Starting a Mother

I need to create a mother plant for the summer, so I can pull clones off it in the fall, for the winter grow. I started a clone of the plant I want 6 weeks ago. I kept it short and stunted, (left in solo cup 4 weeks). It is now 8 inches tall and 7 inches wide. I have tied it down and was fortunate there was 3 instead of 2 branches to tie down. My plan is to put it into 5 gal airpot with soil, hoping with such a large pot I will only have to water once a week at the most. (to busy in summer to look after plants). It will be under a t5 light 18/6 til October 1.

Is this a sound plan? I will continue to LST, and spread it out. I only need 15 clones. Not sure if i will keep her for more clones or flower her out.

I dont grow in the summer (to busy fishing). I really like this pheno of Triple Purple Rhino, and the only way I can think of to keep it, is grow a mother. Will not be home for upto 10 days at a time, so she cannot require much care.

Any comments greatly appreciated.

smokey

That thing is gonna get pretty big. Youre gonna wait till october to cut clones?

Yes clones will be taken October 1 to start the winter grow. Can I not just keep it cut back until September then let it grow out?

Idk man. Never vegged anything anywhere near 8 months. Idk why you couldn't . I'm guessing it will be one funky looking plant by then. Do it and post pics.

What’s the difference in keeping a mother for clones for two years
If I am missing something please advise. I need all the help I can get

Just clone your clones, it'll keep maintenance low. Then just veg one out for cuts 6-8 weeks before you want to get going.

Smokey,
How many clones are you going to need once you put her in service?

I'd be tempted to take some cuts off her now and start over. The one thing you want to do to make a good clone Momma is to cut clones off her. Even if you don't need them. Just get the plant focused on new branch building. I had an 18" Momma that I'd get 20+ cuts off it at a time. She was almost down to bare bones at that point though.
Good luck,
JD

I have no problem cutting clones off her. Cut em and toss em. Come October I only need 10 clones every 3-4 weeks

I would just keep it pruned and go to 1 gallon and eventually maybe to 3.

In one gallon now. Thinking 5 gallon next. Hopefully only have to water it once a week

Smokey57 said:

In one gallon now. Thinking 5 gallon next. Hopefully only have to water it once a week

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5 gals are what I use for mine. Usually takes about a month between a major haircut. After about 6 months I either start a new grow bag and grow out the old mother for flower or compost.

Smokey57 said:

In one gallon now. Thinking 5 gallon next. Hopefully only have to water it once a week

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Have you thought about a Sub Irrigated Planter (SIP)? You could have a reservoir that could easily be left for 10, plus with super soil you wouldn't have to add any nutrients except for maybe some compost.

How do you guys in the small pots keep deficiencies away? Are you in soil? I would probably have to have a 30 gallon minimum to veg that long.

Id veg it for 3 or 4 months, take clones, veg them for a 3 or 4 months... then take clones for the grow.

self-pollenate, and go on about your life for a few months on your hard earned gardening break.

Smokey57 said:

Yes clones will be taken October 1 to start the winter grow. Can I not just keep it cut back until September then let it grow out?

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I will cut the clones by August. To have them rooted, and thriving health . GL