If you’re looking to grow your own cannabis at home, starting with clones gives you a strong genetic foundation and a head start on the process. But bringing a young plant into your space requires the right care and attention to help it thrive.

That’s where we come in! Dan and Brandi from our very own cultivation team are here to share their tried and true tips for caring for your clones at home. Let’s dig in!

 

Getting Your Clones Settled In

Bringing home a new cannabis clone is an exciting step in your growing journey, but before you start dreaming about lush, thriving plants, it’s important to give your clone time to adjust to its new environment.

Your clone has just gone through a big transition, and sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or light exposure can cause stress. Give it about a week to settle into its new home before making any major adjustments. During this time, keep it in a warm, stable environment with plenty of indirect light.

If you get your clone through our Clone Program, it comes home in a biodegradable Jiffy Pot—a small, environmentally-friendly container. This means you don’t need to rush to transplant it into a bigger container when you bring it home.

This little pot is designed to naturally break down over time, allowing roots to grow through it as the plant establishes itself. When the time comes to repot, you can plant the Jiffy Pot directly into the soil. No stress for you or your plant!

When it comes to watering, you want to keep the soil moist but not oversaturated. Too much water can drown the roots, while too little can dry them out. A good rule of thumb is to check the top layer of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time for a drink. Aim for a pH of 5.8 to keep your clone happy and encourage optimal nutrient absorption.

 

Understanding Light Requirements

Light is the lifeblood of your cannabis clone. Without the right amount and the right type, your plant won’t get the energy it needs to grow strong, healthy, and ready for its next stages.

Your clone is in its early vegetative stage, which means it needs 18 hours of light per day to stay in its growth phase. A good target for light intensity is 500 PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) to make sure your plants are getting energy without getting stressed.

Our tip: Keeping your clone on this 18/6 schedule (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness) will help it develop strong roots and lush foliage.

The type of light you choose can make a big difference in your plant’s growth. Here are some of the most common options:

  • LED Grow Lights: Energy-efficient and customizable, LEDs allow you to fine-tune the spectrum for optimal plant health.
  • Fluorescent Lights (T5 or CFL): A solid budget-friendly choice for clones and seedlings, fluorescent lights provide gentle, even coverage without overwhelming young plants.
  • Natural Light: If you’re growing outdoors or in a greenhouse, your clones will benefit from the full spectrum of the sun, but be sure they’re not exposed to extreme temperatures or inconsistent light cycles.

 

As your clone matures, its light needs will change. The vegetative stage still requires 18 hours of light, but as your plant prepares to flower, you’ll need to adjust to a 12/12 light cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness) at 75-78°F with 60-65% humidity to trigger bud production. Light intensity also increases as the plant gets bigger, around 900-1500 umol of light, so upgrading to higher PPFD levels or adjusting light placement can help maximize growth.

 

Where Should You Grow?

Choosing where to grow your cannabis depends on your goals, space, and how much control you want over the environment.

Each setup has its advantages:

  • Indoor: Ideal for high-THC cannabis, offering full control over light, temperature, and humidity. It ensures consistent quality and year-round growing but requires more equipment and higher electricity costs.
  • Outdoor: Best for large-scale hemp cultivation, using natural sunlight for strong, resilient plants. It’s cost-effective but dependent on weather and has a higher risk of pests.
  • Hybrid Greenhouse: A balance between the two, using natural sunlight with added climate control to enhance terpene production while reducing energy costs. It requires an upfront investment but offers sustainability and quality.

 

Each method has its strengths, so choose based on your goals. However, they also have their drawbacks. If you’re still unsure, a member of Green Meadows’ team will be happy to help answer any questions.

 

Feeding and Nutrient Guidelines

Your clone’s nutrient needs will change as it grows, so knowing when and how to feed it is key.

Here’s a simple breakdown to keep your plant thriving at every stage:

  • First Week: No extra nutrients needed. Your soil has everything your clone needs to get started. Just focus on keeping it moist (but not soaked).
  • Seedling Stage: Once your plant starts developing, introduce a light feeding with a 1-1-1 balanced formula to provide gentle, all-around nutrition.
  • Vegetative Stage: Your plant will need more nitrogen to support leafy growth. Look for a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio like 12-6-6 to encourage strong stems and lush foliage.
  • Flowering Stage: As your plant shifts focus to bud production, it’ll need more potassium and less nitrogen to promote resinous, dense flowers. A 5-7-10 formula works well during this stage.

 

Choosing the Right Growing Medium

The medium you grow in affects everything from nutrient absorption to flavor. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

 

Soil/Compost

A classic choice that enhances flavor and terpene preservation. It’s more forgiving for beginners and provides a natural, nutrient-rich environment.

 

Coco/Perlite Mix

A blend that offers the benefits of hydroponics with the ease of soil. It provides good drainage and aeration but requires close monitoring of pH and feeding.

 

Rockwool & Hydroponics

High-yield potential with rapid growth, but it demands precise nutrient and water management to keep plants healthy.

 

No Medium (Aeroponics)

Roots grow suspended in air, absorbing nutrients from a fine mist. While cutting-edge and efficient, aeroponics requires specialized equipment and experience.

 

When to Switch from the Vegetative to Flowering State

Timing the switch from vegetative growth to flowering is crucial for a successful harvest. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • The 60-Day Rule: Let your plant stay in veg for about 60 days to allow strong root development and energy storage before transitioning to flowering.
  • Pot Size Matters: A general guideline is 1 gallon of pot size = 1 week of vegetative growth (e.g., a 10-gallon pot means around 10 weeks in veg).
  • Avoiding Root-Bound Issues: Keeping a plant in veg for too long in a small pot can lead to root binding, which stunts growth and reduces yield. Transplanting to a larger container when needed ensures healthier development.

 

Switching to a 12-hour light cycle (12 hours on, 12 hours off) will trigger the flowering stage, where your plant shifts its energy to bud production. With the right timing, you’ll set yourself up for success!

 

Start Growing with Confidence with Green Meadows’ Clone Program!

Growing cannabis clones at home is a rewarding experience, and with the right care, your plants will thrive from the moment they take root. By following these tips from Dan and Brandi, giving your clone time to acclimate, providing the right light and nutrients, and choosing the best growing setup, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, fruitful harvest.

Ready to put your green thumb to the test? Green Meadows’ Clone Program gives you access to high-quality, carefully selected clones so you can start your grow with confidence. Our Clone Days are on the 2nd Saturday of every month in Southbridge and the 4th Saturday of every month in Fitchburg. Contact us today to learn more and bring home your first (or next!) clone. Happy growing!