Guywhoclones
Member
Im curious what I can use to help root growth if I cannot afford a root stimulant
If I cannot afford a root stimulator (Roots excel, GH Start) what should I use?
- Thread starter Guywhoclones
- Start date
Nullis
Moderator
In soil? Just watering properly will encourage root growth. Medium should have some level of moisture at all times; it shouldn't ever get too dry or be allowed to dry out completely. When it is time to water (soil surface has dried out, containers lightened) you want to make sure you water thoroughly.
If the medium has become too dry it will pull away from the sides of the container; when you do water it will at first be repelled and run down the sides before being absorbed. If this happens you want to pre-water or water slowly. First give some plain water and then wait 20 minutes or so before proceeding. It is also good to do this prior to fertigating. Some people opt to irrigate\fertigate through the bottom of the containers as well and allow the medium to wick up the solution. The idea is to saturate the medium more slowly to avoid dry spots. Overwatering isn't something to fear so long as your medium isn't water-logged or constantly sitting in stagnant water (the real culprit is lack of oxygen in the root zone).
Too dry means no or hindered root growth.
If the medium has become too dry it will pull away from the sides of the container; when you do water it will at first be repelled and run down the sides before being absorbed. If this happens you want to pre-water or water slowly. First give some plain water and then wait 20 minutes or so before proceeding. It is also good to do this prior to fertigating. Some people opt to irrigate\fertigate through the bottom of the containers as well and allow the medium to wick up the solution. The idea is to saturate the medium more slowly to avoid dry spots. Overwatering isn't something to fear so long as your medium isn't water-logged or constantly sitting in stagnant water (the real culprit is lack of oxygen in the root zone).
Too dry means no or hindered root growth.
Guywhoclones
Member
Thank you for that info. I will remember that! But I was actually curious about what I could use to feet freshly rooted clones on their first water. Should I just stick to feeding them superthrive and a bloom nute then?
333maxwell
Active Member
If you have nothing else, just drop them in water.. they will be fine.. change water daily if you remember and they wikll have plenty of oxygen. I put foil over the cup with a small hole, so no light can get to the roots which is best to avoid.
I only use tap water for my clones.. plenty of minerals and they do fine in my areas water. I used to drop some root tonic and then later super thrive in there, but they both tend to make the water acidic and even if you bring it up, a few hours later it is acidic again.. not that bad, just enough I learned I had better results without it than with it..
Plain ol water has been used for thousands of years.. it's what grandma used to root her houseplants and works just as well for grass too.
And best part, it's 'free'.
I only use tap water for my clones.. plenty of minerals and they do fine in my areas water. I used to drop some root tonic and then later super thrive in there, but they both tend to make the water acidic and even if you bring it up, a few hours later it is acidic again.. not that bad, just enough I learned I had better results without it than with it..
Plain ol water has been used for thousands of years.. it's what grandma used to root her houseplants and works just as well for grass too.
And best part, it's 'free'.
Guywhoclones
Member
if I covered the babies with black trash bags over the trays, will that be ok to block the light out, or should I buy some white/black panda film?
333maxwell
Active Member
Brother, if he is like a great many Americans, his couch has been turned upside down more than once already..what do you mean you "can't afford" root stim??? i mean, its like 5.00 a bottle. look in the couch, maybe you'll dig out enough change....
bamacheese
Well-Known Member
If you can't pay $5.00 for root stimulator, you might be in the wrong hobby. You definitely need to stop cloning if that is the case.
You did, however, mention using superthrive, so I think you might be a bit confused regarding your terminology.
When you say root stimulator, most of us automatically assume to are speaking of a rooting hormone.
If you are talking about a substance to start feeding your clones after they have rooted....It is completely unnecessary. My clones go straight into happy frog soil, and usually thrive. If you are growing hydroponically, you will have to make that distinction and somebody well-versed in that area can help you. If I had to guess, though, you would pH your reservoir and start them with very little to no nutrients for the first week.
If you absolutely MUST have a "root stimulator", look into Kangaroots, or Crab Shell which contains chitin. The best stimulator for your roots, in soil at least, is the foundation of your microbial system. Feed your microbes to feed your roots!!
You did, however, mention using superthrive, so I think you might be a bit confused regarding your terminology.
When you say root stimulator, most of us automatically assume to are speaking of a rooting hormone.
If you are talking about a substance to start feeding your clones after they have rooted....It is completely unnecessary. My clones go straight into happy frog soil, and usually thrive. If you are growing hydroponically, you will have to make that distinction and somebody well-versed in that area can help you. If I had to guess, though, you would pH your reservoir and start them with very little to no nutrients for the first week.
If you absolutely MUST have a "root stimulator", look into Kangaroots, or Crab Shell which contains chitin. The best stimulator for your roots, in soil at least, is the foundation of your microbial system. Feed your microbes to feed your roots!!
Figong
Well-Known Member
mememe, pick me. When you can afford the stimulator.. get a heat pad instead.. one that's designed for clones - clones will sit on it so soil is 10F higher than ambient air temp.. you will notice a difference without question.
Sizes/costs on ebay can be found here: http://compare.ebay.com/like/130629372041?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Sizes/costs on ebay can be found here: http://compare.ebay.com/like/130629372041?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
420 happends
Active Member
i tryed with just water but i got no roots off my clone even when i changed the water every 3-4 days no success. but also ive heard using clean unused sponges instead of rockwool for cloning idk how well it works but shit ima give it a try, now that i have a few bucks i got some cloning gel cant wait to make some of my own clones!
333maxwell
Active Member
Yikes.. while the essence of what you are getting at (it takes a bit of money to grow grass) I am all about helping and encouraging people to grow their own grass for as little of money as possible.
I've been taking cuttings for well over 40 years (cloning) and outside of a few 'try this and that' I haven't used anything with any much more success than either dropping them right in water or soil. It works very well, it is free.
One could say 'it isn't as quick, it isn't as efficient'.. but I would argue efficiency is pretty good considering your source materials came right from the faucet.
Figong
Well-Known Member
Sponges are semi-workable, be -very- careful with the type or the sponges will kill the clones... tis easier to go rockwool imho.
333maxwell
Active Member
I would advise that if you DO just use water, to make sure to put foil over the cup and put the plant stem through a small hole.. no lights to roots.
Change water every day.. every other day at LEAST (oxygen).
Keep in moderate temps in ambient light 24/7.
Should work for you.. always does for me. You know what they say, if at first you don't succeed.. cuttings are cheap.
333maxwell
Active Member
Certainly make 'handling' them easier than water.. not that it is a huge deal either way.. but ya, good point if you have it handy.