The fast-flowering convenience of autoflower cannabis strains has revolutionized home cultivation, particularly in regions with limited growing seasons like Canada. Bred with ruderalis genetics, these unique plants transition from vegetation to flowering based on age rather than light cycles, making them ideal for beginners and space-constrained growers. However, when it comes to propagation, autoflowers present a unique challenge. Unlike their photoperiod counterparts, cloning autoflowers isn’t as straightforward and the benefits are debatable.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of autoflower cloning, exploring this technique’s feasibility, potential benefits, and drawbacks. We’ll also compare cloning to the traditional method of growing from seeds, helping you decide which approach best suits your needs.
The Magic of Cloning Autoflowers
The primary motivation for cloning cannabis, regardless of strain type, is to create genetically identical replicas of a prized mother plant. This ensures consistent yields, cannabinoid profiles, and terpene expressions across generations. For photoperiod strains, cloning allows growers to maintain a perpetual harvest, taking cuttings while the mother plant continues to vegetate under a long light cycle.
The appeal of cloning autoflowers seems similar – replicating a particularly potent or fast-flowering individual. However, the inherent nature of autoflowering throws a wrench into this process.
The Hurdle: Autoflowers Don’t Forget
Unlike photoperiod plants that can be tricked back into a vegetative state by manipulating light cycles, autoflowers have an internal clock ticking towards flowering. This clock doesn’t reset when taking a cutting. The clone essentially inherits the same age and development stage as the mother plant.
Even if a clone roots successfully, it will begin flowering prematurely due to its predetermined age. This often leads to stunted growth and significantly lower yields compared to plants grown from seed.
The Art of Attempting Autoflower Clones
While the odds may seem stacked against achieving a bountiful harvest from cloned autoflowers, some techniques and considerations can improve your chances of success. Here, we’ll delve into the practicalities of cloning autoflowers, exploring the necessary equipment, ideal timing, and crucial aftercare steps.
Setting the Stage: Equipment and Supplies
Before embarking on your autoflower cloning adventure, gather the necessary tools to create a sterile and controlled environment. Here’s a basic checklist:
- Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scalpel: Opt for a high-quality, bypass pruner for clean cuts. Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol before each use.
- Rooting medium: Rockwool cubes, rapid rooters, or a well-aerated propagation mix are popular options.
- Cloning domes or humidity trays: Maintain high humidity levels around the cuttings to promote root development.
- Cloning gel or rooting hormone: This encourages root growth on the cut stem. Choose a reputable brand formulated for cannabis propagation.
- pH-balanced water: Aim for a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake.
- Grow lights: Provide low-intensity fluorescent or LED lights with a color temperature between 2,700K and 6,500K. Avoid intense light that can stress the cuttings.
- Thermometer and hygrometer: Monitor temperature and humidity levels within the cloning chamber. Aim for a temperature range of 70-78°F (21-26°C) and a humidity level of 70-80%.
Choosing the Right Donor Plant and Timing is Key
Not all autoflowers are created equal when it comes to cloning success. Ideally, select a healthy, well-established plant that’s at least 3-4 weeks old and actively growing new nodes. Avoid taking cuttings from stressed or flowering plants.
The timing of your cut also plays a critical role. Aim for a period of rapid vegetative growth, typically during the second or third week after the initial growth spurt. Focus on taking cuttings from non-flowering nodes with at least two healthy sets of leaves.
The Delicate Art of Taking Cuttings
With your tools sterilized and your donor plant identified, it’s time for the delicate process of taking cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Make a clean, angled cut (45 degrees) approximately 1/4 inch below a healthy node. This angled cut increases the surface area for root development.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the topmost pair to minimize stress and promote root growth.
- Dip the cut stem in your chosen cloning gel or rooting hormone following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Creating a Sanctuary for Root Growth
Once your cuttings are prepared, it’s time to establish them in their new rooting environment. Here’s how:
- Moisten your chosen rooting medium to achieve a consistently damp but not soggy texture.
- Poke a small hole in the rooting medium and gently insert the prepared cutting, ensuring good contact with the medium.
- Place the cuttings in your cloning dome or humidity tray under the grow lights.
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels by monitoring your thermometer and hygrometer and misting the cuttings periodically if necessary.
The Waiting Game: Patience is Paramount
Rooting success can take anywhere from 7-14 days, depending on various factors. Be patient and resist the urge to pull on the cuttings to check for roots. Signs of successful rooting include the development of white, fuzzy roots at the base of the stem and the appearance of new growth on the top leaves
Nurturing New Life: Aftercare and Alternatives
Once your autoflower clones have sprouted a healthy network of roots, it’s time to carefully transition them into a vegetative state for further growth. Here’s how to provide the TLC your clones need to thrive:
Transitioning to the Big Leagues
- Gradually increase light intensity over a few days to avoid stressing the young plants.
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels until the plants establish themselves.
- Begin providing a light nutrient solution formulated for seedlings and young plants.
- Monitor for signs of stress or disease and address any issues promptly.
Read- How to Check for Cannabis Potency
The Big Debate: Cloning vs. Seeds
While some growers experiment with autoflower cloning, the success rate and overall yield often leave them wanting. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each propagation method:
Cloning Autoflowers
Pros:
- Genetically identical replicas of a prized mother plant (in theory)
Cons:
- The predetermined flowering time of the clone often leads to stunted growth and lower yields.
- More time and resources are required compared to growing from seed.
- Higher risk of stress and failure compared to cloning photoperiod plants.
Growing from Seed
Pros:
- Simpler and less time-consuming process.
- Full potential flowering time for maximum yields.
- Wider variety of autoflower strains to choose from.
Cons:
- Plants may exhibit slight variations in potency and terpene profiles compared to the parent plant.
The Final Verdict: Weighing Your Options
The decision between cloning autoflowers and growing from seed ultimately boils down to your individual goals and resources. If you’re a seasoned grower with a specific, high-yielding autoflower you want to replicate, cloning can be an interesting experiment, albeit with a lower chance of success.
For most home cultivators, especially beginners, growing from high-quality autoflower seeds offers a more reliable and efficient path to a bountiful harvest. The vast selection of autoflower strains available ensures you can find one that perfectly suits your preferences and growing conditions.
Conclusion
While the possibility of replicating a beloved autoflower through cloning holds a certain allure, the practical limitations often outweigh the benefits. By understanding the challenges and considering alternative methods like growing from reputable seed banks, you can maximize your chances of cultivating a successful and rewarding autoflower crop. Remember, happy growing!