I’ll be damned if I’m gonna pay 200 bucks or more for the latest super electronic mist cloner. After a few years of so-so success with various cloning methods, I found a simple method that works very well and takes minimal effort, NO daily spraying, no monitering humidity etc.
OK take a square tupperware container about 12"x 12" clear bottom, with 2-3 inch sides. Add about 3/4" of washed rinsed perlite in the bottom. Follow basic guidelines when preparing cuttings, clean razors and rooting compound of choice. Root cuttings in rock wool cubes, then slightly bury the cubes in the perlite, so the bottom of the cubes are about 1/4" below the surface of the perlite. Fill the tray with water to the bottom of the cubes, place the container on a seedling heat mat (if you bother) and simply top up the liquid every other day, as necessary. Helps to use clear container, to see the water level. Simply cover the container with a disposable birthday cake cover (the ones that come from the bakery or grocery store) that will rest on top of the tupperware container. Very loose fitting, with lots of space for air flow. I cut a little 1 inch square hole in the top as well. If you have intense light, as in your veg chamber, duct tape most of the top of this cover to keep the light soft sometimes there is a label on the top when you buy the cake you can leave in place. The cuttings will wilt slightly when you start but if water level is good, then no problems, If you precut the clone leaves, they will get a bit crispy at the edges but not to worry as these leaves get trimmed after planting rooted clones. This method avoids any rot due to humidity, doesn’t require twice daily misting or anything. The heat pad is also not necessary as long as the cabinet base doesn’t get too chilly as compared to room temprature, so is optional as well. The tray will hold about 9 clones, and is easy to clean. The used perlite can be dumped right into any soil mix right away. Only things to watch are the water level and whether there is too much light. Water level should be allowed to fluctuate, as in not ‘floating’ the cubes constantly, the water wicks up through the perlite. Just top up every 2 days. Vermiculite can be used too, but I find it is more ‘mucky’ than perlite. If you find algae starting to form on the surface of the perlite, just add more opaque material (paper, duct tape etc. onto the top of your cover, as there is too much light. Clones don’t need much light, as you want to slow photosynthesis, allowing plant roots to grow. It looks sloppy but it costs almost nothing and when the temp is right I get at least a 75% success rate, but usually 100% if cuttings are treated properly. No pumps, no electricity (except optional heat pad), easy clean and no waste except for the plastic wrap on the clone cubes. When I take cuttings I mix a bit of roots liquid with the water I soak the cubes in, which is also the same water I dunk the cuttings in while prepping them. I then use this water for the first fill of the clone container. Give it a shot. I find this method easier than putting cuttings in a glass of water on the window sill.
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