How to Clone Cannabis in Water: The Easiest Method To Produce Multiple Plants

Have you seen the sci-fi classic The Island, where identical clones are created for various purposes, each a perfect genetic copy? Now, picture something similar but in the world of cannabis — that's cloning cannabis. 

Sure, this may not be about preserving humans, but it does let you keep all the best qualities of an awesome cannabis plant without waiting for seeds to sprout! Whether it's the potency, flavor, or bud size, cloning is the easiest way to bring a beloved strain back to life — with just a few simple tools. Here's how you can do it at home.

What is Cloning?

So, what's cloning in the cannabis world? In short, cloning means creating a plant that's a genetic replica of another, known as the mother plant. It's a type of growing where you take a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and give it a new life in soil, water, or another rooting medium. 

This little clone will carry over the mother plant's traits, from yield potential to potency, making it a popular choice among growers. But why do growers opt to clone rather than plant seeds?

Because when you find a plant that has everything you want — maybe it has big, frosty buds or super high THC levels — cloning lets you duplicate those traits instead of gambling with a fresh batch of seeds. And here's a bonus: clones are always female, so there's no worrying about unexpected males popping up later.

While a clone won't be an exact copy of the mother plant, it's close enough. If you provide similar growing conditions, you can generally expect comparable yields and potency, as the clone will have a near-identical genetic profile, including cannabinoids and terpenes. However, minor variations can happen, so don't be surprised if the effects differ slightly.

Why Should You Clone Cannabis?

When it comes to growing cannabis, cloning is an excellent choice for a lot of seasoned cultivators — and there are plenty of reasons for that! Here's what makes cloning such a fan favorite:

1. Consistency

Cloning guarantees reliable results since clones inherit the genetic traits of the mother plant. If the original plant was a superstar, its clones will be too!

2. No Seedling Stage

Clones skip right past the seedling stage, jumping straight into growing mode. You don't need to wait for seeds to sprout, so you'll see faster growth from the start.

3. Preserve All the Best Qualities

Found a plant with amazing potency or a killer flavor? Cloning keeps those traits alive, letting you replicate those qualities in future harvests without any surprises.

4. Budget-Friendly Option

Seeds can get pricey — and not every seed is a winner. With clones, you get to save money and skip the guesswork, knowing exactly what you'll get.

5. Easy Enough for Beginners

Cloning might sound difficult, but it's actually super easy — even for beginners. You don't need a science lab to pull it off!

6. Built-in Resilience

Clones come from mature, established mother plants, which means they're already a bit tougher when it comes to handling environmental changes.

Why Should You Clone Cannabis Plants in Water?

Cloning your cannabis in water is an easy, inexpensive, and beginner-friendly method that allows growers to replicate their plants. If you want to preserve desirable traits like potency, flavor, or growth characteristics this is an excellent way to do so. Water cloning gives clones a calm setting to grow roots without stress. Plus, they show improvement that can be tracked. Here are a few advantages:

• Cost-Effective and Accessible

Water cloning involves a simple setup that is economical for novices and expert growers alike. You can use jars or glasses that you have in your kitchen to set up a cloning system.

• Easy Monitoring

You can easily monitor root growth, allowing you to detect problems like root rot, mold, etc. 

• Low Maintenance

Water cloning doesn't require nutrient management as precisely as soil or hydro systems during the rooting stage. Clones do not require much interference if there is clean water and favorable surroundings.

• Reduced Risk of Contamination

Pests and pathogens can be introduced into the system through soil but with water cloning, contamination is much less of a threat if the water remains clean.

• Less Stress

Water lessens the stress on the cutting and provides a less abrasive environment for new roots, thereby increasing the chances for a successful root.

Comparison with Other Cloning Methods

Water cloning is simple, cheap, and ideal for beginners or anyone cloning a small number of plants, although other methods have advantages as well. Agreed, it will not create roots as fast as a hydro system, but it offers a guaranteed and low-stress cloning method for cannabis.

How to Choose a Mother Plant?

But before you start cloning, you need to pick the mother plant. It's not the best idea to clone any random cannabis plant you come across. This is where your clone cuttings come from, so you'll want to choose wisely. 

Since the clone will inherit the genetics of the mother plant, make sure it's healthy, strong, and showing all the right traits. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect mother plant.

1. It Should Be Vegetating

When you're selecting a mother plant, make sure she's in the vegetative phase. Taking cuttings from a plant that's already flowering can lead to some odd issues — like hermaphroditism — which can harm both the mother plant and the clone. 

If you're experienced, you can try a technique called monster cropping, where you take clones from a flowering plant on purpose to encourage unusual growth. But that's best left to seasoned growers. 

2. It Should Be a Female Plant

Make sure your mother plant is female; you'll want to avoid any surprises. This helps ensure your clones will also be female, keeping you from unwanted male plants in your grow room.

3. Look for the Right Traits

Besides the health and growth stage, check the mother plant for desirable characteristics, including the following:

• Strong, vibrant growth 
• Flavors and aromas that you like 
• Heavy trichome production and large, dense buds — signs of good genetics 
• Mold and pest resistance 

Choosing the right mother plant is a game-changer for cloning success. When you pick a healthy, high-quality mother, you're setting up your clones to win.

How to Clone Cannabis in Water?

There are a few ways you can clone your cannabis, but the easiest way is to clone it in water. All you need is a glass of water, a few basics, and a bit of patience — perfect for first-time cloners. Let's start. 

Gather the Supplies

To get started, gather these essentials:

• Sharp scissors for taking cuttings
• Razor to trim up the cuttings
• A cup or glass
• Rooting hormone – honey, cinnamon, or diluted apple cider vinegar works too!
• Spring water or pH-balanced (5.5-6.5) water
• Planting pot and LED lights for later

Follow these Steps

To clone cannabis with water, follow these steps. 

1. Take Your Cutting

This first step is crucial — you need to make sure you select a healthy, strong branch from the mother plant. Ideally, look for a branch that's at least 7 inches long with two nodes (those little bumps where leaves grow). 

Avoid fertilizing or flowering mother plants, as nitrogen buildup can lead to leaf growth over root development in clones. And remember to work in a clean area and put on gloves to prevent contamination. 

Take your scissors or razor and cut the branch at a 45-degree angle, right below the bottom node. This angle increases the surface area, giving your clone a better chance to root.

Next, trim off all the leaves except 2-3 at the top — this keeps the clone focused on rooting rather than growing.

2. Pick a Good Cup 

Transparent or opaque? It's up to you. Clear cups let you see the roots as they grow, but they can attract algae if you leave them for too long. Since clones aren't in the cup for extended periods, either option works. Just remember to keep an eye on algae or bacteria.

3. Dip It In Rooting Hormone

Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and immediately place it in your cup of water. You don't want to leave it out for too long, or air could get in and cause it to wilt. Once the cutting is secure in the cup, snip the tips of any remaining leaves. This helps with photosynthesis and nutrient intake as the roots start to form.

4. Place It on the Windowsill

Place your cutting somewhere with indirect sunlight, like a windowsill. Avoid powerful lights, as too much intensity can be overwhelming and may even kill the clone. Aim for a gentle 18 hours of light and keep humidity up to encourage healthy growth.

Within two weeks (or longer for some strains), roots should begin to form. You'll know your clone is ready for transplanting once the roots reach around an inch or two in length.

5. Don't Forget to Check the Water

You might be wondering if you should change the water. Well, it depends. If the water looks murky after 2-3 days, replace it with clean water. Otherwise, leave it as is. Always make sure there's enough water to keep the cutting hydrated. 

Time to Transplant Your Clone 

Once your clone has grown sturdy roots, it's time to move it to its new home! Whether you're planting in a pot or directly into the ground, follow these simple steps for a smooth transplant.

First off, you should transplant only when your clones are ready. Agreed, you're super excited and want the clones to start growing into new plants as soon as possible, but hastening this process will invite more trouble. Do not transplant your clones too soon. If they have short or weak roots, they will not make it. If you see only small root stubs or the roots are mushy or discolored, give the clone more time in the water cloning system.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind to determine if your clones are ready to be transplanted. 

1. Check for a network of white, strong roots. They should be clean and free from discoloration (brown, black, or gray). The perfect root length for anchoring the clone in the new medium is about 2-4 inches. 
2. Weak or immature roots can't absorb adequate water and nutrients, which may cause transplant shock. Let the roots be firm and fibrous before proceeding.
3. The clone should be healthy too as it's equally as important as the root development. The leaves must be green and should not have yellowing, browning, or spots. Strong growth above the surface means that the clone is adjusting well and possesses sufficient energy for the next phase. 
4. Wilting or drooping leaves could be caused by water stress or poor rooting. If leaves are yellowing or browning, there may be nutrient deficiencies or environmental issues. Fix these problems before transplanting for better success rates.
5. When the water container is overcrowded, it can limit the oxygen supply and hurt the plants' roots. Roots should be evenly spread and not excessively knotted. Good root density means enough space and oxygen for each clone. Thus, if you notice that the roots are wrapped too many times around each other, the clone can have a hard time getting its oxygen and nutrients. It's a good sign you need to transplant to stop overcrowding. Also, if you see cramped or tangled roots, then make sure to separate them with your hands before planting. Avoid pulling too hard to leave the delicate root structures intact.

When they are very well-rooted, with lots of healthy leaves and dense roots, your chances of success will be greatest. If you notice these signs, it means your clone is ready for soil or hydroponics, where it can grow into a strong cannabis plant. Now, here are the next steps you should take: 

• Prepare the Pot

Fill your pot halfway with soil — make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom.

• Moisten the Soil

Water the soil lightly until it's damp but not soggy. This helps keep the soil intact and provides a gentle start for the roots.

• Dig a Hole

Use two fingers to dig a hole that's deep and wide enough to comfortably fit the roots of your clone.

• Place the Clone

Carefully transfer your clone into the hole, positioning the roots gently in the soil. Remember to cover the base with soil and press lightly to secure it in place.

• Water Again

Water the soil once more, just enough to keep it moist, not soaked. Avoid overwatering at this stage since the roots are still delicate.

Lighting is Key Here

Place your freshly transplanted clone in a spot where it'll get bright but indirect sunlight, like a windowsill. If you're using artificial lights, stick with a CFL or fluorescent bulb rather than anything too intense. High-power lights at this stage could overwhelm your clone and slow its growth.

Once your clones are settled and you start seeing new growth, it's back to your usual care routine! 

Tips to Maintain the Clones During Root Development

Taking care of your cannabis clones during the root development phase will help them grow up strong. It is important to pay attention to detail at this stage to promote future plant growth.

1. Regularly Monitor and Change the Water

Stale water may contain bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens. Instead, use fresh and clean water as it guarantees the cuttings stay hydrated and healthy.

Also, algae cannot survive in darkness. Therefore, to reduce algae formation, use dark or opaque containers and keep the cloning set up in a low-light area.

You can add an air stone or small pump to aerobic water to help them stay healthy and develop better roots as that water will not go stagnant.

2. Observe for development of the roots

Roots may appear in as little as 7–14 days, although they may take longer depending on the environment and the health of the cutting. They should be white, firm, and smooth, which indicates that the cutting is doing well.

Slimy, brown, or discolored roots can indicate root rot. If you see these, then quickly replace the water, wash the container, and cut off the affected roots.

3. Adequate Lighting Conditions

Light is important in the cloning process as it's essential for the clones to grow roots and reduce stress on the cutting. Moreover, clones are fragile and require light conditions that are stimulating enough to not dry them out or cook them.

Thus, you need to pick the best kind of light to ensure the clones develop proper roots. First, try fluorescent (CFL) or LED grow lights made for seedlings and clones. These lights will produce enough light for photosynthesis while being soft on the delicate cuttings.

Also, do not use HID lights (HPS or MH) as these are highly intense and can harm the clones or cause them to dry out. Regardless of the lights you're using, place them far away from the clones. Technically, it depends on the light but a distance of 12 to 24 inches is generally ideal for the clones. If you're using natural light, though, make sure it is filtered using a sheer curtain or green shade (or any other similar material).

Remember, to allow the clones to rest and recover their energy with at least 6–8 hours of darkness. When roots start to form, you can slowly increase the strength of light or the amount of time they spend under the lights. It prepares the clone for its next stage of growth.

During this transition, watch for signs of stress, like wilting or change in color. The leaves could become limp due to excessive light or low humidity. Also, the light intensity can be high and burn the delicate clones. In such cases, use another light or move the light farther away from the clone. However, if your clones are growing tall and spindly, you need more light intensity so you need to move the light closer to the clone or add a second grow lamp.

Giving the right light for the roots to develop completely is critical for clone health. By using soft, indirect light and maintaining a consistent light cycle, you can help your cannabis clones establish roots and prepare for the next stage of growth. 

4. Watch the Temperature

For robust and healthy cannabis clones, temperature is a very important factor. When temperature varies moderately and stays stable, it creates the perfect condition for rooting and prevents stress that may slow down the cloning process.

Therefore, watch the temperature around the clones. It should be between 70–75°F (21–24°C). If temperatures are outside this range, root growth may slow down or bad bacteria may thrive. 

When temperatures fall below 65°F (18°C), root growth may slow down considerably while the possibility of root rot or fungal infection may occur. Conversely, when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), the clones may wilt and dry up due to heat stress. This can slow down root growth and ultimately halt the process.

Remember, it's your responsibility as a grower to maintain a consistent temperature for a good-rooted clone. Sudden spikes or drops in temperature will stress your clones and make it more difficult for them to root. In short, maintain consistent temperatures at all times during the rooting period. 

Even at night, the temperature shouldn't go down more than 5–10°F (3–5°C) from day temperature. Although a few degrees is natural and won't matter too much, it's a problem if the temperature goes down drastically and can interfere with rooting.

But, how do you reduce the temps in hot climates? Also, the grow lights give off heat and the delicate clones can start suffering. To avoid this, use fans to disperse the heat evenly. 

Conversely, you can also use a heating mat in cooler areas. The heat from the mat will warm up your cloning container to around 72–75°F (22–24°C). Heating mats can also be handy in less-warm areas where the ambient heat isn't enough to make roots grow quicker.

Place the heating mat underneath the clone container, not directly on the water, so that it can provide heat without overheating the water or soil. Also, adjust the mat to a low heat setting to ensure a smooth and consistent warmth. If the cloning medium is overheated, it will burn delicate roots. 

5. Maintain Appropriate Humidity

Humidity is crucial in cloning as it stops the leaves from drying up and ensures that your clones get the moisture needed to develop root systems. Higher humidity helps your cannabis clones maintain turgidity, creating faster, stronger rooting. In the rooting phase, cannabis clones cannot effectively absorb water from the growing medium because they lack a root system. Thus, they depend a lot on water in the air to keep wet.

Keeping humidity between 60–70% ensures that the clones do not lose too much water and can concentrate their energy on root growth instead. Humid air encourages quicker rooting of plant material as it reduces the chances of the leaf drying out. This helps the plant stay healthy when its roots are still growing.

When humidity levels fall below 50%, your clones can begin to suffer from water stress which will slow down rooting or cause leaf tip burn.

To maintain appropriate humidity, you can use a humidity dome. A humidity dome is made from clear plastic and is placed on the clones to trap moisture and keep it humid. It helps maintain humidity in the surrounding air, protecting tender clones from drying out.

In addition, ensure the dome is ventilated to avoid mold build-up. The ventilation inside can be controlled by adjusting the respective vents. For best results, place the dome in a bright area of the house but out of the direct sunlight that can overheat the clones under the dome.

Alternatively, you can mist the leaves of your clones with water once or twice a day to increase humidity around the plants. A spray bottle with a fine mist should work but take care not to overdo it and soak your clones. Likewise, you want to avoid moisture on the leaves as this can promote mold and fungus. In short, don't miss it too much, or else it can rot. The aim is to keep the leaves well-hydrated, but not overwatered.

6. Use Good Water

Make sure to regularly test the quality of water, light, temperature, and health of your clones to get strong roots. When clones are rooted, you can transfer them to soil or hydroponic systems where they can continue to grow.

The water quality is very important, so don't ignore this. When the water is clean, oxygenated, and has the right pH, your clones will benefit from perfect rooting and a healthy environment.

To avoid any possible harm to the clones, distilled water is the best type of water you can use. However, filtered water is a close second as it's devoid of chlorine, heavy metals, sediments, and more, so it won't hurt. If you're using tap water, leave it uncovered for 24 hours so the chlorine evaporates, or use a product that dechlorinates water.

Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent the formation of bacteria, algae, and harmful substances. Remember that bacteria can thrive in stagnant water, so do your best to avoid issues. 

Also, algae will grow in water exposed to light, which will use up oxygen and kill clones. Therefore, put the cloning setup away from the light and use opaque containers.

If you really want to make sure the clones are happy, you can also provide some oxygenation. As you probably already know, oxygen is required for the growth and development of the roots. Water with low oxygen can slow root growth or cause root rot. 

So, use an air pump that can produce lots of bubbles in water that will let oxygen go into the water. This method can considerably improve the speed of root development and plant fitness.

If you don't have access to an air pump, then just stirring the water every day will agitate it a bit. This will help introduce some oxygen.

7. Keep the pH Levels in the Right Range

One of the most important factors in the cloning of cannabis is maintaining the right pH level in the water. pH can affect your clones' ability to take in nutrients and even a small imbalance can stunt root growth and slow the overall development of your clones. Therefore, it is important to maintain the right pH level so cannabis clones receive the nutrients they need.

Cannabis plants effectively absorb nutrients within limited pH ranges.  For clones this range is normally between 5.5 and 6.5. 

When the pH is within this range, the plants can easily take up nutrients present in the water. However, when it goes below 5.5 or above 6.5, some essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are less available, and this can impede root growth and the health of the clones as well. 

In short, if the pH is wrong, the plant may not have access to the nutrients it needs. The leaves can be yellow, roots can “stall”, and clones can be weak or sick. Keeping the right pH range helps the roots to grow well and stay healthy. In addition, the clone can experience stress, making it susceptible to pests and diseases. It can also harm the clone's ability to handle environmental stress.

Summary: How To Clone Cannabis the Easy Way 

Cloning might sound like a science experiment, but it's surprisingly easy with this method. Once your clones settle in and show new growth, you're sure to get a harvest just as good as the mother plant. So, what are you waiting for? Start cloning!