Cloning with Aeroponics

If you have a true passion for gardening, you probably aren’t content to be “one and done” – grow one plant and give up your hobby. You probably want to grow your garden and maintain it long term. To do so, you must produce more plants. The most known way to do that is to grow new plants from a seed or a bulb. But there is another way – cloning, or more specifically, cloning with aeroponics. The idea of aeroponic cloning can seem daunting to the amateur grower, but we are here to break it down for you.

What is Aeroponic Cloning?

Cloning with aeroponics is a growing method where plant cuttings are suspended, and their roots are misted or sprayed with nutrients. Instead of cultivating a seed or bulb, an aeroponic clone is part of an established plant. Cloning with aeroponics allows you to start with a proven, strong plant and replicate its strength in grow time, flavor, yield, and overall hardiness. This method produces new roots in as little as three days with entire systems formed and ready to be replanted in as few as one to two weeks.

How Do You Grow Aeroponic Clones?

The best cloning technique generally requires the following:

• A grow box or aeroponic cloning machine. You can purchase an aero cloner or make a DIY clone machine.
• Grow lights. An aero cloner requires small amounts of light.
• Water. The best water for cloning usually has a temperature between 75 °F and 85 °F. Most growers add water to their plant cloning solution.
• Nutrients. Many growers believe the best cloning solution is an aeroponic cloning solution with ¼ to ½ strength nutrients mixed with water. What else should you put in your cloner water? Some would suggest you also add rooting hormones, but others recommend cloning with just water without added aeroponic fertilizer.

What are the Best Aeroponic Plants for Cloning?

Some plants respond better to cloning with aeroponics than others. Some of the easier ones include:

• Azaleas
• Basil
• Celery
• Hydrangeas
• Lavender
• Mint
• Onion
• Peppers
• Roses
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Savory
• Tomatoes
• Thyme
• Umbrella plants

The following plants tend to be more difficult to clone:

• Plants that produce large fruit like melons
• Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets
• Single harvest plants like corn
• Shrubs and other woodsy plants
• Trees

How Does an Aeroponic Cloning Machine Work?

With their self-contained set up, aeroponic cloner machines require little effort, making cloning with aeroponics easier and increasing your success. With an aeroponic cloner machine, the top of the cutting is exposed and measured dosages of aeroponic nutrients and water are delivered by the machine with a mister or other spraying mechanism.

In many ways, cloning with aeroponics is like cloning plants with hydroponics. In fact, the concept of aeroponic cloning stems from cloning for hydroponics. With an aeroponic cloner for plants, cuttings are suspended in air to allow more oxygen flow while cloning with hydroponics constantly submerges roots in hydroponic cloning solution.

When thinking about how to use an aeroponic cloner, there are some great all-in-one options for aeroponic cloners like the EZ-Clone Low Pro 65 Cutting System-White.

You can aim for the best plant cloner money can buy, but another option is to DIY your cloner machine. Making your clone machine with a DIY method can save costs. It also allows you the opportunity to customize your DIY cloning bucket to meet your specific needs.

If you have some great plants that you want to replicate, cloning with aeroponics can be a worthwhile endeavor. At Monster Gardens, your success is our success. We can help you on your aeroponic cloning journey, with guidance on the best cloning trays, best cloning machines, and best cloning solution for aeroponics on the market. Check out our incredible products today.