Top 8 Tips for Raising Cuttings and Seedlings
Raising cuttings and seedlings? It doesn't have to be hard.
Here are our top 8 tips to make propagation easy.
1. Germinate more seeds and take more cuttings than you need
Failures are inevitable when raising cuttings and seedlings. Always prepare backups to avoid disappointment. We recommend starting at least twice as many seeds or cuttings as you plan to use. This way, if a few fail, you’ll still have plenty to work with. If none fail – congratulations: you can select the strongest and healthiest plants!
Here are a couple of kits that'll give you everything you need.
2. Choose cuttings over seeds whenever possible
Seeds are unpredictable. Since their genetic make-up varies, plants grown from seeds will exhibit slightly different characteristics.
Cuttings, on the other hand, are genetic clones of their parent plant, ensuring consistent results. Always take cuttings from your best-performing plants for more reliable propagation.
It's fine to start off with seeds – we all have to get our genetic stock from somewhere!
When starting with seeds, always take cuttings from each plant before switching to the flowering cycle. Once your plants have fully flowered, you'll know which one is your top performing plant. Use the cuttings from this plant when you next propagate.
3. Transplant plants when they’ve established a strong root system
Avoid transplanting too early! Doing so can stress your plants and inhibit root development.
After using a rooting gel like Clonex, most cuttings and seedlings will have developed a sturdy root system in 10-28 days. When they look well-established and strong for their size, it's time to transplant them.
4. Keep your humidity between 75 and 85% RH
Cuttings and seedlings thrive in humid environments. Close the vents on your propagator to raise the humidity; this reduces water loss through the leaves, allowing your plants to focus energy on root growth.
For best results, maintain humidity levels between 75% and 85% relative humidity.
5. Keep your temperature between 21oC and 26oC
Temperature control is critical when raising cuttings and seedlings. The ideal temperature is around 24°C, but anywhere between 21°C and 26°C will work.
Consider using a heated propagator to keep temperatures stable. Vitopod propagators are particularly effective, evenly distributing heat across the base, eliminating cold or hot patches. This provides an optimal environment for root growth.
6. Use propagation lights
Low-intensity LED propagation lights, T5 fixtures or 125W CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) are perfect for raising cuttings and seedlings. They’re energy-efficient, produce minimal heat, and provide the ideal light spectrum for early plant growth.
7. Use a Root Booster
Get your roots right and you'll have healthier plants, bigger yields and faster growth. Using a quality root booster will stimulate root initiation, promote branching, and increase root mass. This leads to a more complex root network with more secondary roots.
Our top recommendation is Katana Roots, known for accelerating root growth and improving overall plant health.
8. Use a Propagation Grow Tent
Propagation grow tents provide a controlled environment for your seedlings and cuttings. They’re compact, making them perfect for small spaces, and their reflective interiors maximize the effect of your propagation lights.
We recommend BAY6 propagation tents, which can be used standing up or lying flat, depending on your setup.
