“The cutting will
become a genetic copy
of an original plant,
which is why they are
referred to as clones.”
Making a Propagator
A small-scale propagator can be made from a small bucket,
a matching lid with cloning collar-sized holes cut in it,
collars or net pots, an air pump, airline, and a sprayer.
This style of cloner can be undertaken as a DIY project,
purchased in parts, or as a complete unit.
This type of aeroponic cloning has several advantages. As
with most aeroponic systems it is practically impossible to
overwater the cuttings. Since it uses an external air pump,
the motor and most of the accompanying waste heat can be
kept away from the nutrient solution. Air-driven sprayers
can have much larger apertures than forced water sprayers,
and as such are much less prone to clogging. Since the
sprayer itself has no moving parts, as long as there is an air
supply, there is little in the way of failure potential unless it’s
somehow physically moved, broken, or the openings become
completely engulfed with roots.
OMRI listed
As an alternative, a water pump can be placed inside
the reservoir to force the nutrient solution through a
manifold-sprayer assembly. This sprays the cuttings
from below, again keeping them hydrated while they
develop a root system.
Aeroponic cloning is one of the easier and more foolproof
ways to root cuttings. For the impatient or concerned,
progress and health of the roots can be monitored simply
by lifting the cloner lid for a look. In smaller systems,
water changes can be as simple as dumping out and
refilling a small bucket. It isn’t uncommon for users of
aeroponic cloning techniques to report root development
a few to several days faster than with older traditional
methods. The same concepts can be applied to both
small- and large-scale applications.
MAXIMUM YIELD
FOR HYDROPONICS
An organic biostimulant that
maximizes growth rates and yield
Compatible with both soil and
soil less growing media
Use with any fertilizer or
nutrient system
Frank Iafrate • 610-656-7651
liventia.net/en/agriculture
Distributed by www.Hydrofarm.com
32
Maximum Yield
Manufactured by Micro-TES, Inc