Great harvests begin at propagation. Whether you’re germinating new phenos or cloning elite mothers, dialing in environment, media prep, and workflow turns fragile starts into vigorous plants. This practical guide pairs proven methods with FloraFlex® tools designed for the first 10–14 days.
Seeds vs. clones: choose for goals, not habit
Seeds offer genetic exploration and vigor; clones deliver uniformity and speed to canopy. Large facilities often lean on clones to standardize yields and timing, while home and craft growers mix both: seeds for discovery, clones for reliability. A small, well-managed mother room plus a consistent cutting routine is the backbone of repeatable production.
If you’re new to cloning, this walkthrough is a great starting point: How to Grow: Cloning with Incubator Plugs.
Environment first: temperature, humidity, and gentle light
New cuttings and seedlings thrive with warm air, elevated humidity, and soft, even lighting. Aim for the mid-70s to low-80s °F (23–28 °C) with higher humidity during the unrooted stage, steady but gentle airflow, and a clean, dust-free surface. As roots develop, gradually increase airflow and light intensity.
Hardware that helps: a purpose-built dome and tray stabilize the micro-climate, while a dedicated low-watt LED keeps light uniform without stress. Try the all-in-one FloraFlex Deluxe Kit, or pair the Incubator™ Dome with 50-cell inserts, and light with the 18 W Incubator LED Clone Light.
Media prep & water quality: start clean, stay consistent
If you use stone-wool plugs, pre-soak to bring pH into range (commonly ~5.5–5.8) with a mild starter solution so young tissue has balanced availability from day one. Keep plugs moist—not saturated—to preserve oxygen in the root zone. Foam or coco-based propagation plugs also benefit from uniform pre-wetting and a level tray so every cell hydrates the same.
Prefer a simplified workflow? The Incubator™ system integrates clean handling and predictable moisture (see: FloraFlex cloning guide).
Rooting hormones: use, don’t overuse
Auxins such as IBA and NAA can improve strike rates and uniformity, but more isn’t always better. Apply at label rates, keep cuts fresh and hydrated, and remember that environment drives most of the outcome. Good sanitation and steady conditions outperform heavy dosing.
Light for seedlings & unrooted cuts
Start with low-to-moderate PPFD to minimize stress while callus and first roots form; increase intensity as you see new growth and white roots. A compact, dedicated bar or strip light suits this phase well. The Incubator 18 W Clone Light daisy-chains neatly over 50-cell trays for even coverage.
Sanitation, oxygen & moisture management
Clean tools and surfaces, plus oxygenated—not waterlogged—plugs are quiet levers of success. Sterilize blades before cutting, keep benches tidy, and avoid standing runoff. If you run domes, crack vents gradually as turgor returns to refresh the air and discourage pathogens. Between cycles, a system rinse helps you start clean. A simple kit—a labeled sprayer and a line-safe cleaner—goes a long way: 1.5 L FloraSprayer.
A smooth 10–14-day blueprint (narrative)
Day 0: Prep media (pre-soak and pH), sanitize tools, and take cuts from vigorous mothers. Apply rooting hormone as directed, insert into evenly wet plugs, place under a dome on a flat tray. Lights low, temps mid-70s to low-80s °F, high humidity with gentle exchange.
Days 2–4: Keep plugs moist, not soggy. Begin micro-venting the dome to refresh air; watch for turgor recovery and early callus.
Days 5–8: Increase airflow slightly; raise light a touch. Expect first roots on many cultivars. Stay with mild solution—stability beats strength.
Days 9–14: Harden off in stages (more venting, incremental light), then transplant once roots are white and branching. At transplant, move toward your vegetative irrigation rhythm.
Where FloraFlex fits (light touch)
Micro-climate & handling: Incubator Deluxe Kit, Incubator™ Dome, 50-cell inserts.
Early-stage lighting: Incubator 18 W Clone Light.
Spraying & hygiene: 1.5 L FloraSprayer.
