Neoprene Inserts versus Plugs

Originally Posted by jaekriel

Soon I'm planning on cloning my mothers which are growng now.



I've seen some people put clone cuttings in Neoprene Inserts in homemade cloner Hydro/Aeroponics systems (which I'm planning to build) and the cuttings are watered by some sort of Aeroponics system (sprayers, bubbleponics, fogponics, etc)



It would seem (to me) that this would be better because the nute solution makes direct contact with the cutting....

... as opposed to having them sit in Rockwool/Starter Plugs where they have to be soaked and kept wet - not too wet....not too dry...etc.




It also seems that without having to deal with Plugs, the risk of worrying about Mold or root rot is eliminated



Transferring them to bigger systems without having to mess with Netpots and such also makes Neoprene look like a better alternative,.....

..... but I have no idea once the plants get big and have roots, how to anchor them in the Neoprene Inserts and not have the plants slip down into the Resevoir.

(any comments/ideas regarding that would be welcomed as well)



I'm just hoping to get a consensus here in the forum on opinions regarding the use of either or both....especially since I have not yet crossed that threshold yet myself



Thanks in advance

Jay

Use a neoprene insert and a net pot.
Done and done.

Originally Posted by Maletor

Use a neoprene insert and a net pot.
Done and done.

Uh yeah....that's doesn't really address the issues .....nor answer my questions.....



The reason I posted the question is to get feedback regarding using one over the other



The statement posted to use both doesn't solve anything, and frankly is pointless without saying anything other than "Done and Done"


I'm not trying to be rude - but not elaborating or offering an explanation is once again - pointless


Jay

Me personally i would not use Rockwool or Starter Plugs as they hold to much water ,
I tried rockwool once and cuttings just went all soggy on the ends
As for Transferring them to a bigger system i use clay pebbles so no problem,just don't crush roots when you fill pots up

Use a neoprene collar that is bigger than the hole. You will probably also want to make some sort of clip or snap that will allow you to move the neoprene and also lock it in place.
I use neoprene and net pots, and IMHO, it rocks.
Good Luck

Originally Posted by GringoLoco

Use a neoprene collar that is bigger than the hole. You will probably also want to make some sort of clip or snap that will allow you to move the neoprene and also lock it in place.
I use neoprene and net pots, and IMHO, it rocks.
Good Luck

You will probably also want to make some sort of clip or snap that will allow you to move the neoprene and also lock it in place.

Can you elaborate on this?

My concern is - if I start with Neoprene - once the plant gets bigger - HEAVIER - that the plant will need to be anchored somehow to the Neoprene so it won't slip down...am I worrying about somehting irrelevant?


And if I have Neoprene - why would I also need Net Pots?

Net Pots hold medium like Plugs and/or Clay Pellets for water absorbtion

I plan on having a semi-constant Mist spraying the Stem/Roots.....

So why would I need a Net Pot?


Thanks in advance

Jay

I use 2" net pots and neoprene collars, I don't use medium - the net pots give the collar the stability and support to hold up the plant. I also add a window screen clip (Similar to this http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...76018-L%205509) on either side of the hole to 'lock' the net pot in place. You can view a HowTo of my system here: http://gringoloco.webs.com/the_mantis.pdf