Mother plant

Hi guys, I would like to know if you guys recomend to top a mother plant? My plant is looking good and is 15 inches tall and I want to start some cloning! Another question is, if it's ok to top the plant, should I cut on the very top node, or I could cut on the one bellow, which would be my favorite because it could keep the plant a little smaller, it's because my closet it's not very big!

Thanks

Im running my first mother too... Waiting to see the answers that follow

Its best to take the healthiest part (the tops) for clones. But you could take from the bottom as well. 5 nodes high and shes ready to top

I was taught to clone from cuttings nearer the bottom of the plant as there is supposedly a higher concentration of hormones there. I've never had a problem following that guideline and have always gotten good roots within 7-14 days. Goodluck!

Personally I always think tops are more difficult to clone than lower branches. If your mother I'd getting too tall then there's no problem in topping them.

First, make sure mom is at least 5 weeks old before cutting on her. Reason is that you can use any cuttings as clones if mom is old enough. Clones taken before mom is 5 weeks old are much less likely to root.

When mom is old enough cut the main stem to remove the top bud and 5-6 inches of stem. You want to cut below the next highest node. This will help rooting too. The top cola will be your first clone and help keep the plant shorter. Also, after topping you will have 2 main stems, that doubles the number of primo clone candidates when they grow out.

Good luck, BigSteve.

Should the clone be placed directly into moist rockwool? or is clonex necessary?

I cut the shit out of my moms all the time to keep them short and to keep the young, fresh growth coming. The chutes we use to clone with are newer growth and should root from anywhere. Some of the thicker stems will be trickier to get to root, but they will if you give them time.

I use peet pucks and the gel. When cutting clones, make sure you put them directly into water so they don't have an aneurysm while you are waiting to gel and puck them.

"Should the clone be placed directly into moist rockwool? or is clonex necessary?"

I prefer the 2-inch jiffy pellets to rockwool. Reason is that over-watering the clones is one of the biggest killers and it is easier to monitor wetness with the jiffy pellets.

I use a cloning gel myself. I've used cloning powders and found they tend to dry hard on the tip and actually prevent rooting. See my new post about making your own cloning gel.

Good luck, BigSteve.

Mad_Prophessor said:

I cut the shit out of my moms all the time to keep them short and to keep the young, fresh growth coming. The chutes we use to clone with are newer growth and should root from anywhere. Some of the thicker stems will be trickier to get to root, but they will if you give them time.

I use peet pucks and the gel. When cutting clones, make sure you put them directly into water so they don't have an aneurysm while you are waiting to gel and puck them.

Click to expand...

This...... Top a mother plant often. Keeps her short and bushy with plenty of fresh growth for cuttings.

Thanks for the advice guys, the roots started to show on the clones.

For a mother plant it is better to FIM the top instead of topping. Topping will (almost) always result in 2 main colas instead of one. Do a proper FIM job and you will get 4 main colas. Make sure mom is at least 5 weeks in dirt before topping or FIMing. Younger than that will significantly cut down the chances of rooting. Also, removing the crown via topping or FIMing will encourage the plant to grow bushier. Bushier clone moms have more growing points that become clone sites.

Good luck, BigSteve.

This is a purpose built mother. I will be chopping the top 4"+ of this girl within the next week. Depending on the clone need, it may just be a chop and toss situation.