“ For a grower to get a full batch of healthy clones , they must have a healthy mother plant ”
Ideally , a mother plant has her own specific area so that an optimal sub-climate can be created . She also needs a slightly different nutrition regimen than the other plants in an indoor garden . Horticulturists who take the time to properly set up a mother plant area and provide the appropriate care will be rewarded with generation upon generation of fresh stock .
Selecting the Mother Plant
There are a variety of reasons a particular plant is chosen to be the mother . First and foremost is its genetic profile . In other words , growers generally try to clone a plant with desirable characteristics or genetics . This is somewhat subjective as different growers may have different preferences when it comes to the odors or flavors of a certain plant species . Another trait often sought by indoor horticulturists is vigor and the ability to flourish in an indoor environment .
Put another way , mother plants are usually selected from strains that perform extremely well in the cultivator ’ s specific grow space . In many cases , growers select multiple candidates for a mother plant . They clone each and allow the plants to develop through their life cycles . Depending on how each plant performs , growers can then determine which plants would be good to keep as mothers . Plants with signs of deficiencies , mildew , pest insects , or any other undesirable issue should be avoided completely or , at the very least , nursed back to health before being used as mothers .
Specific Area for the Mother Plants
Mother plants do not require a large area ; however , it is important to create an area in which the plants can fit comfortably and the atmospheric conditions can easily be controlled . Many growers build specific mother plant rooms or use a small grow tent to house the mother plants . A closet or large cupboard space can also be converted into a mother plant grow chamber . The ideal temperature range for a mother plant is 70-80 ° F . Ideally , the operating temperature will not fluctuate more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit from the lights on period to the lights off period . Humidity is another important consideration . Maintaining consistent humidity levels can do wonders for the overall health of a mother plant . It also reduces the transitional stress of the clones when they are moved to the cloning area and while they wait for roots to develop . The ideal humidity range for a mother plant is 60-65 per cent . A small humidifier may need to be installed in the mother plant area to consistently maintain this humidity level .
48 Maximum Yield