and prevent shock.
Once the clones are accustomed to the increased airflow, remove the dome and transfer them to a larger pot or growing space. To promote continued root growth and development, continue to provide high humidity and maintain optimal temperatures. With proper care and attention, your clones should thrive in their new environment.
Conclusion
A cannabis clone dome is essential for any user, be it first-timers or seasoned cultivators, for it provides a controlled atmosphere to enhance the healthy growth of cannabis, all while simplifying the traditional approach to creating cannabis clones. Harvest after harvest and with no chance of disruption, reaching successful ratios should be a piece of cake through a stress-free and conducive agricultural environment along with regular maintenance checks.
FAQs
What is the typical rooting time for cannabis cuttings?
Most cannabis cuttings can be expected to develop roots between 7-14 days, but that can shift depending on the type of strain and environmental factors suited for the plant.
Are heating mats an important fixture in my clone dome?
Using a heating mat is not a necessity. However, it can be helpful, especially if you are operating in colder areas, as it helps keep the temperature moderately consistent.
Is there a particular frequency with which I mist the cuttings when they are inside a clone dome?
To cater for the humidity between the optimal levels of 70-80% consider misting the cuttings inside the clone dome for 1-2 times per day.
What type of light works for the clone dome?
Indirect natural light or low-intensity grow light is optimal. Any form of high-intensity light could stress the plant.
What if my clones are not rooting as expected?
In such a scenario, the root cause may be the moisture levels, humidity, or temperature. Try to keep an eye on the moisture content inside the cloning medium or on the herb itself. For better results, try using rooting hormone as well.
