Plant cloning, as the name suggests, is the process of copying a plant. In hydroponic growing, this involves taking cuttings from a selected mother plant with desirable traits and reproducing it consistently in an aeroponic system.
Cloning in hydroponics is a skill that improves with practice. This guide provides a simple, structured method to achieve consistent results.
Equipment required for aeroponic cloning
To begin cloning in a hydroponic aeroponic system, you will need:
- Aeroponic cloning system
- Cloning gel or rooting solution
- Pipette and small measuring cup
- Sterile scalpel
- Glass or container
- Wide bowl
- Water
- Healthy mother plant
Prepare for cloning success
Prepare your cloning solution
- Fill your glass and wide bowl half full with water
- Adjust water to pH 6.2 using pH Up or pH Down. This step is not critical, but highly advised for success
This solution will temporarily hold cuttings before placement into the aeroponic system.
Prepare your aeroponic reservoir
- Fill the system reservoir with 3–6L of water
- Add rooting tonic mixed at 0.5-1ml per litre of water
- Turn on the pump
- Fit the insert tray onto the reservoir, but keep the cloning collars and mesh pots nearby
- Place the lid or humidity dome on top
- Keep vents closed to maintain humidity
Selecting and taking cuttings
- Choose cuttings from the middle or lower sections of the mother plant
- Use a sterile scalpel (not scissors) to avoid damaging plant tissue
- Immediately place cuttings into the half-filled glass or container
Making the final cut (45° cut)
- In the prepared wide bowl, use the scalpel to make a 45-degree cut near the base of each cutting
- Perform this cut under water
Reason: This prevents embolism (air entering the stem), which can slow or stop root development.
Applying cloning gel
- Pour cloning gel into a clean measuring cup
- Remove each cutting from water
- Dip the stem into the cloning gel thoroughly
- Insert cuttings into a clone collar
- Place collar into mesh pot before placing into the aeroponic insert tray
- Replace lid to maintain humidity
Optimal conditions for aeroponic cloning
Maintaining correct environmental conditions is critical for fast root development in hydroponic cloning systems.
Key parameters
- pH: 6.2
- Water temperature: 19–21.5°C
- Humidity (RH): 72–100%
Expected results
Under optimal hydroponic conditions:
- Root development typically occurs within 5–8 days
Summary
Aeroponic cloning is an efficient method for producing consistent plant genetics in hydroponic systems.
Success depends on:
- Clean cutting techniques
- Stable pH and temperature
- Proper humidity control
- Consistent system operation
With practice, aeroponic cloning becomes a reliable method for rapid plant propagation and uniform hydroponic crop production.
