CUTTINGS AND CLONES Many modern gardeners choose to grow their plants from clones or cuttings rather than seeds . Hydroponic systems prove quite useful for cloning methods , most notably with mist propagation systems and domed incubation trays that feature stonewool cubes . Each of these hydroponically oriented propagation techniques are compatible with soil growing systems once the cuttings have rooted . There are several reasons for this approach to nascent plant growth , but most of them are founded on the preservation of a genetic line as well as plant sexing . For many horticulturalists , it takes years to find that perfect blend of environment , nutrients , and genetics . Therefore , many cultivators choose to keep a mother plant to preserve a genetic tradition and ensure consistent , excellent harvests . Moreover , for many indoor gardeners , growing a garden directly from seeds is not an option . Since most indoor horticulturalists place as many as 12 plants per 1,000W light in their growrooms , it ’ s wholly unpractical to attempt to grow all these plants from seeds that could be either male or female .
STONE WOOL Stone wool is a favorite growth medium for hydroponic gardeners , whether they use it for cloning or full-fledged plant growth . Cultivators who choose to use stone wool for the propagation of clones do so with the intentions of transplanting into soil . Conversely , when using larger six- or nine-inch stone wool cubes for vegetative growth or flowering on a hydroponic flood table , cultivators don ’ t generally plan on relocating the plants into soil . As mentioned in the introduction , these larger stone wool cube transplant scenarios often fall into the “ unexpected life occurrences of a grower ” category . Nonetheless , for both seedlings in small stone wool cubes and sizable plants in large stone wool cubes , the dynamics of transplanting into soil are the same . To begin with , dig a hole into the soil a few inches wider and deeper than the intended stone wool transplant and sprinkle mycorrhizae over the surface of the hole . At that point , simply place the entire stonewool cube into the hole and fill in around it with soil . Finally , water the entire soil container as done in any other transplant situation . To help avoid transplant shock , raise the lights slightly higher for an indoor garden and put the plants in a shaded area for an outdoor operation until they seem settled .
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TO HELP AVOID transplant shock , raise the lights slightly higher for an indoor garden and put the plants in a shaded area for an outdoor operation until they seem settled .”
HYDROPONIC BASKETS It is safe to assume that any well-planned cultivation operation doesn ’ t consist of transplanting full-grown plants from hydroponic baskets ( or nets ) into soil . When growing plants in hydroponic baskets , the roots become wholly entwined within the holes of the plastic netting . As a result , trying to remove the delicate root system from these baskets for transplanting into soil is virtually impossible without killing the plant . Therefore , if one is forced to transplant out of hydroponic baskets and into soil , they should strive to employ soil when the roots are just sprouting from the stem of the plant and not yet grown into the sidewalls of the basket . However , if one must transplant fully developed plants out of hydroponic baskets and into soil , they should just dig out a large enough hole in the soil , add mycorrhizae , and plant the entire basket .
MIST PROPAGATION SYSTEMS Mist propagation systems are a favorite choice among growers for the propagation of clones or cuttings into individual plants . With these systems , growers place cuttings into foam pucks that feature slits from the middle to the end of the puck . The pucks are on the top or lid of the mist propagation system , with a reservoir and misting system functioning internally . With the right mix of rooting hormone and nutrients , the bottom stem of the cutting protruding from the puck eventually sprouts its own roots . At this juncture , they are ready to be transplanted into soil . For most growers , this process starts with filling a Dixie cup about three-quarters full of soil then sprinkling it with mycorrhizae . Next , remove the rooted cutting out of the foam puck through the side slit and hold it over the Dixie cup with the roots touching the soil . After that , fill soil in around the roots and stem of the cutting until the new plant stands on its own . When finished , water the Dixie cups thoroughly and take the necessary precautions to avoid transplant shock . grow cycle 87