Rooting cuttings: a comparison of different methods

Successful rooting of cuttings is crucial for uniform cannabis stocks:

**Rooting in water:**

*Water method setup:*

- Distilled or filtered water

- set pH to 6.0

- Air stone for oxygen supply

- Use transparent containers

- Change water daily

*Advantages of water rooting:*

- Easiest method

- Root development visible

- Inexpensive

- Little equipment required

- Good for beginners

*Disadvantages of water rooting:*

- Longer rooting time

- Sensitive water roots

- Transplant shock

- Algae growth possible

- Limited nutrient control

**Substrate rooting:**

*Rockwool rooting:*

- pre-treat to pH 5.5

- Keep slightly moist

- Sterile conditions

- Fast rooting

- Easy transplantation

*Coco-Perlite Mix:*

- 70% coco, 30% perlite

- Good drainage

- Natural medium

- More fungus-resistant than soil

- Reusable

*Potting compost:*

- Low nutrient mixture

- Organic medium

- Natural micro-organisms

- Gentle rooting

- Direct transplantation possible

**Aeroponic rooting:**

*Aero system setup:*

- Mesh pots with neoprene discs

- Spray nozzles for rooting zone

- Timer for watering cycles

- Air pump for oxygen

- Lightproof chamber

*Aeroponic advantages:*

- Fastest rooting (5-10 days)

- Very high success rate

- Optimum oxygen supply

- Precise nutrient control

- Professional results

*Aeroponic disadvantages:*

- Higher complexity

- Equipment intensive

- Power supply critical

- Clogging risk

- Maintenance effort

**Rooting hormone use:**

*Types of rooting hormones:*

- Powder (easy application)

- Gel (better adhesion)

- Liquid (precise dosing)

- Organic alternatives

- Homemade willow extracts

*Hormone application:*

- Dip the end of the cutting

- Shake off excess

- Do not overdose

- Coat evenly

- Place in medium immediately

**Optimal rooting conditions:**

*Temperature:*

- Air temperature: 20-25°C

- Rooting zone: 22-24°C

- Heating mat under propagator

- Constant temperatures

- Temperature monitoring

*Humidity:*

- 80-90% RH optimal

- Use propagation dome

- Gradually reduce after rooting

- Ventilation for air exchange

- Mould prevention

*Lighting:*

- Low to moderate light

- CFL or LED at a distance of 20-30cm

- 18-24 hours daily

- Not too intense (stress)

- Gradually increase

**Prepare cuttings:**

*Cutting technique:*

- 45° angle under water

- Sharp, sterile blade

- 10-15cm length optimal

- leave 4-6 pairs of leaves

- Remove lower leaves

*Post-treatment:*

- Cut large leaves in half

- Place in water immediately

- Avoid air bubbles

- Apply rooting hormone

- Place quickly in medium

**Timing and monitoring:**

*Rooting time frame:*

- Water: 10-14 days

- Substrate: 7-12 days

- Aeroponic: 5-10 days

- Strain-dependent variation

- Environmental factors influence

*Success indicators:*

- New leaf growth

- Upright posture

- Visibility