There are two different ways to propagate your indoor grow: by using clones from cuttings or sprouts from seedlings. Each method comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this piece, we will be discussing both methods of producing new plants at home.

Let’s begin with seed germination, also known as seed popping. Although there are various ways to germinate seeds, we will talk about the paper towel method in this article.

What is needed: Paper towel, a flat container, distilled water, and the seeds to germinate.

Procedures

– Place the seeds in a glass of distilled water and keep them in a very dark room.

– Cut a piece of paper towel and wet it with warm water.

– Lay the wet paper towel on a plate and place the seeds on one half of the towel. Make sure to leave a bit of space between the seeds.

– Fold the remaining half of the paper towel over the seeds.

– Add a drop of warm water to each seed and wrap the plate to maintain its moisture.

– Keep it a dark place within a temperature of 21 to 29 0 C.

Transplanting your germinated Seeds

Once your seeds pop up, place them in a starter cell tray to allow them to develop into seedlings. Use a toothpick to dig a small hole in the cells for your seeds. To transplant, the seeds, gently grab them and lower the root into the hole. Place the cells in a propagation tray once the root is inside the hole. Add one cup of water to keep the seeds moist and cover the tray. Place the whole setup on a heat mat under bright grow light.

Caring for your young plants

When your seeds begin to sprout, you will want to get them under lights so that they can grow into seedlings. Although some people like to put the plants directly in their growth medium, it is better first to light your young plants using a low-powered light, such as 50w LED grow lights or fluorescent grow lights.

Once the seeds start vegging, you will have to take them out of their cells and plant them into the medium where they will grow.

Cloning

This is the process of producing a new plant with the same genetic makeup as the parent plant. To clone a plant, you will cut a leaf from the original plant to expose the callus (a group of non-specialized at the cutting end) and place it in a root stimulator. The callus will quickly divide and develop into specialized cells, i.e., stems, roots, etc., forming a new plant. 

Removing cuttings from plants

Cut off the leaves and immediately transfer them into a cup of water to stop air from reaching the mass of the stems. Take a starter tray and add water to moisten the cells. Then dip the cuttings into a cloning gel and coat it. Place the clones in the moist tray you have already prepared.

Growing clones

Cuttings require more humidity than seedlings, so you will need to cover your clones with a humidity dome to ensure they get enough water from their roots. Check the dome every day for signs of mildew or mould and remove the infected plants if there are any.

Open the vents on the humidity dome halfway to reduce the moisture in the dome and dry out the environment. After about 7 days, open the vents completely and add water to the tray to keep things moist. Roots will begin to show on the bottom of the tray within 7 to 8 days.

So, should you start from clones or from seeds?

Well, both propagation methods have their advantages and disadvantages. But there are some reasons why you may prefer one to the other. Cloning is the better option if the plants have desirable traits you want to replicate in the new ones, such as fast growth, immunity to pests, resistance to diseases, etc. However, seedlings are the way to go if you are planning to introduce new traits into your garden.

For details about indoor grow equipment & kits, check out our online collection. If you are not sure what you need? Give Hippie Grow Shop a call at 905-435-5845 today.