Cloning problems, need recommendations

I have had great success with RootRiot plugs for cloning. I run a skewer thru the center of the plug to make it easier to push the stem in, I soak the plugs in a mild solution of RapidStart, lightly squeeze the plug,dip the stems in Clonex Rooting Jel and put the clone into the plug.

When I cut my clones I put them in a shallow bowl of pH'ed RO water with 0.5ml of a root enhancer per gallon, RapidStart. I leave them for a day +/- in this solution before I put them in the plugs. Then I begin misting them, at the start 3 x/day eventually getting to the point of 2 x/day. I keep them under one lamp of a four lamp T5 fixture and eventually add a second lamp to the fixture.

This grow I took 13 clones of each of my two plants I have in the cabinet flowering now, White Rhino and Exodus Cheese. All 26 clones had roots showing in 9 days and were ready to transplant in 20 days, I gave them extra days in my clone box because was too busy to get the Hempy buckets ready for them. I could have planted them on the 16 or 17 day.

I did have a bit of a problem after I transplanted, not sure what caused it but I lost 12 clones, 6 of each strain, in the first week after transplant. I think during transplant I may have pressed down on the cubes after they were in the Hempy bucket and did some major damage to the roots or maybe the rooting solution was too strong. Has not happened before and I know it was not the fault of the RootRiot plugs.

Clones in RootRiot plugs


Roots after day 12


Transplanted into 1 gallon Folgers Hempys


These were all at 3 days after transplant






One of the remaining 7 White Rhino's, the mother


One of the remaining 7 Exodus Cheese, the mother, she has been topped once.


The 14 remaining Clones


My Storage Container Cloner


I am not sure what happened to the 12 that did not make it!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

GR

heat or light stress maybe

By looking at your sophisticated humidity dome - a model I am currently using - I will guess damping off killed them. Too much of a good thing is not always better. Raise the box itself up a wee bit more with something to allow air flow in and out. It will remain humid enough if you watch for drying but I bet you will not find it a problem. Also I will suggest you give honey a try as a cloning agent instead of gels or powders. Prep the stem the same way as any other method and simply dip it in good raw unfiltered honey.

agree w hotrod. when my stems go purple or darker they re too wet and sometimes a bit cold. killed plenty of seedlings this way-uggh. it s still a challenge to let them dry out as much as they need to. could nt see the bottom of your folger pots so i hope they re were a few holes in the bottom. gonna try that honey trick 2....

guardogz said:

agree w hotrod. when my stems go purple or darker they re too wet and sometimes a bit cold. killed plenty of seedlings this way-uggh. it s still a challenge to let them dry out as much as they need to. could nt see the bottom of your folger pots so i hope they re were a few holes in the bottom. gonna try that honey trick 2....

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guardogz, I am running Hempy bucket, so drainage in not a problem at all.

HR, you can see my dyi cloner , the top is off set on the base. I had just misted the inside of the top after misting the clones. I have used this for a number of clonings and very had a problem. I see your point about rising them with block and it's a good idea. Will give it a shot next time.
I guess they could of been to wet, but all the clones had that amount of roots coming out of the plugs. If they were too wet wouldn't the roots show the effects of overwatering. My first thought was dampening off, the way the looked just did not strike me as being that.
I have heard of using molasses for rooting but not honey, worth looking into for the future.
Thanks for the suggestions y'all. I will consider your thoughts as I move forward doing more cloning.

GR

I've been constantly failing in cloning.. don't know why.. the roots won't even start growing from the branch..
can someone send a link to a good topic about cloning?

airmarkes said:

I've been constantly failing in cloning.. don't know why.. the roots won't even start growing from the branch..
can someone send a link to a good topic about cloning?

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YOU should buy an aerocloner. They are idiot proof. Work best in colder temps so winter is great. They say roots in 6-10 but I have had some take 2 weeks.

http://www.amazon.com/Clone-King-Aeroponic-Cloning-Machine/dp/B008NRQJC0

gr865 said:

guardogz, I am running Hempy bucket, so drainage in not a problem at all.

HR, you can see my dyi cloner , the top is off set on the base. I had just misted the inside of the top after misting the clones. I have used this for a number of clonings and very had a problem. I see your point about rising them with block and it's a good idea. Will give it a shot next time.
I guess they could of been to wet, but all the clones had that amount of roots coming out of the plugs. If they were too wet wouldn't the roots show the effects of overwatering. My first thought was dampening off, the way the looked just did not strike me as being that.
I have heard of using molasses for rooting but not honey, worth looking into for the future.
Thanks for the suggestions y'all. I will consider your thoughts as I move forward doing more cloning.

GR

Click to expand...

Yeah, buddy. I just lost most of a seed pop and half my clones using the exact same Sterilite container because of damping off and too much humidity. Maybe because the plastic is so thick and stays cold? I don't know. Surprised me really because usually it's pretty straightforward. Seriously Labs Dexter here on RIU raves about the benefits of honey for everything including cloning. I used some with vermiculite and Perlite and nearly all sprouted roots. The 2 that didn't were wimpy ass wispy side shoots. The woodier stems seem to root much faster and stronger.

airmarkes said:

I've been constantly failing in cloning.. don't know why.. the roots won't even start growing from the branch..
can someone send a link to a good topic about cloning?

Click to expand...

If you want to try my tech, then just read the 1st post of this thread. It has worked well for me for a long time and this group is the only problem I have had.
Good luck,

GR

I'm sure I'm gonna get shit for saying this, but I've had way more success not spraying my cuttings. I use 1" rockwool with a cheap plastic dome with two vents on the top. I don't keep the rockwool soaked, I keep everything as dry as possible just enough to keep them from wilting. I figure if they're thirsty they'll grow some fuckin roots and it's been workin for years. Usually about 10 days in the majority have started rooting. I grow in a basement in new England so in the winter it can take a little longer.