Today, cannabis growers are able to replicate their plants and cultivate them in likeness of the original. Cannabis cloning is the process by which a cannabis plant is reproduced with similar characteristics. The method involves taking a cutting from the original plant and cultivating it in an environment where it can grow into a new plant.
With the cannabis industry in Canada facing exponential growth, cultivation and retail professionals are looking for methods to improve the efficiency of production. Those in the cannabis business must prioritize practices that will yield a plant with the desired potency and genetics in the quickest and most effective way possible. For those interested in working in the cannabis industry, here’s a closer look at the process of cloning cannabis.
Choosing a Mother Plant for Those in Cannabis Careers
As the cannabis industry expands, cannabis producers are seeking ways to cultivate a strong harvest with low production effort. A clone is an exact genetic replica of the “mother” plant from which they are taken. By working from a mother plant with desirable traits, producers can ensure that they yield a high-quality product.
For professionals in cannabis careers, there are a number of qualities to look for in a mother plant:
- Vigour – choose a robust plant with strong growth patterns and a healthy appearance
- Aroma – the smell of the plant is a good indication of the quality of the final product, particularly for certain strains with a distinct aroma
- Yield – professional growers tend to favour plants with a big harvest to improve production rates
- Resistance to pests – a sturdy plant with resistance to mold and other pests will have better growth potential
- At least two months old – a plant that is cut younger than this may not be mature enough to root
Professionals in cannabis careers should select the right mother plant to ensure a high-quality clone
Setting Up an Environment for Cloning
Plants are heavily dependent on their environment during their growth period, and cannabis plants are no different. Light, humidity, and temperature are all important factors in cultivating a healthy plant.
Once retrieved, cannabis cuttings should be kept in an environment with low light intensity, mild temperature, and high levels of humidity to promote successful rooting. Recommended settings include:
- Low light intensity for around 18 hours
- Humidity at 100%
- Temperature between 16 to 21 degrees Celsius
Freshly cut clones should avoid an environment with direct sunlight. Once the roots start to appear, the plant can safely receive full light exposure, and the humidity can be decreased to 80%.
Cloning requires temperature, humidity, and light controls
The Process of Transplanting Clones
Usually, clones are ready to be transplanted into the soil after 10 to 14 days. Some clones may root out faster or longer—however, it’s recommended to wait until the root is at least one or two inches long. Industry professionals should maintain a sterile environment and wear gloves when handling the transplants. When transplanting a clone, it’s important to:
- Prepare the soil in pots
- Water the soil before transporting
- Dig a hole deep enough to bury the roots
- Place the clone in the hole and carefully cover it will soil
Cloning requires professionals to maintain a sterile environment
Students with cannabis industry training will develop an understanding of indoor and outdoor cultivation techniques that are used in the production of Cannabis for the market. Courses on growing techniques include:
- Genetics and phenotyping
- Breeding and propagation
- Vegetative growth and flowering
- Harvesting and processing
Gaining a practical understanding of industry techniques can equip students to enter professions in the production, cultivation, and processing of cannabis.
Are you interested in taking cannabis industry courses?
Contact the Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences to find out more!