Experienced Cloners, please please help.

[bingotoad]

I have 10 plants going right now, all females, and the day before i put them on a 12/12 cycle, i cut 12 clones. Im using "rootech" cloning gel. it says to dip the cutting in the gel, then plant it. but when i dip the cutting in gel, and plant it, it dies within 5 hours. What am i doing wrong?

bingotoad Reviewed by bingotoad on 12-11-2010. Experienced Cloners, please please help. I have 10 plants going right now, all females, and the day before i put them on a 12/12 cycle, i cut 12 clones. Im using "rootech" cloning gel. it says to dip the cutting in the gel, then plant it. but when i dip the cutting in gel, and plant it, it dies within 5 hours. What am i doing wrong? Rating: 5

[GreenThumbDoc]

Dies or wilts? Huge difference. I have yet to see any clone or plant die in 5 hours unless completely left out of water / cloning medium. Did you cut the stem at a 45 degree angle before applying the rooting gel? Do you have the clones under a dome for humidity? Did you cut the leaves in 1/2 so their is less surface area for respiration? You need to provide much more information and perhaps some pictures if you would like precise help.

GTD

[GaGrown]

Maybe an embolisim or not misting? I agree with Green...:thumbsup:

[gypski]

I have 10 plants going right now, all females, and the day before i put them on a 12/12 cycle, i cut 12 clones. Im using "rootech" cloning gel. it says to dip the cutting in the gel, then plant it. but when i dip the cutting in gel, and plant it, it dies within 5 hours. What am i doing wrong?

I never dip mine in the gel. I take some out and put it on aluminum foil and then I can coat the stem by rolling it around in the gel. I also use round rock wool plugs that are split so you can position your cutting without losing the gel cramming it down a hole!!! Then use twist ties or 1" rubber bands to keep the plug closed. :thumbsup:

Different strokes, for different folks.

[GreenThumbDoc]

I never dip mine in the gel. I take some out and put it on aluminum foil and then I can coat the stem by rolling it around in the gel. I also use round rock wool plugs that are split so you can position your cutting without losing the gel cramming it down a hole!!! Then use twist ties or 1" rubber bands to keep the plug closed. :thumbsup:

Different strokes, for different folks.

Or better yet, do it the old fashion (ghetto) way our grandparents did it. Take a clipping (clone) stick it in a glass of water deep enough to cover 1/2 the stem. Cut the lower leaves off so they do not sit in the water. In a couple weeks, presto magic....roots. This cloning gel / power and rockwool era is somewhat new age! :thumbsup:

[bingotoad]

They wilt, they dont die. Sorry. I just recut them on a 45 degree angle and cut the leaves in half. They are not under any cloning dome or anything.

I have an extra 100w fluorescent light that they are under. The light is about 8 inches away from the clones, but it isnt that hot.

I hope that helps, i dont know what else to do!

[Lynhal]

Or better yet, do it the old fashion (ghetto) way our grandparents did it. Take a clipping (clone) stick it in a glass of water deep enough to cover 1/2 the stem. Cut the lower leaves off so they do not sit in the water. In a couple weeks, presto magic....roots. This cloning gel / power and rockwool era is somewhat new age! :thumbsup:

:thumbsup: I agree GTD. I have cloned this way quite a few times when in a pinch and it works fantastically! Of course, you have to be a bit more patient as it takes longer but the results are the same.

[GreenThumbDoc]

They wilt, they dont die. Sorry. I just recut them on a 45 degree angle and cut the leaves in half. They are not under any cloning dome or anything.

I have an extra 100w fluorescent light that they are under. The light is about 8 inches away from the clones, but it isnt that hot.

I hope that helps, i dont know what else to do!

A humidity dome will make a HUGE difference on the droop. Within 24 hours they will perk back up if stuck in one. You can make one out of several things. Cardboard box with no top, use plastic wrap to cover it. Or, take a huge zip lock baggy, stick a clone or 2 in each one on a plate and seal it. You need to get the humidity up for the clones since they cannot respirate on their own not having roots to replace the water loss.

[WashougalWonder]

Agreed you MUST have the humidity dome. NO wonder!!! I suggest you get a seedling heater $20-30, does wonders with the closed dome, real sweatbox.

[Lynhal]

Agreed you MUST have the humidity dome. NO wonder!!! I suggest you get a seedling heater $20-30, does wonders with the closed dome, real sweatbox.

:thumbsup: Great advice. What has worked well for me in the past is my Therma Moist Heating Pad I use for my back. It has an outer cover that draws in the air's humidity and retains it. As the heating pad warms the moisture is released.