Cloning marijuana is a great way to make replicas of a strain that you love right in your home. However, the process is not straightforward, and it can be tough for beginners to handle. If the process is not done right on the first try, it could lead to frustration. To ensure that the process is a success, you will have to use the best soil for growing clone weed plants.
Growing your cannabis in good soil plays an important role in how well your plants grow and is also a great way to grow fat and flavorful buds. The soil should be able to provide the plants with the nutrients they need. Looking for the best soil can be a hassle; you’ll have to choose from different categories from cannabis-specific soils to universal substrates and pre fertilized option. There might be different types of soil and hormones available for purchase, but that doesn’t mean you should buy any kind of soil or hormone.
The Best Soil For Growing Cannabis
Not every type of soil is ideal for growing marijuana, and different cannabis plants require different soil types. Picking the best soil depends greatly on the type of cannabis you’re growing, the climate in your area, and if you want to grow your weed indoors or outdoors.
Apart from these factors, there are some common factors that all cannabis soils have. They include;
Texture
It is best to grow your cannabis plant in soil that has a loose and light texture. The soil’s light texture promotes proper root development and allows enough oxygen to reach the roots, thereby leading to optimal health and growth.
Water Retention
Water retention is the ability of the soil to hold water. A good cannabis soil should have an optimal balance between water retention and drainage.
Drainage Ability
A good cannabis soil should have great drainage. After watering your plants, the water should not just sit on top of the soil. If the soil you use has poor drainage, then your plants will become sick and produce poor yield or die.
pH Value
pH is a chemical scale that is used to show how acidic or alkaline something is. It is vital to know this, as cannabis only thrives in soil that has a small pH range. A goos for cannabis should have a pH value of 6.0, but a pH level of between 5.8 to 6.3 is also good. However, if it goes above or below this range, your final yield will reduce. If the pH level is way too off, your plants will end up dying.
Nutrients
The soil you use for your cannabis plant has to have nutrients in order for them to grow. Thankfully, the majority of the soils you can purchase already have the nutrients in them. However, you should know that these nutrients will only last about 3 to 4 weeks, and that is the period where your plants would start to flower; by then, the nutrients in the soil would have been depleted. This is the time you want to add extra nutrients.
If you intend on growing without extra nutrients, then the soil you use should contain organic substances such as compost, worm castings, hummus, or guano. The microorganisms inside the soil will turn these materials into nutrients that your plants can use to grow.
THE BEST WAY TO CLONE CANNABIS
It is vital that you know the best way to clone your cannabis plant to be assured of successful results. There are different ways to clone a cannabis plant, and each of these methods has their claim of being effective. One method includes taking part of a healthy mother plant; this is the first step to ensure that the cannabis will thrive.
When it comes to the best way to clone cannabis, most of the options will include sand, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, and stone wool. One of the best combinations is soil and stone wool. They provide you with the nutrients your cannabis plants need to thrive. However, you should ensure that other external conditions are being taken care of.
THE BEST TIME TO PLANT CLONES OUTDOORS
There is no particular period that is best for you to plants your cannabis outdoors; it depends on a lot of factors, especially depending on where you live. The climate in the area you live in will determine the right time for you to move your clones into the outdoor garden, if you transplant your clones when its too cold or too hot, your clones will most likely not survive the stress from the environment.
The best time to move your clones outside is when the nights are longer during the spring season. Doing this reduces the amount of heat your plant receives and reduces the chances of the plants getting burnt.
THE BEST WAY TO CUT CLONES
The first thing you should remember when cutting clones is that the scissors should be clean and sterilized. You might have to buy a new one. It’s quite cheap to get a new one, instead of using an old, dirty one that can transfer diseases and pests to your plants. This could lead to contamination and sometimes death.
Another important thing to keep in mind while cutting a clone is the angle at which you cut it. The majority of cannabis growers will say it is best to cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Cutting your clone this way creates a wider surface area to provide extra room for the roots to grow. After making the cut, shake, and clean it, then you can apply any cloning or rooting medium of your choice.
THE BEST SOIL FOR GROWING CANNABIS CLONES
After learning how to cut clones properly, a grower has to learn about the best type of soil to use. The best soil option is usually the one that includes organic matter. Organic ingredients are known for being full of nutrients that help to speed up your clones’ growth. The availability of these nutrients also helps to reduce the chances of the plant’s growth becoming affected by pests or diseases.
It is important that you choose soil that has low nitrogen content. Having nitrogen in the soil can be beneficial, but you have to be careful during the first stages of growth as it could cause harm the plant. If there is too much nitrogen present in the soil, it could slow down the rate at which the roots of the clones develop.
Another important factor to take into consideration is the pH of the soil. In order for cannabis clones to survive, the pH level has to be between 6.3 to 6.8; this is the most favorable condition for your clone to thrive. If you want to adjust the soil’s pH level, you can add dolomite or lime to the soil. It is also important that you invest in a pH testing kit as it will allow you to easily check your soil’s pH level.
Select a soil that has been pre-mixed. The important ingredients you will be looking out for include fishmeal, bat guano, and worm castings. Avoid any soil with high chemical levels. Keep in mind that as your plants grow, you’ll need to provide them with more nutrients for their growth.
THE BEST SATIVA CLONES
When you’re comparing Indica strains, you should know that Sativa takes a long time before flowering occurs, and this makes cloning it a bit difficult. However, sativa is most times the preferred strain among growers because it rewards them more. Among other reasons, many growers love sativa because it provides them with exceptional yields, thus making their effort worthwhile in the end.
If you are interested in cloning sativa strains and looking for the best options, then you’ll be interested in the choices we have listed out;
- Haze Berry: This particular strain is known for its medicinal benefits that are hard to match by any other strain. It also provides you with a cerebral high.
- Power Flower: This is a favorite strain among commercial growers. The yield that is gotten from growing this strain can reach up to 650 grams per square meter. If you live in an area with a warm climate, this cannabis strain will grow successfully outdoors.
- Royal Madre: If you prefer plant hybrid strains, this strain is an option you have to consider. This strain contains a blend of 25 percent Indica and 75 percent Sativa.
It may seem like choosing the right soil for your cannabis is stressful, especially if you’re a first-timer; that is why we have compiled a list of the best soil for growing cannabis clones. Let’s take a look at the list.
The Best Soil For Weed Clones – Soil To Use For Marijuana Cloning Are Reviewed Below
Table of Contents
Below, we have provided you with the list of the best type of soil to grow your cannabis clones in. the list also tells you their specifications, key features, and pros, and cons.
1
Foxfarm FX14053 Ocean Forest Plant Garden PH Adjusted 12 Quarts Potting Soil
When you’re growing your cannabis clones, this soil is one of the best options you can go for; it provides you with a complete solution. Everything your clones will need is packed into the soil; this means you can plant your clones in the soil without any extra additives to increase the nutritional value of the soil.
Some of the organic components that make this soil great include sea-going fish, bat guano, and earthworm castings. It also has a combination of sandy, loamy soil, sphagnum peat moss, and aged forest products, among a lot of other components. All these materials combined together make the soil light and aerated, increasing the survival chances of the clones.
Another great thing about the soil is the pH level; it has been regulated to stay between 6.3 to 6.8. Any expert grower knows that this is the best pH level needed to grow cannabis clones. This product offers you premium quality, so you won’t have to worry about the soil your cannabis clones are growing in. The size of the product can fill two pots with a gallon in each pot; you also don’t have to add nitrogen fertilizer during the first stages of growth as the soil already provides the plants with the nutrients they need.
Key Features:
- 12 quarts blend of bat guano, earthworm castings, crab meal, sea-going fish, moss, forest hummus, and much more
- An adjusted pH level of 6.3 to 6.8 for optimum fertilizer intake
- Ideal for containerized plantings
Specification:
- Brand: FoxFarm
- Model: Foxfarm FX14053 PH Adjusted 12 Quarts Potting Soil
- Weight: 15.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12 * 12 * 8 inches
Pros
- It a perfect medium for your plant to grow in
- It holds moisture properly without drowning the plants
- It has a suitable pH level for your clones to thrive
Cons
- Some users have complained about shipping issues
- It is quite expensive
2
Black Gold 1302040 POT SOIL
The product mentioned above is a complete soil that doesn’t need any added fertilizer. However, with this soil, you’ll have to add more nitrogen as the clones continue to grow in order to sustain the health of the plants.
This product is also an organic mix, so you won’t have to worry about introducing chemicals to your growing cannabis clones. The two main components of this soil mix are pumice and perlite. The soil is also loamy and breathable; it has a sufficient number of pore space that encourages proper air circulation, which in turn reduces the chances of your plants getting infected by diseases.
Keep in mind that this soil is specifically made for the initial stages of your clone’s growth; as the plants continue to grow, you will need to add extra nutrients in order to ensure that the plants continue to flourish. To sustain the growth of your clones, you will need to add extra nitrogen in particular.
However, you should know that the soil manufacturer says it’s regionally formulated, so you will have to purchase one that is ideal for the climate of your area. The soil contains perlite for proper aeration to ensure that your plants grow properly. If the soil is too compact, your plants’ roots won’t grow, so do not be worried if you see white things in the soil.
Key Features:
- Organic soil for all-purpose planting
- Added pumice and perlite to ensure proper air space for optimum growth
- A loamy, rich mix
- 100 percent organic
Specification:
- Brand: Black Gold
- Model: Black Gold 1302040 POT SOIL
- Weight: 20 Pounds
- Dimensions: 6 * 14 * 27 inches
Pros
- It is rich in nutrients that help your clones to grow
- It has proper drainage
- It is organic, so you don’t have to worry about any toxic chemicals
Cons
- Some users have complained about the appearance of fungus mites
3
Technaflora Rootech Gel for Plants
This product is different from the other products mentioned above because it exists in gel form. A lot of people prefer the gel form overpower because of the even coverage it provides the user.
This product’s recipe is one of the reasons it is so impressive, and it provides your cannabis clones with what they need to thrive. It contains a strong hormone that aids the speedy growth of the plants and also boosts the root health of the cannabis plants.
You won’t miss any part of the roots with this smooth and ultra-thick gel. It also forms a protective barrier on the roots against diseases. The main ingredients of this gel include 1H-indole-3-butanoic acid and propylene glycol. The manufacturer says the formula is exclusive to the brand. You can apply this gel by dipping the roots into the gel or by diluting the gel in water before dipping the roots.
Key Features:
- Powerful rooting hormone for healthy root development
- Packaged in a wide moth, ready to use container
- Its unique formulation completely surrounds the stem and roots
Specification:
- Brand: Technaflora
- Model: Technaflora Rootech Gel for Plants
- Weight: 0.726 Ounces
- Dimensions: 1.5 * 1.5 * 1 inches
Pros
- It aids proper root growth
- It aids the rapid growth of your cannabis clones
- It contains different nutrients that your plants need to grow
Cons
- It is quite small in size
4
Garden Safe Rooting Hormone (93194)
Using this product is a great way to grow your plants from cuttings. It is also trusted among gardeners for other gardening uses, so it will definitely work well for growing cannabis.
It is quite easy to use this product; you simply have to get your cuttings, dip them into the rooting hormone and plant. The application of this hormone does not need to be messy as it is in powder form.
The main ingredient of this rooting hormone is known as indole-3-butyric acid; it is the only chemical component of this product, and it’s at 1 percent. It is also responsible for encouraging the rapid growth of roots. Every other ingredient in this rooting hormone is all-natural based. This also ensures that diseases and pests do not become a problem, but you have to follow other basic precautions for growing marijuana.
Key Features:
- It uses indole-3-butyric acid as its active ingredient
- 1 percent chemical component, 99 percent natural ingredients
- Promotes root growth in different plants
Specification:
- Brand: Garden Safe
- Model: Garden Safe Rooting Hormone (93194)
- Weight: 2.88 Ounces
- Dimensions: 2.19 * 2.19 * 3 inches
Pros
- It promotes rapid root growth
- It works great with cuttings
- It increases the chances that your clones will grow well
Cons
- The recommended instructions may not work best
Buying Guide Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to some Q&As concerning clones and how to handle them.
How to clone a plant in soil? Can you put clones straight into soil?
Cloning a plant is quite simple. It allows you to to create a replica of a plant by clipping off part of the stem and replanting it. All you have to do is get your container, soil, and rooting hormone. Then you cover your cuttings with the rooting hormone and plant it into the soil.
Yes, you can plant your clones straight into the soil, ensure you keep the soil moist, and you should see roots in a few weeks.
How to know if clones are doing good?
A strong and healthy growing clone should show signs of growth, such as new roots and sturdy leaves.
How old should a mother plant be before cloning?
A mother plant should be at least eight weeks before you can take clones from it.
What to do after clones root?
Once your clones start to root, you can keep them indoors under a lighting system before repotting and placing them under direct sunlight.
When should I repot my clones?
After your clones’ roots have reached ½ inch or 1 inch, you can safely repot them.
How much should I water my soil clones?
You should water your clones frequently for one week and ensure you keep a close eye on the drainage.
What nutrients to use for clones?
If you need nutrients for your clones, you can use rooting hormones and vitamin B1.
Do clones bud faster?
Clones tend to flower faster once they have been moved outdoors, but it also depends on the size of the plant. Larger plants take longer to grow.
How do you fix droopy clones?
Clones tend to be droopy for the first 5 to 10 days, but ensure you keep misting them gently at least twice a day, and they will be okay.
Should you mist clones?
Yes, you should mist your clones. Misting helps to maintain the clone’s water levels, ensure you mist your clones twice a day, in the morning and night.
Why are my clones dying?
Different factors can cause your clones to die, such as saturated soil, deficiency of nutrients, and so on.
Cloning a plant directly into the soil is a common method of plant cloning, and here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
- Cutting and Preparing the Plant Material:
- Begin by taking a piece of plant material from the original plant.
- Remove extra leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top of the stem.
- Dip the bottom portion of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel.
- Choosing and Preparing the Soil:
- Use a light, aerated, well-draining soil mix that contains a balance of organic matter such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
- The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Avoid using heavy soils like clay or silt and overly sandy soils.
- Sterilize containers to prevent contamination.
- Planting the Cutting:
- Plant the hormone-treated cutting in the prepared soil.
- Place it in an area with indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist through regular watering and occasional misting.
- Light Requirements for Clones:
- Provide plenty of light for the clones to root and grow, but ensure the light is less intense than for mature plants.
- T5 and CFL grow lights are recommended for their appropriate spectrum and intensity.
- Rooting Hormone Usage:
- Rooting hormone increases the chances of successful cloning, but cloning can also be attempted without it.
- Propagating from Leaves:
- Some plants can be propagated from just a leaf or a section of a leaf, especially hardy plants.
- Maintaining Genetic Potential in Clones:
- Each clone retains the same genetic potential as its parent, allowing for continuous cloning.
- Reproductive Capacity of Cloned Plants:
- Cloned plants are capable of reproducing, with almost any part of the plant usable for creating new plants.
- Post-Cloning Care:
- Once roots form, transplant the clones into individual pots with potting soil.
- Regularly water and provide adequate light until the plants are well established.
Conclusion
For your cannabis clones to successfully grow and be in the best health condition, you need to pay close attention to the type of soil and rooting hormone you use. We have listed some useful products above; with the list and tips, you should be able to choose the right soil for your plant’s growth even if you’re a novice.
Also, see;
(Best Soil for Outdoor Marijuana Plants – Ready-made and Handmade Soil Mix)
(Best Soil for Growing Marijuana Indoor – Potting Soil, Organic Soil, Soil Mix)
