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by Eric Hopper
Q
a
I started growing hydroponically about three years ago . I ’ ve got three bell pepper plants and one of them is producing almost triple what the other two are . It must be some kind of freak super plant . Is there an easy way to clone it ? I don ’ t want to risk hurting it but it would be great to have more like it . Thanks for any advice you can provide !
— Tyler M ., Park City , Utah
Thank you for your question . One possibility would be to take seeds from the special pepper plant and attempt to grow them next year . However , there is no guarantee that the offspring will carry the same sought-after traits as the parent plant . Like many other plants in the garden , pepper plants can cross-pollinate , thus creating an accidental hybrid that is unlikely to carry the sought-after traits . Even if self-pollination is guaranteed , the subsequent offspring will most likely vary from and probably won ’ t have the same desirable traits as the parent plant . The great news is , like many other plant varieties , pepper plants can be cloned fairly easily . Cloning , or taking cuttings , from a particular plant allows the horticulturist to replicate the sought-after traits of that plant . In your case , you have a pepper plant that is a great producer and you want to preserve that specific trait . By taking a clone or cutting from that particular plant , you can make a genetic duplicate that will carry all the same traits as the donor plant . Start by choosing a section of the plant with at least 20-25 centimetres of new growth . Peppers can develop a woody stem as they age . Make sure the portion you will be taking a cutting from has a green stem . Make a 45-degree angle cut through the stem of the selected 20-25 centimetres section ( it is preferable to make the cut at a node or branch ). Always use a sharp , sterilised scalpel or scissors to make a clean cut . Dull or dirty cutting tools can damage or pinch the stem which can potentially inhibit new root growth .
Immediately after making the cut , dip the cut portion of the stem in a rooting hormone . There are powders , liquids , and gels available . All forms will contain the active hormone needed to stimulate new root growth , so it is up to the grower as to which is preferred . After applying the rooting hormone , place the cutting / clone directly in roomtemperature water or in a saturated clone medium , such as stonewool , peat , sphagnum , or coco coir . Next , remove all flowers , big leaves , buds , fruit , etc ., leaving only a few small leaves in the upper section of the cutting . The cuttings should be placed out of direct sunlight for the first 10-14 days . Indirect , shaded sunlight or a low intensity horticultural lighting system ( such as fluorescents ) are best for unrooted cuttings . During the first week or so , a humidity dome can be used to keep the humidity levels above 80 percent . This will help the cutting retain the water otherwise lost through transpiration . As the cutting starts to develop roots ( usually in five to seven days ), the humidity and lighting can be transitioned to the conditions of the garden . Once established , each clone will be a duplicate of the donor plant . In your case , the rooted cuttings will be “ some kind of freak super plant ” that produces almost triple what the other plants produce . I hope this answers your question .
Keep on Growing , Eric Hopper
EH
Eric Hopper has more than 18 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner . He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximise garden performance . Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle .
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