While cultivating with feminized seeds can yield good results, they are not guaranteed. There is no way to know for sure which phenotype the seeds will develop, which can bring surprises to the grower.

However, there is a way to eliminate these uncertainties: the use of marijuana seedlings, also known as clones. Although the word "clone" may sound like it came out of a science fiction movie, the practice is extremely common in commercial cannabis cultivation.

What are Clones

Simply put, a seedling is an exact genetic copy of an existing cannabis plant. To create it, the grower cuts a branch from a female "mother plant" and places it in a growing medium to stimulate root development.

Once the seedling's roots strengthen, it can be transplanted into the soil. The new plant will continue to grow with the same genetic characteristics as the original plant.

Why Clone Cannabis

Cloning mother plants offers many advantages, with predictability being the main one. Since the seedlings are genetic copies, producers already know what to expect in terms of potency, appearance, sex, and growth pattern.

Another benefit is cost savings, as obtaining a cutting from an existing plant is free, while a batch of seeds has costs and not all may germinate. Additionally, the cultivation time is shorter, as clones skip the germination phase.

Finding the Ideal Mother Plant

The choice of the mother plant is the most critical step, as its clones will share exactly the same genome. It is essential not to select a sick, weak, or defective specimen.

Follow these basic rules to ensure the success of your marijuana seedlings:

Ensure the mother plant is female: Check the nodes between the stem and branches. Female plants have thin structures, similar to hairs (stigmas), while males have pollen sacs;

Avoid feminized seed plants: These types of plants have a higher probability of becoming hermaphrodites under stress;

Choose a strong and healthy plant: The mother plant should show no signs of pests, mold, or nutritional deficiencies;

Know the quality of your plant: Make sure the potency and characteristics of the mother plant's buds are those you want to replicate.

Growing Medium

There are three main mediums to root your clones: rockwool, water, or soil. Most growers prefer rockwool, as it is an inert medium that avoids nutrient overload, in addition to offering good aeration and water retention.

If opting for water, use filtered or spring water to avoid chlorine and other compounds. Soil should be low in fertility to not harm developing roots.

Essential Care

Clones thrive in warm and humid environments. It is ideal to use a humidity dome to maintain moisture between 90-95% in the first 48 hours, reducing to 80% in the following days. The temperature should be around 20°C.

For lighting, use low-intensity fluorescent lamps (CFL or T5) for about 18 to 19 hours daily.

Another care is with transplanting, which can be done when the roots reach at least 3 cm in length outside the substrate, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Before starting, disinfect everything and wear gloves. Water the soil beforehand, make a hole that completely covers the roots, carefully remove the clone from the growing medium, and finally, position it in the hole and cover the roots with soil.

With information from El Planteo