Cloning cannabis plants is a proven method of preserving valuable genetics and achieving consistent yields. While cloning works well with photoperiod strains, the question is: can autoflower cannabis plants be cloned? Autoflowers flower independently of the light cycle and have a shorter life cycle, making cloning a challenge. In this article you will find out if and how cloning autoflowers is possible, what the advantages and disadvantages are and what alternatives you can use to get the best out of your autoflower genetics.
What makes autoflower cannabis plants so special?
Autoflowering cannabis plants are unique in that they flower independently of light cycles. Thanks to their Cannabis ruderalis genetics, they start flowering just 2-4 weeks after germination and are ready to harvest in just 8-12 weeks. These characteristics make them ideal for quick harvests and discreet growing spaces.
Important characteristics of autoflower plants:
- Automatic flowering: flowering without changing the light.
- Short life cycle: quick harvests in 8-12 weeks.
- Compact size: Ideal for small cultivation areas.
These characteristics make autoflowers popular with growers, but make cloning more difficult.
Can autoflower cannabis plants be cloned?
Yes, it is technically possible to clone autoflower cannabis plants, but there are limitations. An autoflower clone adopts the ageing and flowering cycle of the mother plant. This means that the clone will flower at the same time as the mother plant, regardless of its size or development.
Challenges when cloning autoflowers
Cloning autoflowers is associated with a number of challenges:
- Limited growing time: Clones have little time to develop before they flower.
- Lower yield: Rapid flowering leads to smaller plants and lower yields.
- Same life cycle: Clones take on the age of the mother plant, which restricts growth.
Advantages and disadvantages of cloning autoflowers
Advantages:
- Preserving genetics: Valuable characteristics are retained.
- Rapid propagation: Ideal for experimental purposes.
Disadvantages:
- Lower yield: clones produce fewer buds.
- High outlay: The return often does not justify the outlay.
Tips for cloning autoflowers
If you want to clone autoflower plants, follow these tips:
- Take clones early: Ideally within the first two weeks after germination.
- Use rooting hormones: Accelerate the rooting process.
- Create optimal conditions: Warm, humid surroundings and mild light promote growth.
- Use small pots: Concentrate on the flower instead of the root system.
Alternatives to cloning Autoflowers
For most growers, alternatives are more effective:
- Breeding with regular seeds: Long-term solution by crossing male and female plants.
- High-quality autoflower seeds: Stable genetics from trustworthy breeders.
- Sea of Green (SOG) method: maximizing the yield through many small plants.
Conclusion
Cloning autoflower cannabis plants is possible, but often not effective. Due to the short life cycle and limited growing time, most growers achieve better results by growing new seeds or alternative methods such as the SOG technique. If you still want to clone, make sure you have optimal conditions and be aware that the effort often does not justify the yield.
Source: https://2fast4buds.com/news/Can-I-Make-Clones-from-Autoflowering-Plants