cycl
tips & tricks
GROW ‘EM U P:
Benefits of CO 2 for Cloning
Are plants in the cloning stage too small to benefit
from enriched CO 2 ? Eric Hopper doesn’t think so.
He explains why using CO 2 during the cloning
stage reduces pathogens and gives young
plants a better chance at survival.
M
any indoor horticulturists are reaping the benefits of
enriched CO 2 levels in their vegetative and blooming
rooms. Increased CO 2 levels can maximize the rate of photo-
synthesis and, in turn, increase the rate of growth. It is common
for growers who supplement CO 2 to see not only faster growth,
but also larger yields. When done correctly, and everything
else is equal, a growroom enriched with CO 2 will simply
outperform a growroom without it.
However, while most growers agree that there are definite
benefits of CO 2 enrichment in the vegetative and bloom-
ing rooms, there is an ongoing debate about the benefits of
CO 2 in a cloning area. Some growers argue that the plants in
the cloning stage are too little to benefit from enriched CO 2 ,
while others argue all plants, regardless of size, benefit from
CO 2 . CO 2 enrichment during the cloning stage, when done
correctly, can increase the speed at which a plant creates
roots, as well as increase success rates by eliminating or
reducing potential pathogens.
FASTER ROOTING
Increased CO 2 levels in the cloning area are beneficial when
supplied to the cuttings’ leaves. So, if a grower is using an
aeroponic or mister-type cloning machine, the CO 2 should be
added to the area where the leaves are and not to the area
where the roots are (or will be). When the leaves have access
to enriched CO 2 levels, photosynthesis can occur at a faster
rate. The sugars created in this process are important fuels
that provide the cuttings with the energy they need for making
roots. In other words, raising the CO 2 levels increases the
speed at which these valuable sugars can be produced. If the
sugars needed for energy can be produced more quickly, the
cuttings can, in turn, create roots more rapidly. Faster rooting
means young plants can be transitioned into the vegetative
stage and acclimated to a n