Cutting cannabis clones is one of the easiest ways to reliably multiply a strain. Instead of growing new plants from seeds, you take a healthy shoot from a strong mother plant and get it to grow its own roots. This saves time, gives you consistent results, and is super handy if you want to keep that exact genetics. For this to work, three things matter most: clean tools, the right shoot, and a setup that gives your cutting enough moisture and peace in the first few days.
A cutting doesn’t have any roots in the first few days. So it can’t just pull water from the substrate and really depends on the right conditions. If the air is too dry, the light too strong, or you take too long when cutting, it’ll quickly droop its leaves. That’s not automatically a problem, but it’s a good sign: with a bit of prep, the whole thing works way more reliably. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.
When to take cannabis cuttings
It’s easiest when the mother plant is healthy and growing strong. Ideal are shoots that already look sturdy but aren’t hard and woody yet. If you notice the stem feels “juicy” and flexible when you touch it, you’re usually good to go. Sickly plants, fresh nutrient stress, or pest problems aren’t a good starting point, since the cutting will pick that up right away.
What to prep before cutting
Before you cut your first shoot, get everything within reach so you’re not scrambling later: a really sharp, clean knife or fine scissors, something to disinfect, a glass of water for the in-between step, and your medium where the cutting will go at the end—like rockwool, a Jiffy, or a small seedling substrate that’s already slightly damp. If you’re using a dome or mini greenhouse, set it up right there, since high humidity is often the most important success factor in the first days. If you’re still looking for seeds or cuttings, you’ll find a selection at Guardians of Genetics.
Step by step: How to cut cannabis clones right
Once the mother plant is healthy and everything’s prepped, you can start cutting. It’s important to work calmly and quickly so the shoot doesn’t dry out. With this step-by-step guide, you’ve got a clear routine that works well in practice.
1. Pick a suitable shoot
Choose a strong side shoot with several pairs of leaves that’s neither too soft nor already woody. The shoot should look healthy, have no spots or damage, and ideally be about 8 to 12 centimeters long. Very young, thin shoots often root worse, while woody ones take longer.
2. Make the cut right
Cut the shoot at an angle just below a leaf node. An angled cut increases the surface area and makes it easier for the cutting to take up water. Always use sharp, clean scissors or a knife to avoid crushing the stem.
3. Prep the leaves
Remove the lower pairs of leaves completely so they don’t end up in the substrate or water later. If needed, trim larger upper leaves a bit. This reduces evaporation and takes some stress off the cutting in the first days without roots.
4. Briefly water the cutting
Put the freshly cut shoot straight into a glass of clean water. This keeps air from getting into the stem. From there, you can move it right into your prepared medium without losing time.
5. Place in rooting medium
Carefully put the cutting into your prepared medium, like rockwool, a Jiffy, or a lightly damp seedling substrate. Make sure the shoot stands firmly and the cut end has good contact with the medium.
6. Keep humidity high
Fresh cuttings need high humidity in the first days since they can’t take up water through roots yet. A mini greenhouse or clear dome helps keep the moisture steady. Air it out briefly every day to prevent mold.
7. Light and location
Put the cuttings in a bright spot without direct, strong light. Too much light or heat stresses the young shoots for no reason. Moderate lighting and comfortable temperatures are totally enough until roots start to form.
Instead of clones, you can of course also grow cannabis from seeds. In our shop you’ll find suitable strains like White Widow Autoflower, Gelato Autoflower or Lemon OG Autoflower. Which method is better for you depends on whether you want to clone existing plants or start fresh from scratch.
The first days after cutting
The first days decide whether a cutting roots well or dies off. Since there are no roots yet, the shoot mainly takes up water through its leaves. High humidity is key, while the medium shouldn’t be waterlogged. Keep the substrate slightly moist but not wet, and air out the dome once or twice a day to prevent mold. Patience is important here: not much seems to happen at first, and that’s totally normal.
How long do cannabis cuttings take to root?
How fast roots form really depends on the conditions. In a stable environment with steady humidity, moderate temps, and gentle light, most cuttings show first roots after about 7 to 14 days. Some take a bit longer, especially if the environment fluctuates or the shoot is naturally slower. The main thing is not to keep pulling on the cutting or moving it around during this phase. As soon as you feel a bit of resistance or see new leaf tips, that’s usually a good sign that a root system has formed.
Common mistakes when taking cuttings
Most problems don’t happen during cutting itself, but from little slip-ups around it. Common mistakes are dull or dirty tools, too much leaf surface causing high evaporation, or a medium that’s always too wet. Too much light or big temperature swings also stress fresh cuttings for no reason. If you work calmly, keep things clean, and keep conditions steady in the first days, you’ll avoid most losses automatically.
Cuttings or seeds – which is better?
Whether cuttings or seeds are the better choice really depends on what you want. Cuttings are genetically identical to the mother plant and give you super consistent results. They’re great if you want to keep working with a proven strain. Seeds, on the other hand, offer more variety and are often the starting point if you don’t have a mother plant yet. Both methods have their place—what matters is picking the one that fits your setup, your timeline, and your experience.
