How to make cannabis clones step by step

Cannabis clones are one of the most efficient and reliable ways to grow cannabis plants with genetic characteristics identical to a selected mother plant. If you are looking for stability in production, consistent quality in cannabis buds, and savings on seeds, learning how to clone is an essential step.

In this beginner’s guide, we explain what clones are, how to make them correctly, and which varieties are ideal for cloning.

What are cannabis clones?

Cannabis clones are cuttings taken from a healthy mother plant in the vegetative phase which, after developing roots, become plants that are genetically identical to the original.

This means that:

• They maintain the same cannabinoid profile.
• They produce the same cannabis buds.
• They retain the same flavor, aroma, and structure.
• They have the same flowering time.

Cloning is especially useful when you find an exceptional plant from photo-dependent seeds and want to preserve that genetics.

Important: Autoflowering seeds are not recommended for cloning, as their biological clock does not reset and the clone will flower prematurely.

Advantages of growing cannabis cuttings

• Homogeneity in cultivation
• Savings on seeds
• Uniform production of cannabis buds
• Total control over genetics
• Shorter growth time

If your goal is stable, professional production, clones are an essential tool.

How to make cannabis clones step by step

1. Select a suitable mother plant

It should be:

• In the vegetative phase
• Healthy and free of pests
• Well nourished
• From quality photoperiod seeds

A strong mother plant guarantees strong clones.

2. Prepare the necessary materials

• Sterilized scissors or scalpel
• Rooting gel or hormone
• Jiffys, rock wool, or light substrate
• Mini greenhouse or propagator
• Water spray bottle
• Soft light (18 hours on/6 hours off)

3. Make the cut correctly

• Cut a 10–15 cm side branch.
• Make the cut diagonally (45°).
• Remove the lower leaves.
• Reduce the size of large leaves by half.

This reduces transpiration and improves rooting.

4. Apply rooting hormone

Dip the stem in rooting gel and immediately place it in the moist substrate.

5. Control humidity and temperature

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: 22–26 °C
• Humidity: 70–90%
• Soft light, never intense

Roots will begin to develop in 7–14 days.

6. Transplant and grow

Once the root system is formed, transplant to the final pot and continue the vegetative cycle until flowering is induced. In this phase, the clone will grow exactly like the mother plant, producing the same cannabis buds.

Can autoflowering seeds be cloned?

It is not recommended to clone autoflowering seeds because:

• They do not depend on the photoperiod.
• They have a limited life cycle.
• The clone will inherit the age of the mother.

On the other hand, photo-dependent seeds do allow you to maintain a mother plant for years.

Buddha Seeds varieties recommended for cloning

Although Buddha Seeds is especially renowned for its autoflowering strains, it also offers photo-dependent genetics that are ideal for mothers and clones.

Buddha Critical

• High yield
• Fast flowering
• Dense, resinous buds
• Excellent genetic stability

Ideal for commercial cultivation with cannabis clones.

Buddha Amnesia

• Intense aromatic profile
• High yield
• Very stable genetics
• Excellent indoor performance

Highly recommended for selecting a potent mother plant.

Dosi2 (photoperiod)

• Powerful and balanced hybrid
• Excellent resin production
• Compact structure ideal for indoor growing
• Stable genetics perfect for selecting mother plants

Dosi2 is a very interesting variety for working with cannabis cuttings, as it maintains uniformity in growth and offers dense, aromatic, high-quality cannabis buds. Its genetic stability allows you to keep a mother plant for long periods and replicate crops with consistent results.

Professional tips to improve your cannabis clones

• Always keep a mother plant in continuous growth.
• Do not clone plants in advanced flowering.
• Use dechlorinated water.
• Always disinfect tools.
• Label each clone if you are working with several genetics.

How to grow cannabis from cuttings

Growing from cannabis clones is easier and more predictable than growing from seeds, as you are working with stable, pre-selected genetics. However, to obtain maximum yield and high-quality cannabis buds, it is important to follow a series of key steps.

Correct transplanting of the rooted clone

Once the cannabis clones have developed a strong root system (visible white roots), it is time to transplant them into their final pot.

Recommendations:

• Use an aerated substrate rich in organic matter.
• Avoid strong fertilizers in the first few days.
• Water lightly so as not to saturate the young roots.
• Keep the light soft for the first 48 hours.

A good start will make all the difference in vegetative development.

Vegetative growth phase

Unlike autoflowering seeds, clones from photo-dependent seeds allow you to fully control the vegetative phase.

Ideal conditions:

• 18 hours of light / 6 hours of darkness.
• Temperature between 22–28 °C.
• Humidity 60–70%.
• Progressive growth fertilizer.

During this phase, the clone will develop structure, branching, and vigor. Since you know its genetics, you will know exactly how the plant will behave.

Height control and pruning

Cannabis cuttings usually grow uniformly. To maximize cannabis bud production, you can apply:

• Apical pruning.
• LST (Low Stress Training) technique.
• SCROG if you are growing indoors.

This optimizes light penetration and improves yield per square meter.

Flowering induction

When the clone has reached the desired size, change the photoperiod to:

• 12 hours light / 12 hours dark.

At this point, flowering will begin and cannabis buds identical to those of the mother plant will develop.

The great advantage of growing cannabis cuttings is that:

• You know the exact flowering time.
• You know the estimated yield.
• You maintain the same cannabinoid profile.

Nutrition during flowering

During flowering:

• Reduce nitrogen.
• Increase phosphorus and potassium.
• Control humidity (40–50%) to prevent mold.

When working with clones, the crop is more uniform, which makes it easier to plan fertilization and harvesting.

Harvesting and drying

The ideal time to harvest will depend on the condition of the trichomes. When growing from cannabis clones, maturation is usually uniform, facilitating a more efficient harvest.

After harvesting:

• Dry in a dark place.
• Temperature 18–21 °C.
• Humidity 50–60%.
• Minimum curing time 3–4 weeks.

Advantages of growing cannabis clones over seeds

• Uniform production of cannabis buds.
• Faster cycle.
• Elimination of male plants.
• Total control over genetics.
• Ideal for professional or commercial cultivation.

While autoflowering seeds are practical for fast crops, and photo-dependent seeds allow for genetic selection, clones offer stability and absolute repeatability.

Frequently asked questions about cannabis clones

How long do cannabis clones take to root?

Between 7 and 14 days in optimal conditions.

How many times can I clone a mother plant?

Indefinitely, as long as it is healthy and in the vegetative phase.

Do clones produce the same cannabis buds?

Yes, if the growing conditions are similar.

Do freshly cut cuttings need fertilizer?

Not until they develop roots.

Can clones be made outdoors?

Yes, but environmental control is less than indoors.

Conclusion

Learning how to make cannabis clones is a key technique for any grower seeking stability, savings, and consistent quality in their cannabis buds.

If you work with photoperiod-dependent seeds, you can maintain elite genetics for years. Autoflowering seeds, on the other hand, are better for fast cycles without cloning.

Mastering this technique will allow you to take your cultivation to the next level.